The 4-H Competitive Trail Ride sponsored through the Penn State University Extension was held on September 15, 2012 in the Rothrock State Forest. As in past years the ride organizers called on Nittany Amateur Radio Club/Centre County Amateur Radio Emergency Service Operators to provide communications assistance for the event. The ride follows a 28 mile trail through the Rothrock State Forest where there is almost NO communications available save that provided by Amateur Radio.The ride is not a ‘race’ because part of the scoring depends on the ability of the rider to finish without undue stress to their horse. For example, “Each horse starts with 100 points. Points are deducted at the final examination for changes, which signify stress or loss of condition as defined in the scoring system,” as stated in the rules for the ride. Based on the needs of the organizers, AROs were placed along the route to make sure riders did not go the wrong way or to call for assistance if a rider or horse are injured. Both human and horse ambulances were available at the midpoint during the ride.
John, W3JXP coordinated the amateur radio participation for the event. Ten AROs participated:
- W3JXP, John Passaneau
- AB3NC, Tracy Kendall
- WB3AEI, Chuck Mulfinger
- W3EDP, Eric Prescott
- W3JIM, Jim Rayburn
- K3ERP, Elaine Prestia
- K3CWP, Carmine Prestia
- K3OOL, Craig Miller
- KB3WEU, Dean McHenry, and
- KB3TBX, Jime Alles and daughter Michelle
AROs were stationed along the 28 mile course at locations where there was a possibility riders could stray from the course and were close enough together to allow reports of riders with problems between checkpoints. Riders assembled at the 4-H Camp in Penn Roosevelt State Park. They rode the Detwieler Trail and other roads to the midpoint at Allen Seeger Natural Area where veterinary checks were performed, then proceeded out to return to Penn Roosevelt. Two AROs, WB3AEI and W3EDP leapfrogged to second points so all locations were covered. The amateur radio operation ran from 07:00 to about 14:00 and used the 146.85-, W3YA NARC Repeater. Click here for a map of the course and the ARO staffing positions.
John, W3JXP and a ride organizer go over ride information.
Thirty five riders participated in this year’s ride. Two riders removed themselves during the first half of the ride, two riders were removed from the ride at the midpoint and returned to the start by horse ambulance, and a horse ambulance had to be sent out to pick up one of the sweep horses because the mount could not complete the course. The horse ambulance(s) consisted of pickup trucks and trailers. Though they were used, none of the problems were life threatening.
Two riders return to the 4-Camp at the end of the ride.
Ride organizers expressed their thanks for NARC assistance, there is just no other way to communicate in that area. NARC AROs had a good time and enjoyed working with a group that was both professional and friendly throughout. Special kudos to John, W3JXP for his annual work coordinating the event. Amateur radio looks forward to participating again next year.
The Ferrier; John, W3JXP; Jim, W3JIM; ride organizer; Tracy, AB3NC talking after the end of the ride.