Thanks for visiting my fundraising page.

**UPDATE 17th August 2009**

Please note that this event is now complete, however we are still trying to raise money to meet the target of £2000. You can see the footage from the event here: http://www.vimeo.com/6106745

A big thank you to all those who have already donated!

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Background

In July 2009 we will be competing in what is billed as 'the toughest downhill mountainbike race in the world', raising much needed funds for War Child. (None of the procedes of this fundraising effort will go towards any of the costs of the event.)

As an avid mountain biker and general extreme sport junkie, I've been visiting the Alps with a group of friends every summer for the past 5 years to take advantage of the fantastic weather, high altitude, steep technical trails, and above all the ski lifts which allow for hours of constant descending day after day.

Having heard and read about the Megavalanche event in so many magazines and on so many DVD's I never dreamed I would one day take part, but in July 2008 myself and a friend (fellow fundraiser Bernie) managed to secure a slot and an apartment and despite just missing out on qualifying into the main feature race, we both completed the support race in respectable positions (despite finding myself in the scenery on more than one occasion!).

This year we are back, with a much better idea of what to expect, and two willing friends (Nick and Gavin) who are Alpine virgins (on bikes at least) but equally eager to throw themselves down a mountain alongside 1800 other maniacs in the name of charity.

About the Event

The race itself is a three day event, with 200 riders at a time qualifying on the Friday on a slightly shorter version of the main track, with riders qualifying in the top 400 racing in the main event on sunday, the following 400 racing in the support race on the saturday, and all others riding in the general event.

The race itself starts at the summit of Pic Blanc at 3330m, on a steep and daunting black ski run (still snow covered) and ends around 1hr15 later (if you're lucky) in the village of Allemont at 720m. Total race distance is 30km, 95% of which is steep downhill and covers terrain as varied as snow, rock, meadows and forests including some very steep drop-offs, switchbacks and...well.....cliffs. It is NOT for the faint hearted or uninitiated and a large part of the field is filled with pro riders.

If this all sounds a little OTT to get you to part with more money, watch some of the footage to get a sense of the reality!:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1UsCEEQF9E (incidentally at 2.21 you can see me laid back at the bottom of the screen!!!)

This year the aim is to qualify into the main feature race, and of course to raise lots of money for War Child.

About the Charity

War Child was established in 1993 in response to the brutal effects of conflict in former Yugoslaviaon children. A compelling message and strong association with the film and music industries allowed the organisation to quickly establish itself.

War Child believes it is unacceptable that children continue to be victims of war.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It's also the most efficient way to sponsor me: War Child gets your money faster and, if you're a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us now!

Find out more about War Child here: www.warchild.org.uk/our_projects

Keep updated on the training, fundraising and even live tweets from the event at: http://twitter.com/edbartlett

You can also follow War Child on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/warchilduk as well as via its dedicated Facebook group.