MDARC Public Service Events

2010 Events

Its that exciting time of year when many ham radio operators from the Mt Diablo Amateur Radio Club become involved in doing radio team communications for various Public Service events that occur nearby. The events include long distance bike rides, bike races, horse trail rides, running races, walkathons, a March for Babies, Alcatraz swims, a half marathon, a triathlon, and the Pleasant Hill 4 ^thof July parade. The locations include beautiful scenic areas such as nearby Regional and Wilderness Areas, Mt.Diablo State Park, municipal trails and parks, and the stunning San Francisco Waterfront and Bay. Some of the agencies and causes that we help are: Children's Hospital of Oakland, the MS Society, the March of Dimes, the American Lung Association, and Save Mt. Diablo.

Radio operators are assigned to check points, or to support (SAG) vehicles, or are on bikes, or sometimes in boats. Radio communications in some of these areas can be a challenge, but very gratifying and a whole lot of fun! When you participate, consider bringing a family member or friend to show them the excitement of the ham radio hobby.

Diablo Trails Challenge: Running For Save Mt. Diablo 3/20/10, Castle Rock, Mt. Diablo, Morgan Territory, Round Valley Radio Coordinator: John Stuart	Escape From Alcatraz Swim 5/2/10, San Francisco Bay & Waterfront Radio Coordinator: Barry Bettman
MS Walk 4/18/10, Heather Farms Park, Walnut Creek Radio Coordinator: Erin O'Donoghue	Alcatraz Challenge Swim 5/30/10, S.F. Bay & Waterfront Radio Coordinator: Barry Bettman
March of Dimes March for Babies Walkathon 4/24/10, San Ramon Iron Horse Trail Radio Coordinator: Jeff Nelson	Diablo Trail Endurance Ride: Horse ride for Save Mt. Diablo 6/26/10, Castle Rock, Mt. Diablo Radio Coordinator: John Stuart
Diablo Century Bike Ride: 25, 50 & 100 Mile Rides 4/25/10, Mt Diablo, Morgan Territory, Livermore Hills, Danville, Blackhawk 15 radio operators needed! Radio Coordinator: Terry Matzkin	4th of July Parade 7/4/10, Downtown Pleasant Hill Radio Coordinator: Pete Harris
Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride 5/1/10, Mt. Diablo Radio Coordinator: John Stuart	Mt Diablo Challenge: Cycling for Save Mt. Diablo 10/3/10, to Mt. Diablo summit Radio Coordinator: John Stuart
Devil Mountain Run for Childrens Hospital 5/2/10, Danville Radio Coordinator: Ed Ritchie	Trail Adventure: Running for Save Mt. Diablo 11/7/10, Castle Rock Park, Mt. Diablo Radio Coordinator: John Stuart

Participating in these events is a thrilling experience for many different reasons. These include:

The magic of radio transmissions
The camaraderie of being part of a radio team that helps to ensure safety for hundreds, sometimes thousands, of event participants
The chance to do something meaningful for a good cause
The fun and satisfaction of using your radio equipment and opportunity to learn its various capabilities in real-life situations
The beautiful places and settings that you get to enjoy

For most events all you need is a hand-held 2 meter ham radio and an extra battery. A portable magnetic-mount antenna can come in handy. Some events allow off-road 4-wheel drive experiences.

This is a fun way to get out and use your radio, help a worthwhile cause and gain valuable experience that will come in handy in the event of a major emergency or disaster. It's also great PR for the club and amateur radio in general. Sign up sheets are available at club meetings.

Contact the MDARC Public Service Coordinator, Pete Harris - KE6ZIW, for more information.
Ph 925.228.4503