Harlem valley rail ride

Harlem valley rail ride

Thank you report

On Sunday July 18, 2004 the Mount Beacon Amateur Radio Club provided "public safety & emergency communications for a three state bicycle tour. This was the first annual "Harlem Valley Rail Ride", sponsored by the "Harlem Valley Rail Trail Association" and "Bike New York". Between 900 and 1000 bicyclists participated, riding their choice of five different routes that ranged from an 18 mile course (that was fairly flat) to a 75 mile course (that took the riders up and over a very challenging mountain). All the courses were planed out well, with adequate rest areas and support for the riders.

Communications went well considering the large area we had to cover and the mountainous terrain, four repeaters and one simplex frequency were used. The "Net Control Station" was set up at the North East Community Center, in Millerton NY. The station was set up and on the air in ten minuets, the antenna was a 2m cooper j-pole mounted on a portable tripod (designed by Julian, WA2WMJ) with 25 feet of mast (the entire antenna system was set up in 7 minutes by Gary, WA2AQH, & Rich N2ZKX), and the radio was an Icom IC-V8000 (2 meter mobile). Handheld radios using simplex were used locally (tour stage/start and tour finish), all other stations (both fixed or mobile) required the use of mobile radios 25w +, although at least one station from Northville Amateur Radio Association, James, WJ1D was able to set up his mobile radio to cross band, this made it possible for him to use his handheld. The NCS was set up to scan the five frequencies (multiple radios could have been used, but being all on the same band "de-sense" would have been a problem), this system worked however there were times when stations had to wait "a bit". In the future some of this can be lessened if all stations are scanning all frequencies. The original plan was to use "tactical calls", that became impractical with one NCS working multiple repeaters, so normal call sign identification was done. The NCS went on the air at 7:15 am and closed station at 6:00 pm (it was a long day).

MBARC "Public Service" events are "family" events, operators are welcome and encouraged to bring family members along and make it an outing for all (in the past year a couple of operators have brought their wives along, and told me that they went from no interest in Ham Radio to now they are studying for their license), this turns out to be a "win, win" for all. I'll go into more of that in a "Repeeper" article.

Now for the part I enjoy most, the opportunity to thank everyone that made this "Public Service" event a success, in no special order Thanks go out to;

CLUBS

Rip Van Winkle Amateur Radio Society , for the use of the 147.210 repeater

Southern Berkshire Amateur Radio Club, for the use of the 147.285 repeater

Mount Beacon Amateur Radio Club, for the use of the 146.895, and 146.970 repeaters

Northville Amateur Radio Association, for providing operators to cover the CT. & MA. rest areas

Operators and Family members

Bill, K2WFR

Jim, KC2KZB & Robin (wife no call yet)

Gary, WA2AQH

Bill, WA2AHR & Erica (daughter no call yet)

Mike, KC2MJR

Ed, KE4ZNU & Karen (daughter no call yet)

Mary, KF4NGN

Tim, AB2SE

Brenda, N2TTO

Finn, WB2UWU & Lilli (wife no call yet)

Don, KK1DF (Northville Amateur Radio Association)

Rick, W1EOY (Northville Amateur Radio Association)

James, WJ1D (Northville Amateur Radio Association)

Jim, N3WHP (Northville Amateur Radio Association)

Rich, N2ZKX

Janet, KC2LUR & Bert (Mom no call yet)

Thanks again to all! These events can not take place without all the dedicated volunteers.

You all exhibit the absolute best of Amateur Radio!

We logged nine (9) medical calls, none of a life threatening nature, and twenty eight (28) transports (sags). These numbers are very low considering the large number of riders. These two photo's were taken and submitted by Bill, K2WFR The first picture is of an injured biker from Hoboken, NJ being aided by the Millerton EMS on Boston Corners Road and the second is the same subject being gently placed in the ambulance for transport to Sharon Hospital.

Please take a moment to view a few more pictures from the Rail Ride

73 All

Rich N2ZKX