The Rothrock Grit Gravel Grinder bicycle race was held on Saturday June 7th in Centre County, PA.  The race starts and ends near the Tussey Mountain Resort east of Boalsburg. Three components of the race, 25, 45, and 65 miles, accommodate most any rider.  The courses are on gravel roads in the Rothrock State Forest. Roads and trails can be quite challenging so communications with the field is important.  Four amateur radio operators provided communications for the race.

Amateur radio operators participating were:

• K3CWP, Carmine Prestia
• K9SDW, Dan Muthler
• KF0JZM, Elden Wood
• KB3KPP, Jason Terosky

Though the race is difficult there were no serious incidents.  Several riders did crash but all were able to mount back up and continue the race. Most of the amateur radio work was coordinating information between the aid stations and Incident Command.

We were fortunate to have the Centre LifeLink Special Operations trailer brought to the race by Dan, K3SDW.  Dan is a member of the group and is instrumental in reviving their search and rescue component.  The trailer can form the basis of a command post in the field and is equipped with a number of things that would support field operations, including Internet access.  Here are some photos of the unit:

Communications post setup with the trailer and Dan’s vehicle.

Seating and a generator to power the trailer and its equipment as well as extra handheld radios.

Thoughtfully a printer has been included for quick printouts.

Thanks to the Rothrock Grit for including us in the event, to the above amateur radio operators for donating their time and equipment, and Centre LifeLink for allowing us to use the trailer.

Carmine W. Prestia, Jr.