Birds of Prey World Cup Men's Downhill

Have been working for 2 weeks now and everything is finally ready - the hill has been watered;all the A and B nets have been put up and a couple of hundred volunteers are here to help!
Yesterday we managed a training run and all went very well but it was so cold . My job is to run the dye crew - we draw the blue lines on the snow which help the racers see the terrain.
Today was Day 2 of downhill training - what a lot of work! It kept snowing so we kept having to put more dye down!
The course is looking in good shape. They have changed it a little this year. Haven't managed to ride (cycle) for a couple of days but my legs are still getting a good work out with 3 X 10+ hour days in a row!!
Looking forward to getting the order sent in for my new bike - Specalized Tricross - for Africa. Just getting things sorted with the help of Roswell Bikes.
Its only 730 but I am so tired - think I will have to go to bed. Training again tomorrow and start work at 6 am.

For more information about the Birds of Prey go to http://www.beavercreek.com/events-and-activities/world-cup.aspx

Paul's TDA Profile

Check out the Brits who will be participating in the Tour D'Afrique 2011 - they are profiled on the TDA facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/tourdafrique

Help Paul raise money for the TDA Foundation

Donate to Paul's Charities

Matthew has now updated the website to allow for donations to the two charities Paul has chosen to support as he faces the challenge of the Tour D'Afrique. Once again he is going to raise money for the Lupus Foundation of America in honour of little sister, Marie, and is also going to support the Tour D'Afrique Foundation which supports various causes in the African countries they pass through, notably in their donation of bicycles to help the local communities.  Please consider these charities as part of your charitable giving plans at this time of year and beyond and show Paul your support in the best way possible.
Click the DONATE button to find out more and make a contribution online.   Thank you!

Happy Thanksgiving

To all our American friends out there - hope you are having a great day and get to eat lots of turkey.  I am looking forward to a huge meal with all the gang here in Beaver Creek (get the day off!). Anybody thinking of joining us for the men's Downhill World Championship next week will be pleased to know we have had a quite a bit of snow already as well as the snowmaking machines at full throttle!
Looking forward to seeing mum and Julie out here next Thursday!

Paperwork Preparation!

This is the part I hate! I need to get my visas sorted for Sudan and Ethiopia - but timing is everything. Just heard I have approval (via TDA) from the Sudan Government to apply for a Sudanese visa - but it takes a few weeks for the approval to get passed through to the actual embassy!  Need to get that one in my passport before I can apply for the Ethiopian one!  Apparently they've never had any problems in the past ......................

Website Changes!!

The website is currently still being updated and I am pleased to add a new feature - The Guestbook

I would really appreciate it if anyone who visits the site would give it a sign. I would love to hear from everyone!!