[RACES-Membership] 2009 "24 Hours in the Old Pueblo" request for Amateur Radio Support

[AK7AR.COX]

Hello CRC,RST, Pima County Races

Organizing Amateur Radio Support for the 2009 "24 Hours in the Old 
Pueblo" has officially begun!!

If you or an Amateur Radio Operator you know would like to spend some 
time out in the desert (North of Oracle) playing radio and supporting a 
multi-day public service event, then listen in!!

This is the second biggest bicycle event in Southern Arizona (second 
only to El Tour) and is probably one of the most intense endurance 
events in the area for both Amateur Radio Operators and Mountain Biking 
Athletes all year long as this event requires over 26 straight hours of 
Amateur radio support for this 24 Hour endurance Mountain Bike Event.

For more information about the event please checkout:
http://www.epicrides.com/twofour/24.htm

We have had in the past many facets of Amateur Radio available at this 
venue. This includes but not limited to APRS, VHF-UHF FM phone, ATV, 
Stationary Field Operations, Mobile Field Ops (Hike, Bike, 
Quad/Motorcycle - Vehicle) etc. etc. etc.

Thanks to the RST D-STAR repeater systems, this year we will be 
introducing D-STAR into the operations.
We are also interested in traditional PACKET (non-APRS) especially in 
handling rider traffic using RACES software and protocols (this is a 
great training ppportunity for you RACES folks out there).

Also this year, This will be a joint RST/CRC effort but in addition to 
this I will start actively recruiting the Pima County and Pinal County 
RACES organizations to see how they can fit into the mix. Like I said, 
this is a big event and there is plenty of room for lots of Amateur 
Radio Operators and their clubs.

In short, If you think you would be interested in participating in such 
an event, do NOT hesitate to contact me for more details.

At a minimum you will need a 2m and 70cm capability in a FULL SIZED 
Mobile rig(s) with a FULL SIZED Mobile Antenna and a minimum commitment 
of 4 hours in the field.

I am especially interested in Amateur Radio Operators that are able and 
willing to ride a mountain bike and/or hike the trails. I have limited 
opportunities for motorized vehicles for patrol. Also, if there are any 
Packet Operators out there... we have a place for you!!!

Also for anyone who has a "kooky" idea that they would like to try 
out... such as NVIS, ATV, PSK31 or other "non-traditional" means of 
support... I am open to those ideas. 24 Hours is a LONG time in the 
field, so tinkering with new ideas or tweeking established modes is 
solicited and supported.

For you dedicated/certifiable nut-cases that volunteer every year for 
this event... and you know who you are... I will also send you a 
personal request to try and twist your arm to come out again next year.

The event is being held on 14-Feb-2009 off of Willow Springs Road north 
of Oracle.

Again, plan ahead.. get your kitchen passes.. get your gear ready and 
come for some fun!!

Tnx,
Owen
AK7AR