[KL7AA] Fwd: The Iditarod Special Event! & MARA Meeting

[Mike Willmon]

Is kinda disheartening not hearing more HF traffic during the Iditarod.  I'm
not sure if the 40m and 80m freqs are still designated for Iditarod use but
I know I heard no one on those freqs from the Halfway Checkpoint at Eagle
Island.  I was however able to check into the Alaska Bush Net a few times
and even the Late Net Stateside. I know all too well the extent that
internet and long distance phone connectivity provided by GCI makes the need
for a Ham operator less necessary.  However as can be seen in any of the
emergency situations lately, it is the Radio Operators that are the most
reliable and most flexible in providing those emergency communications. I am
wondering what it would take to get the interest back up in getting Hams
back out on the trail even as a backup resource.  A person could easily
secure a spot as a volunteer by wearing two hats as a regular Comms
Volunteer and Ham Radio operator.  Providing essential communications is the
most important goal of the Iditarod Comms Volunteer, a job well suited to
most Hams in our community.  What would you think of trying to get enough
dedicated involvement to run a contest during the Iditarod.  Maybe an award
of Worked All Checkpoints could be achieved if we could get operators to ALL
the checkpoints.  I'd like to see increased involvement next year.  I know a
well run HF net could rival the internet and long distance phone service in
relaying essential race traffic.  It would also be good practice for Hams to
operate away from home (in the Bush) under Alaskan Winter conditions, in a
coordinated fashion.  What do you say?

If you're interested in next years event let me know.  I can put you in
touch with the people that can put you on the trail.

Mike Willmon (AL1D)
Eagle Island Comms 
for Iditarod 2003 

-----Original Message-----
From: Dan O'Barr [mailto:dan@obarr.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2003 9:17 PM
To: AARC KL7AA
Subject: [KL7AA] Fwd: The Iditarod Special Event! & MARA Meeting


Note from Dan, 
If you can, please come to the MARA meeting Friday
February 28th 7:00 PM at Station 61 in Wasilla. 
Talk-in on 146.43 simplex and the 146.64 repeater. 
=======================================================

--- Len Betts <lelbak@yahoo.com> wrote:
> Date: Thu, 27 Feb 2003 13:41:00 -0800 (PST)
> From: Len Betts <lelbak@yahoo.com>
> Subject: The Iditarod Special Event!
>
> 
> Greetings everyone,
>   Well, it's that time of year once again.  The
> cerimonial start of the race begins at 10AM local
> time
> on Saturday.  
>   I'm planning to be on the air at 9AM local time,
> to
> kick off this years event, on 20 meters.  More on
> that
> tomorrow evening.
>   Please be thinking about where your favorite
> operating frequencies, and modes, are and after the
> shortened meeting we'll get together for a heads-up
> session.
>   I'm kind of disheartened as to the lack of
> interest
> for the event this year, but we'll make the most of
> it
> with you folks- who seem to be the participating
> core
> of the Club anyway.  I'm grateful for the interest
> that you all have shown for helping our Club
> succeed!
> See ya tomorrow evening, Len, KL7LB
> 
> __________________________________________________

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