[SMCARA] Marathon Support

[Tom Shelton]

Hey All,

Its not too late to sign up and support the Piney Point Marathon this coming Sunday.  It would be better if you contacted Ray (KB3FWW) beforehand, but I suspect that if you just show up Sunday morning (no later than 6:30AM), a place will be found for you.  There will be a need for support at each water station (a total of about 12, but as the race progresses the ones at the beginning of the race are moved further along the race route, so there may be 5 or 6 water stations running at any given time.  There will be a need for mobile hams and support at the start/end spots.  So there is plenty of need.  

Ray’s email address is Arbyone1 at verizon.net


The plan is to use the club repeater (K3HKI: 146.640, negative offset, PL 146.2 Hz).  

Info on the marathon can be found here: http://www.cbrcmd.org/lpr_marathon_2012.htm

Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re prepared.

1 – Make sure you set your clock back for Daylight Savings Time on Saturday night.
2 – If you’re using a handheld – be sure the batteries are all charged up and bring backup batteries if you have them.  Since we are on the edge of the repeater range there, have the best antenna you can.  An extended whip for your handheld is good, but if you don’t have one, don’t let that keep you from showing up.
3 – Whether you are using a handheld or a mobile rig, have your owner’s manual with you or be familiar enough with your radio to change the frequencies if something happens to the repeater.
4 – Dress in layers.  It will be pretty cool (about 35 degree at 6:30 and moving up to the low 60s) – but clear skies and no rain.
5 – Bring snacks for yourself.  A nice buffet lunch will be served when the race is over, but you may need a little pick-me-up before then.  You should be able to get a cup of water at the water stations but I wouldn’t count on it (runners first);  having some bottled water with you would probably be a good idea.
6 – Have a small folding chair with you – seating is really limited.
7 – Have an empty bladder and take every bathroom break that you can – potties are few and far between.

Tom Shelton, AB3IC

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