[Elecraft] Re: Adventurous QRPers needed

[Fred Jensen]

For the record, local hams have been supporting the Western States 
Endurance Run (the very first 100 miler) with communications for many 
years.  Starts in Squaw Valley CA (~6,000) feet, climbs over the summit 
at 9,000', and finishes at the stadium at Placer High School in Auburn 
at 1,200'.  ~18,000 feet total climb, 22,000 feet total descent, along 
the historic Western States Trail that once linked Salt Lake City and 
Sacramento.  Lowest point is the crossing over the American River at No 
Hands Bridge at about 650'.  Hams staff 20 some checkpoints and aid 
stations in some of the most rugged terrain in the US, using a 
collection of linked and stand-alone UHF and VHF repeater systems, 
cross-band repeaters, and simplex channels, including radio-equipped 
mounted patrols that "sweep" the trail to make sure everyone is 
accounted for.  It usually fields about 100-120 hams and an equal number 
of unlicensed family members to cover all the needs.  Scott Jurek has 
been the top male finisher in the last 6 or so events, crossing the 
finish line in around 16 or so hours elapsed time.  www.ws100.com

A month or so later, the same hams staff many of the same checkpoints 
and the NCS to support the 100 mile Tevis Cup Endurance Ride.  I've been 
doing both events for many years.  Laziness is not one of the qualities 
I've ever seen in any of the communications troops.

73,

Fred K6DGW
Auburn CA CM98lw

John Harper wrote:
>> It has come to my attention that Ultra Marathons have difficulty 
>> getting support from ham radio. Most of this reason is laziness.