2023 Public Service Events
(Be sure to check back for updates
and additions)
and additions)
Beginning in early spring each year and continuing into early winter many ham radio operators from the Mt. Diablo Amateur Radio Club become involved in doing radio team communications to support various public service events that occur nearby. The events include long distance bike rides, bike races, running races, walkathons, a March for Babies, a half marathon, a Mt Diablo Trail Ride, and local city parades.
The locations include beautiful scenic areas such as nearby regional and wilderness areas, Mt. Diablo State Park, and municipal trails and parks. Some of the agencies and causes that we have helped are: Children's Hospital of Oakland, the MS Society, the March of Dimes, and Save Mt. Diablo.
Contact the MDARC Public Service Coordinator, Larry Loomer, KI6LNB to sign up for events.
Email laryloomer@yahoo.com
Public Service Events - 2023
Livermore Half Marathon - Running Race Confirmed
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Running race from Downtown Livermore
Radio Coordinator: George Moorhead, KG6GEM, kg6wiu1@comcast.net
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Livermore/LivermoreValleyHalf
Oakland Running Festival Confirmed
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Running race in downtown Oakland
Radio Coordinator: Mike Pompa, KB6MP, mpompa@gmail.com
https://www.ww6or.com/oakland-marathon-signup
Diablo Trails Challenge - Running Race Confirmed
Saturday, April 8, 2023
Running race from Castle Rock Park, Walnut Creek
Radio Coordinator: Larry Loomer, KI6LNB, laryloomer@yahoo.com
Brazen Racing https://brazenracing.com/diablotrailschallenge
Cinderella Bike Ride - in Livermore Confirmed
Saturday, April 15, 2023
Ladies' Bike Ride around Livermore
Radio Coordinator: George Moorhead, KG6GEM, kg6wiu1@comcast.net
https://www.valleyspokesmen.org
MS Walk Confirmed
Sunday, April 23, 2023
Walk in Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek
Radio Coordinator: Pete Harris, KE6ZIW, pharris125@comcast.net
https://mssociety.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.event&eventID=1363
Berkeley Hills Road Race Confirmed
Saturday, April 29, 2023
Bike race in the East Bay Hills
Radio Coordinator: Mark Walsh, KM6XU, mark@km6xu.com
Mt Diablo Trail Ride Confirmed
Saturday, May 6, 2023
Horse ride on Mt Diablo, Clayton, CA
Radio Coordinator: Larry Loomer, KI6LNB <larryloomer@yahoo.com>
https://www.cmdtra.org Elaine Baker
Devil Mountain Run - in Danville Confirmed
Sunday, May 7, 2023
Running race in Danville
Radio Coordinator: George Moorhead, KG6GEM, kg6wiu1@comcast.net
https://www.valleyspokesmen.org
Lake Chabot Trail Challenge Confirmed
Sunday, June 4, 2023
Running race, 5k and ½ Marathon in Castro Valley
Radio Coordinator: Larry Loomer, KI6LNB, laryloomer@yahoo.com
Race Director: Rachel Lunt
https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/CastroValley/LakeChabotTrailChallenge
Boy Scout Hike Berkeley Hills Confirmed
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Scouts Hike 20 Miles in Tilden Park
Radio Coordinator: Dave Shaw, WB6WTM <wb6wtm@arrl.net>
Skyline 50k Confirmed
Sunday, August 6, 2023
Running race in the Oakland Hills
Radio Coordinator: Larry Loomer, KI6LNB <laryloomer@yahoo.com>
Scena Performance <adam.ray@scenaperformance.com>
Walnut Festival Twilight Parade Not Confirmed
Saturday, September 16, 2023
Parade in downtown Walnut Creek
Radio Coordinator: Pete Harris, KE6ZIW <pharris125@comcast.net>
Walnut Festival Person: Tami Lagamarcino
Firetrails 50M Confirmed
Saturday, September 30, 2023
Running race in the Oakland Hills
Radio Coordinator: Larry Loomer, KI6LNB, laryloomer@yahoo.com
Scena Performance <adam.ray@scenaperformance.com>
Mt Diablo Challenge Bike Ride Confirmed
Sunday, October 1, 2023
Bike ride up Mount Diablo, Alamo, CA
Race Coordinator: Larry Loomer, KI6LNB, laryloomer@yahoo.com
Valley Spokesmen Bicycle Club, Raghu Venkata, event lead http://www.valleyspokesmen.org/
Diablo Summit Stomp Confirmed
Saturday, October 21, 2023
Running Race from Castle Rock Park, Walnut Creek, CA
Radio Coordinator: Larry Loomer, KI6LNB, laryloomer@yahoo.com
Brazen Racing http://brazenracing.com/summitstomp
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 make things safer 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.
