[W1SMH] Fw: 2005 Boston Bike Festival

[Bruce Alexander]

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Bob Salow - wa1ida at arrl.net" <wa1ida at comcast.net>
To: <wa1ida at arrl.net>
Sent: Thursday, September 08, 2005 4:34 PM
Subject: 2005 Boston Bike Festival


> Betcha didn't know that this year is the 375th anniversary of the founding 
> of the City of Boston.  Well, you're not alone.  All year long the City 
> has had various celebrations and not much publicity.  Now they may have 
> caught on.  On Sunday, 25 September the Boston Bicycle Festival will be 
> held with a lot of fanfare.  With lots of experience in protecting health 
> and safety at such events, we hams were asked (begged?) to support 
> communications.
>
> This event is a multiple course bicycle ride (not a race) entirely within 
> the City.  As is usual with such courses, there are several rest and water 
> stops, numerous hazardous or confusing locations, mobiles and shadows. 
> The routes consist of 15- and 25-mile courses and the combination to make 
> a 40-mile long course.  The ride is for young and old, experienced and not 
> so.  Actually, from a ham view, if you haven't done many public service 
> events, this is a good and easy way to get in on the fun and gain some 
> familiarity with emergency communications without the pressure.
>
> The Start and Finish for all courses will be in Franklin Park.  Safety 
> along the entire course will be carefully monitored.  Hams will be 
> assigned in protected locations.  Naturally, Boston Police and EMS will be 
> on duty.
>
> We were requested through the Mayor's office which suggests ham radio can 
> get a lot of notice (doing what we do routinely).  Working with the 
> Police, EMS and the administration we can show how valuable our 
> communications skills can be.  A key point here is that this involves city 
> officials at the highest levels, and they will be watching how we go about 
> our vital service.  They will watch in relation to the applicability to 
> communications in an emergency.  This is an excellent opportunity for ham 
> radio.
>
> The communications center will be in Franklin Park, joining radios of all 
> services.  We will probably use the Boston repeaters on 145.230 MHz (-), 
> CTCSS 88.5 Hz, and on 447.175 MHz (-), CTCSS 110.9 Hz.
>
> If you can help for this event, please respond with the following 
> information as soon as possible.
>
> Full name
> On-air name
> Call sign
> Postal mailing address (including 9-digit ZIPcode)
> Evening phone
> Day phone
> Cell phone
> Email address
> Do you have a dual-band radio?
> Does your 2-meter radio have CTCSS (PL)?
> Do you have a magnetic mount antenna?
> Your shirt size
>
> If you are assigned to a station on the course, and you wish to drive, you 
> may go directly to the assigned location.
>
> WE NEED YOU TO VOLUNTEER.  As in the past, we are committed to reliable, 
> professional performance, and the requirements lead to this goal.  Please 
> note them and sign up quickly.  Each ham must have his or her own radio 
> and accessories - no sharing of equipment can be permitted during the 
> event.  Each ham must be self sufficient for the entire period, as we 
> cannot assure partnered assignments.
>
> 1.   For the duration of this event you are considered a member of the 
> Boston Amateur Radio Club (BARC).  BARC carries a liability insurance 
> policy.
>
> 2.   Our communications support is provided only by licensed Amateur Radio 
> operators, Technician class or above.  Be sure to have your valid license 
> (or a good photocopy) with you.  A call sign badge is desirable.
>
> 3.   Because of the radio traffic congestion and terrain, you should have 
> a full size antenna (that is, better than a minimal "rubber duck") and a 
> battery supply sufficient to run at your maximum power if necessary. 
> While you will mostly listen and rarely transmit, the best guide is for 10 
> hours of battery capability.  The ambient noise level may be high, so an 
> inexpensive headset (not just an ear plug) is strongly recommended.
>
> 4.   To present ourselves as professional and proficient, you must be 
> neatly dressed.  The bright orange "Emergency Communications" cap is 
> essential for identification.  Local residents and the media will be 
> watching.
>
> 5.   Expect the media.  If you are approached, state that you are an 
> Amateur Radio operator, and give only a very brief statement about what 
> your assignment is.  Then refer the interviewer to our public relations 
> staff (call Net Control for direction).  Please do not offer prolonged 
> descriptions of the joys of ham radio.
>
> NOTE:
> More hams are needed.  Please spread the word in your local club and to 
> your on-the-air friends!  Anyone interested should contact me directly. 
> We also need you to understand that although we must now call for more 
> hams, final staffing needs may not match the number of ham volunteers. 
> Therefore, a very small possibility exists that we still may not be able 
> to give everyone an assignment.
>
> As the event date gets closer, those who volunteer will receive an email 
> with the assignment, a detailed description of the assignment site and 
> other information.
>
> If you can give this event your help, please contact me as soon as 
> possible.  If you have any questions about participation, do not hesitate 
> to contact me at once.
>
> If you have already informed me that you are available, please reply to 
> this message anyway.
>
> Interested in showing our stuff?  Got more questions?  Contact Bob Salow, 
> WA1IDA, at wa1ida at arrl.net or 508.650.9440.  A quick look at the calendar 
> will show that time is short.
>
> 73,
> Bob Salow, WA1IDA
> wa1ida at arrl.net
> 508.650.9440
>
>
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