[PPRAANet] PPIHC: Ham Radio Support for 2002 Pikes Peak Hill Climb

[Rob Roller N7LV]

The PPIHC officials have again asked for amateur radio support on the
mountain this year's running of the 80th annual Pikes Peak International
Hill Climb auto race.  Some of you have already given me your names, and
I'll pass around a sign-up sheet at the next PPRAA club meeting, and be
asking for volunteers on the PPRAA and the PPARES nets.

Date:  June 29, 2002

We'll again be looking for about 40-50 amateurs to staff various locations
along the Pikes Peak Highway, from start line to finish line.  Amateurs are
the eyes of the race officials, watching for problems that could affect the
safety of race participants and spectators alike.  Examples of problems are
vehicles that have stalled on the track or have driven off the track,
spectators driving on the track, etc.  Consequently, we try to position
amateurs along the entire course so that as much of the course as possible
is visible.

Hams have been helping with this event for probably about forty years!  Lots
of excitement watching the race, busy radio operations during the race, you
get some great experience participating in a net, and meeting some new
faces.  If you've never participated in this event, this year is as good as
any to get started!  If you're a new ham and want to participate, but aren't
sure what will be expected, we can always hook you up with someone more
experienced.  Camping is usually allowed the night before, so you campers
can plan for an extra day.

This initial e-mail is simply to advise you of the upcoming event so you can
look ahead at your calendar and start thinking about this.  I'll be writing
up a plan of what's expected, and a schedule of events leading up to the
race.  I'll post a web page with information, registration forms, etc, in
the next week.

I'll also be asking you to commit to this all-day affair a little early this
year, as the PPIHC staff is budgeting T-shirts, camping passes, credentials,
etc.  So you'll be asked to commit by the end of May.

Until I get the most current information posted, you can read about support
for earlier years.  There are after-action reports for some previous races
on the state ARESCO web site, in the "Library", under reports, and last
year's plan is also posted to the PPARES site, under Mission Plans.  Or use
these links:

http://www.qsl.net/aresco/00070414.htm
http://www.qsl.net/aresco/99070414.htm
http://www.qsl.net/ppares/Plans/ppihc-01.pdf

More to follow!

73
Rob
N7LV