Ham Radio Volunteers

"...I enjoyed every stop, all had their uniqueness. I even left my bag behind on the last day and the team arranged for me to get it back! I could tell that a lot of work went into pulling this tour off and it showed." Mick G. Libertyville, Illinois

Amateur Radio Operators are an essential part of Two Bicycles and a Map, LTD.  Over the last 9 years Hams have been used for on all our Wisconsin tours and have proven their weight in gold.  They pass messages regarding rider welfare, course safety hazards, changing weather conditions, and provide coordination for supplies. Hams are needed to provide communication during three weeks of events over the summer and so we are in need of many more Amateur Operators.

Time Commitment
Amateur Operators may volunteer for a single day, multiple days or we have a number of operators that volunteer for the entire week long event.  We invite operators from outside of the geographical boundaries of the tours to participate. In fact, we have amateurs that come from as far away as Texas. 

Equipment Recommendations
The volunteer Communications Coordinator for each tour has obtained permission from trustees and ham clubs along the tour course to utilize various two meter repeaters.  Do to the nature of being on the back roads of Wisconsin we highly recommend that volunteers use mobile two meter rigs with output power of no less then 25 watts.  Having the capability to be able to hear or utilize your mobile rig outside of your vehicle is also highly recommended as a convenience for our Ham volunteers.  We do encourage you to bring your handie talkies or portable radios because there will be areas where you will be able to utilize these as well.  We will also be utilizing APRS.  While you are not required to have an APRS station, we encourage the use of it as it provides our net controls with more information.  Additional equipment that is not required but you may consider bringing is a GPS and a cell phone capable of digital and analog operations.

Ham Volunteer Positions

•  Rest Stop / Water Stop Hams – These hams are stationed along the route at designated areas where cyclists will stop for a break and obtain water or seek medical or mechanical attention.  The Ham operators at these locations will be responsible for passing traffic regarding rider status and health, issuing rider alerts and requesting bicycle repair or SAG (pick up) service .  Operators will also communicate the need for additional Reststop/Waterstop supplies, and pass traffic from cyclist regarding course conditions.
• SAG – (Service and Gear) – SAG's are Amateur Operators that have the means of transporting riders and bicycles (trailer not required, bike rack on vehicle works well).  These operators will pick up and transport cyclist that have had mechanical problems and are unable to continue riding.  Amateur Operators acting as SAGs will also be responsible for replenishing and delivering supplies to water stops if needed.  Amateur Operators providing SAG service will be reimbursed for the cost of fuel.
• Van SAG – We have a specific need for a Ham with a large conversion van or SUV capable of hauling multiple people and towing a trailer.  This position will require that this operator be available to volunteer for the entire week long event.
• Net Control Operators – Net Control Operators will be stationed at a predestinated location and will control the flow of all radio traffic.  This Operator will coordinate the movements of the mobile SAGs to locations for rider pickups and determine where the rider will be dropped off at.  Net Operators may also be responsible for ensuring traffic is passed and received, maintaining a log of the events, coordinating delivery of supplies to reststops and waterstops and notifying emergency services if needed. 
• Assistant Communication Director – This position will provide support to the Communications Director and Tour Directors as needed.  The Assistant Communications Director may assist with recruiting volunteers, repeater coordination, surveying course conditions, assigning duties to Amateur Radio Volunteers and conducting daily briefings during the tour.  Additionally the Assistant Communications Director may be called upon to act in the capacity of any other Amateur Radio Volunteer on an as needed basis.
• Bicycling Hams – There are a number of cyclists that are Amateur Radio Operators that prefer to cycle during the events.  We have found that these operators are valuable in providing information from the course regarding course hazards and rider conditions.  Amateur Operators that would like to cycle the event are encouraged to check in with Tour Net Control and should beware that they will technically fall under the category of a cycling participant.
  
  Motorcycling HAM Volunteer
  HAM radio operators on motorcycles monitor narrow sections of roads shared with bicyclists throughout the tours for riders in need of medical and/or mechanical assistance.  Motorcycling amateurs should have a mobile vhf/uhf radio capable of a minimum of 25 watts, radio should be wired into a DOT certified motorcycle helmet allowing for hands free operation.  APRS tracker would also be welcomed but not required.  Receive free meal plan, t-shirt, and gas reimbursement.  Weeklong volunteers also receive free tent service.
  
  Local Amateur Radio Operators
  Amateur Radio Operators are stationed at the locations where the bicycle tours will be spending the night.  These operators serve as a communications link between staff and volunteers during the daytime site preparations.  Receive free meal plan and t-shirt.  Weeklong volunteers also receive free tent service. 
  
  
  "Great improvement having the SAG service connected via radio. Didn't use SAG service myself but needed to summon assistance for another rider between Stevens Point and Wisconsin Rapids," Steve L. Cudahy WI