[PPRAANet] 82nd Running of the Pikes Peak Int'l Hill Climb: June 26, 2004

[Rob Roller N7LV]

Volunteers Needed!  (Please forward to others or other clubs that might be interested.)

82nd Running of the Pikes Peak Int'l Hill Climb:  June 26, 2004

For probably close to 50 years now, amateur radio operators have provided safety
communications along the 12.42 mile course up the Pikes Peak Highway.  This year will
probably be no exception.

I say "probably" because I've had very little contact with the Hill Climb folks this year.
I understand there is a new person taking over the function of Race Safety Communications,
and I've heard from him only once.  However, that shouldn't stop us from getting a list of
volunteers to support this year's race, and I'm sure the race will go on, and they'll want
our support.

As safety communicators, we are the eyes of the race safety officials at many locations
along the highway where there are dangerous curves and little to no visibility by other
safety officials.  We typically put between 35 to 50 hams at strategic points along the
course, many of which are not accessible by spectators, nor manned by race officials.  Our
function is to observe the race vehicles and report any problems that occur, such as
vehicles off the course or stalled in the path of other oncoming race vehicles.  Depending
on your assigned location, this can be a pretty exciting event, or it can be just a quiet
afternoon with little action.  There's no telling.  Either way, you and a companion can
enjoy a day on Pikes Peak watching the race while serving in the safety position.

This event is an all-day event, starting as early as 0400, and running until
mid-afternoon.  There's still time left to visit Field Day!

If you're interested in participating in this event, you can check out notes from past
events, then send me an e-mail to n7lv at amsat.org and I'll get you on the roster.  Please
indicate if you have any problems with altitude and I can position you at a lower
position.  Remember, for this event you're stuck on the hill for the duration!

(If you've already contacted me about signing up, please send me another e-mail so I can
make sure I've got you down.)

1.  Last year's amateur radio support documentation (roster, handbook, maps, waiver forms,
etc) is posted at:

http://www.qsl.net/n7lv/ppihc/

2.  There are a few after-action reports from past races where you can read about lessons
learned during those events:
http://www.qsl.net/aresco/00070414.htm
http://www.qsl.net/aresco/99070414.htm

3.  Visit http://www.ppihc.com for details about this year's race.

For critical times on Race Day, follow the links to:
"2004 Race Info", then "Fans", then "Race Schedule".


73
Rob
N7LV