We are in the alps in Austria in Obertraun where the race HQ is based for the start. Lots of action. Yesterday was a photo shoot/video interview and a chance to fly a bit. Now we are consumed with briefings and classes on how to use all the tech gear we have as well as safety and race issues. Lots of free RedBull has us all amp'ed up all the time. We will even have runners collecting video tapes we make and delivering all the redbull we can consume. This is thus far the most well organized paragliding event ever. We have a rented van from Prague which with the seats removed is fantastic. Power and recharging will remain an issue thru out the event, just one of my many challenges. In all we are all a great big group of friends involved in a "challenge" that has been labeled a race. With so much distance to cover and so many mountains to fly or hike around this daunting challenge has us all worried about personal performance in the ultimate test of endurance, both physical and mentally emotional. After all we have done to get here everyone's greatest fear is that they will fail early and be cut from the race. One of the new rules is that after the first 72 hours the last team gets cut, kind of two races going at once, one in the lead and another to not be last. This has everyone talking and discussing what is or is not fair. We anticipate a start on Monday, unless the weather goes bad and then we will start on Tuesday. Hopefull Mother nature works with us this year by giving great weather for flying conditions. Soon we will have our phones in operation and be able to get text messages at any time and when we have all that sorted out I will post the number so you all can send us a hello or a cheers.
You will be able to see exactly where we are at all times on the website http://redbullxalps.com, also we will be posting to a diary daily on the RedBull website.
