MDARC Public Service Events

2011 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.

Diablo Trails Challenge - Running for Save Mt. Diablo 3/19/11, Castle Rock, Mt. Diablo, Morgan Territory, Round Valley Radio Coordinator: John Stuart, KM6QX	4th of July Parade 7/4/11, Downtown Pleasant Hill Radio Coordinator: Pete Harris, KE6ZIW
Diablo Century Bike Ride: 100 Miles 4/17/11, Mt Diablo, Morgan Territory, Livermore Hills, Danville, Blackhawk 15 radio operators needed! Radio Coordinator: Terry Matzkin, KE6WRE	Alcatraz Challenge Aquathlon 7/17/11, San Francisco waterfront and bay Radio Coordinator: Barry Bettman, K6ST Contact Barry at k6st@arrl.net for this event.
MS Walk 4/17/11, Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek Radio Coordinator: Eoin O'Donoghue, KK6Q	The San Francisco Triathlon Swim at Alcatraz 8/21/11, San Francisco waterfront and bay Radio Coordinator: Barry Bettman, K6ST Contact Barry at k6st@arrl.net for this event.
March of Dimes March for Babies Walkathon 4/30/11, San Ramon Iron Horse Trail Radio Coordinator: Jeff Nelson, KG6VMY	Mt Diablo Challenge: Cycling for Save Mt. Diablo 10/2/11, to Mt. Diablo summit Radio Coordinator: John Stuart
Devil Mountain Run for Childrens Hospital 5/1/10, Danville Radio Coordinator: Ed Ritchie, K6SFD	Trail Adventure for Save Mt. Diablo 11/6/11, Castle Rock Park & Mt. Diablo Radio Coordinator: John Stuart, KM6QX
Concord Mt. Diablo Trail Ride 5/7/11, Mt. Diablo Radio Coordinator: John Stuart, KM6QX	Walnut Creek Half Marathon / 10K run for Walnut Creek Schools Athletic Programs 12/10/11, Walnut Creek, Ygnacio Valley Rd. Radio Coordinator: TBA
Alcatraz Challenge Swim 5/22/11, S.F. Bay & Waterfront Radio Coordinator: Barry Bettman

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

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! For most events all you need is a 2 meter hand-held radio with an extra battery. When you participate, consider bringing a family member or friend to show them the excitement of the ham radio hobby.

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