Saturday, June 5, eight amateur radio operators provided communications for the Rothrock Grit Mountain Bike race in the Rothrock State Forest. The race was sponsored by the Happy Valley Women’s Cycling. Two hundred forty five cyclists started the race which consisted of three courses: Grit, 25 miles; Grittier, 50 miles; Grittiest, 65 miles.
Amateur radio operators relayed messages among three support positions on the course and headquarters at the Tussey Mountain Resort and Fun Center. Amateur radio operators volunteering their time and equipment were:
- Dean Christian, K3IWI
- Greg Guise, K3HOT
- Dave Kolesar, W3KCK
- Craig Miller, K3OOL
- Joe Patrulionis, KC3RHR
- Carmine Prestia, K3CWP
- Jason Terosky, KB3KPP
K3DWD, Dave assisted briefly when he note NCS missed two calls. He called and alerted NCS to the missed calls. Thanks Dave.
Fortunately there were no emergency messages needed. Mountain bike riders are a pretty gritty bunch and handled minor crashes and mechanical problems themselves. The most excitement on the courses was the sighting of two rattlesnakes.
Thanks to the organizers for inviting us and to the above hams for taking time out of their weekend to help. This is valuable practice for other events and deployment in disaster/emergency situations.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP