On August 14, 1994, about 1445 eastern daylight time, a Schleicher ASW-20, N6514M, sustained substantial damage when the pilot made an off-airport landing north of the Ionia County Airport, Ionia, Michigan. The private pilot was not injured. The personal flight originated at Ionia at 1400. No flight plan was filed, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The pilot was competing in a glider soaring contest which was being held at the Ionia Airport. He stated the wind was from the west at 20-24 knots with gusts to 35 knots. The pilot released from the tow airplane about 1430, seven miles northwest of the airport. He said the glider had a sink rate of 400-600 feet-per- minute after release, and the wind was too strong to make a safe turn into it. He intentionally landed into the tops of some low bushy trees and scrub brush.