Penna Trail Riders Association Dual Sport Motorcycle Ride 2026

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On Saturday September 12th eighteen amateur radio operators handled communications for the annual PTRA  7 Mountains Dual Sport Ride through the Bald Eagle State Forest. About 218 motorcycles participated in the 100+ mile ride. Dual sport bikes are street legal and capable of off road riding.  Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry provides dual sport trails for this purpose. Amateur radio operators provided over 118 hours of time providing communications from 06:30 to 18:45 hours. Thankfully there were no crashes or personal injuries and only some flat tires and other mechanical problems came up. Here are the amateur radio operators who contributed their time and equipment to the ride.

  • Doug Stevens, WA2BBS, Luzerne County
  • Jerry Zak, KD4ZAK, Luzerne County
  • Dan Muthler, K9SEW, Centre County
  • Andrew Mummert, W3AND, Cumberland County
  • Keith Comp, KC3FVN, Perry County
  • James Fry, KC3EWN, York County
  • Carmine Prestia, K3CWP, Centre County
  • Benjamin Barger, KC3VPK, Dauphin County
  • Richard Plut, WA7HUB, Centre County
  • Jason Terosky, KB3KPP, Centre County
  • Elden Wood, KF0JZM, Centre County
  • Greg Guise, K3HOT, Centre County

In addition the above operators at fixed positions PTRA has six licensees who operate portable as rovers on the course.

  • Richard Baylor, KC3TVN
  • Daniel Brill, KC3VWG
  • Jeff Foster, KS3DRP
  • Jon Foster, KC3SXH
  • Matthew Roan, KC3TZZ
  • Stephen Steele, KC3VRZ

The ride starts at the Union County Sportsmen’s Club near Weikert, PA and moves south through the forest to Track and Trail motorcycle and sports dealership off of Route 322 near Spring Mills, PA. After lunch at Track and Trail the riders move north to end at the Sportsmen’s Club.

Here’s a photo of the Headquarters operating position:

The unconnected RG-8 coax was used with an FT-891 for some HF work on a Buddipole dipole.  K3CWP was able to make three 20 meter contacts in the afternoon.

Thanks to PTRA for inviting us to participate, NARC for the use of the W3YA repeater, and the amateur radio operators who helped out. And a special 88s to Elaine, K3ERP, for letting me go out and participate in the event on our 56th Wedding Anniversary!

Carmine Prestia, K3CWP