ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PUBLIC SERVICE EVENT

BAARC provided communications support services for the 16^th Annual Tour of Lakes Bicycle Ride held on Saturday, June 4, 2005.  This event kicked off at 6 AM at the Hallett Community Center in Crosby.  The long route covered 70 miles while the short route was just over 40 miles.  An estimated 1000+ riders participated, and most riders had completed their routes and returned to Crosby by 3 PM.

Outside of the usual flat tires and other bicycle mechanical problems, there were no serious injuries or incidents.  The Tour support staff was very well organized this year, with a radio operator riding with each support vehicle.  Communications were enhanced this year with extended use of APRS.  One APRS unit  was “bike-mobile” ridden by Kathy KØTHY.  Two other units  Al WØRC and Roger WØWUG were “mobile roving” for a part of the time.  The APRS units proved to be valuable during this event and the experience gained in their use could be valuable in future public service or emergency support communications.

Those operators assisting in setting up the communications trailer on Friday and the take-down on Saturday were:  Al WØRC, Alan AAØAS, David KCØTGT, Jim WØJDS and Roger WØWUG.  Providing communications with the Support Vehicles (SAG) were John WØJGY, Terry KIØFW, Lyle KØLR (APRS), and Shirley KCØDCW (APRS).

Mobile and critical point communication was covered by Roger WØWUG, David KCØTGT, Jim KØTXT, Sharon KBØSQX, and Joe NØUME. Net control duties were handled by Jim WØJDS, John WØJGY, and Al WØRC.

The weather cooperated for most of the day, but about 2:15 PM, the skies opened and the rains came -  this is becoming a tradition during the Tour of Lakes.  Thanks to Fritz WØKO for timely Reports and up-dates on the weather.

Public Service Event Coordinators John WØJGY and Steve WØTNT extend their appreciation and thanks to all the participating Hams for a job well done. 73's, Jim WØJDS