On July 20 and 21 nine Centre County amateur radio operators helped provide communications for the Multiple Sclerosis Glimcher Keystone Country Ride. Over 25 hams from Centre, Blair, and Huntingdon Counties as well as hams from as far away as Maryland participated in the two day event, most for both days.
The ride is a family friendly fund raiser for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Riders raise funds then ride 75 miles from Hollidaysburg to State College, Pennsylvania on Saturday. Sunday they reverse direction. The route includes scenic and challenging roads through Central Pennsylvania, including a rails to trails option on the Lower Trail in Huntingdon County.
Safety and coordination are the primary goals of the amateur radio operators. Operations are planned using Incident Command System (ICS) protocol and forms by Drew, KA3EJV the ARRL ARES EC of Blair County. The ICS documents as well as the maps can be found at Drew’s Personal Archive of the plan.
The biggest challenge this year was the predicted record temperatures with ‘feels like’ temperatures in excess of 100° F. Fortunately, clouds mitigated the conditions and only a few heat related problems were reported. There were also a couple bee stings and cases of ‘road rash’, along with a minor clash between a bicycle and vehicle. None of these required medical care and the riders elected to continue riding.
Centre County amateur radio operators participating were:
- K3CWP, Carmine
- K3ERP, Elaine
- KR3ORY, Rory
- KB3VDG, Ryan
- N3CRM, Chuck
- KC0QJX, Gordon
- K3ROG, Rick
- K3HOT, Greg
- WA7HUB, Rick
- KC3EHQ, Scott
Former Centre County residents, W3JIM, Jim and KB3ZUP, Emily, a husband and wife team came from Maryland to participate again this year.
Rick, WA7HUB joined us this year and says he hopes to return next year. The rest of the above hams are veterans of the event.
Special thanks to ALL the participating amateur radio operators for helping provide a safe and fun event for all concerned. This operation is an example of the value of amateur radio and the public service we can provide.
Mark your calendars for next years ride on July 18 and 19, 2020.
Carmine Prestia, K3CWP, EC Centre County