Inside the communications trailer of the Twin State Radio Club, a handful of hams operated at several stations, always ready for the just-in-case moments that can happen when people run or ride horses along a long wooded trail in Vermont for 30 hours or more. As they have done for 34 years, the hams were supporting the Vermont 100, a fundraising challenge which drew 500 participants between the 18th and 20th of July. The runners and riders maxxed out their endurance and determination in support of Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, which promotes accessible activities for athletes with visual and mobility impairments. The course had 10 aid stations and four horse holds - with amateurs present at each.
Rob Mather N1XSS, communications lead for the event, told Newsline that the course was well-covered by amateur radio thanks to the Connecticut Valley FM Associaton's 2-meter repeater high atop Mt. Ascutney. Several hams are also part of the Green Mountain Bike Patrol, which also provides medical support along the course. The trailer was equipped with public service radios as well that could contact the regional dispatch center in an emergency.
Rob told Newsline this isn't the end of the successful run - not for the team of 60 hams or the participants out on the trail. He said: [quote] "We do it all over again in September for the Vermont 50." [endquote] That's another fundraiser. If you wish to be part of the action, contact Rob via his email address at n1xss@mather1.com [PRON: En One Ex Ess Ess at MatherOne dot com] His email address also appears in the text version of this week's script at arnewsline.org
