Che Golus Red Bull X-Alps 2017
Hello, my name is Che Golus. I am a paraglider pilot and adventurer.
I live in the Blue Mountains, NSW with my partner Nicole and run my own building business. I also run a small paragliding business, paratothepeople, which mainly allows me to share my love of flying and nature with others. Previously I studied and worked as an environmental scientist. My background in science informs a lot of what I do, in building and paragliding.
I am the only Australian selected to compete in the Red Bull X-Alps 2017, a paragliding adventure race across the European Alps.
Read more about my previous adventures here.
About the race
The Red Bull X-Alps begins 2 July 2017. 32 international competitors hike, run and paraglide through the Alps, from Salzburg to Monaco. I will be travelling at least 1000km (probably many more) in all weather conditions, resting briefly each night in my support vehicle. In the last edition, 2015, it took the winner eight days to get to Monaco. But you never know what will happen.
My mate Oli is coming along as my official supporter, to help me out with weather reports and logistics. Together, we make up Team Australia. I feel really lucky to have Oli supporting me. We did our own Vol Biv (hike and fly) trip through the European Alps in 2015 and I can't wait to see how we go in the X-Alps.
Read more about the Red Bull X-Alps here.
What is an Aussie doing in the European Alps?
I have been paragliding for over 15 years and have had success in the Australian XC competition scene (I have won a few t-shirts and trophies!) but it is over the past few years that the adventure style of Vol Biv has become a focus. It brings together everything I love about flying – the aerial perspective, remoteness, connecting with nature – and has led me to the X-Alps. For me, competing in the X-Alps is my chance to represent Australia in a world-class paragliding competition and fly and hike across the Alps with some of the best. Basically, I would like to see if I have what it takes. Being selected is a dream come true. Now I have to make it to Monaco.
Training
During the race, my team and I will be taking on terrain that is very different to anything you see here in Australia. Our highest mountain is Mount Kosciuszko at 2228m. In the European Alps, Mont Blanc stands at 4808m. I will be regularly hiking up to 2000m to launch my paraglider, carrying everything I need to fly and camp with me at all times.
I have been doing physical training and paragliding in the Blue Mountains, the Victorian Alps and Manilla, but the most important part of training will be a month spent in Europe before the race, becoming familiar with the race route and flying conditions that are quite different to the flatlands and mountains of Australia.
Our Goal
My team and I are raising money to help pay for airfares, hiring a van for one month of training and for the race, fuel, food, insurance and equipment, including shoes (many pairs!), outerwear, satellite communication devices and paragliding equipment.
I am going into the X-Alps as an underdog. It is a big task and we are willing to throw everything we can at it. I want to do Australia proud, share the my love of paragliding and show that it is possible to follow your dreams. It would mean a lot to have your backing.
Following the X-Alps, I hope to share my knowledge and continue to shine a light on paragliding in Australia.
You can follow my X-Alps progress and get updates by following me on Instagram, liking my Facebook page or visiting my website:
www.instagram.com/chegolus
www.facebook.com/paratothepeople
www.paratothepeople.com.au
Thanks to all for every message of support so far!
Che :)
P.S. We are having ongoing issues with the payment system. You can also donate by direct bank deposit, please contact me for details.
Thanks to Ben Pearse Photography for the portrait shot.
