PUblic service

TREK100 Bicycle Race 2025

Special message from John CankAr - W9JM:

I am reaching out to all NSRC members to volunteer positions to provide Ham Radio Communications for this year's TREK 100. The TREK 100 is the largest and most prestigious charity cycling event in the Midwest and the NSRC is proud to lead the communications role for this event! This is the perfect opportunity to work with other members of your club to perform vital radio communications for this worthwhile charitable event.  Some of you have previously participated in the TREK 100 and I welcome you back with open arms. If you're new to ham radio and or our club, and possibly feel a bit apprehensive, we can assign you with another experienced ham - a mentor so to speak (see the "assistant" category below.) We want you to learn. Just mention that when you email me back.

WHAT: TREK100 - Century Bike Public Service Event
WHEN: Saturday, June 7, 2024
WERE: Event start/finish at TREK Bicycle Corporation Corporate Headquarters, Waterloo, Wisconsin.

WHAT IS THE TREK 100?

The TREK100 is a classic "century" type bicycle event Sponsored by the Trek Bicycle Corporation with all proceeds donated directly to the MACC Fund. This is one of the Midwest's largest and premier cycling events. Last year's rider attendance was in the neighborhood of 2,100riders with riders attending from across the country.  The TREK 100 is "THE" major fundraiser for the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer)- a not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure for childhood cancer.  (Last year's event raised over $1,280,000.00 for clinical research for the MACC Fund!) If there was ever a cause that fits the definition of a public service event - this certainly is the poster child! This is a noble cause and I need your help to provide radio communications for this event.  

I'm looking to fill the following positions:

REST STOP (4)
Requirements: Set up a portable 2M station capable of repeater operation. Power your 2m rig via battery.  Capable of 20w minimum. You'll also need coax and antenna up around 10' or so. (NOTE: A mobile antenna or HT's WILL NOT WORK!) I might suggest a small table and canopy type tent to keep you out of the sunshine.  

SAG VEHICLE OPERATOR (15)
Requirements: Operate and drive your own vehicle. Must be capable of transporting at least one bike and rider to the next rest stop. Radio should be capable of 20w min. - APRS required. (I have a limited number of APRS trackers if you do not have APRS - first come first served.) I encourage SAG drivers to enlist someone to ride along "shotgun" with them.  

PICK UP VEHICLE OPERATOR (4)
Requirements: Ride along with a TREK volunteer in a passenger pick-up van and provide radio communications. Your radio should be capable of 20 watts and run off of a battery YOU supply. I have found that limiting your radio to 25W will work off the cigarette lighter jack as well.  Mag mount antenna with some sort of gain. APRS required. (I have a limited number of APRS trackers if you do not have APRS - first come first served.)

SWEEP RADIO VEHICLE (5)
You're the last vehicle! Drive a short distance behind the last rider in your zone. Sweep vehicles will close rest stops as they pass by and pick up struggling riders if necessary. Operate and drive your own vehicle. Must be capable of transporting at least one bike and rider. APRS required.

SHADOW OPERATOR: (1)
Be in the middle of all the action! The shadow operator is the radio link between event management and the Net Control Command Center. Using your dual band HT, you will  "shadow" MACC Fund/TREK management at start/finish and be their radio connection to our Command Center.

ASSISTANTS/HELPERS:
Maybe you're new to HAM Radio and feel a bit apprehensive about manning a rest stop or driving a SAG Vehicle - or perhaps you don't have the necessary equipment BUT you want to participate and help out. We are looking for a limited number of "assistants" to help out! At a rest stop, under the guidance of the Ham Radio Rest Stop Captain, you will assist with the radio communications and interface with the TREK staff at the rest stop. For A SAG Vehicle, you would ride along "shotgun" and assist the SAG Driver with navigation and communications as necessary.  This is a perfect opportunity for someone to learn! Just let me know and I will attempt to assign you with an experienced team member.

NET CONTROL - COMMAND CENTER ASSISTANT: (1)
Be in the Middle of the action! With 2,100 riders, the Command Center becomes a busy place. Located in the air-conditioned executive conference room at TREK HQ, assist the Command Center as necessary. Help locate riders in distress using our maps/software and call in data and relay the location to Net Control.

All communications will take place as a controlled net on the Watertown Repeater - which the Watertown ARC graciously grants us (and has for many years) exclusive use during the event. More detail on the communications plan as it unfolds.

This is most likely a full day event! Waterloo is about 30 minutes west of Milwaukee so it's not just next door. In addition, some positions require you to be on site and on the air as early as 7:30 am. (If you've worked the Chicago Marathon, then you know what kind of day this is).  There are hotels in the area (Johnson Creek) - several people have chosen to arrive Friday evening, go out to dinner together and spend the night - your choice. Also, some folks choose to bring their campers and camp out for the event. I do not have camping information but those of you who have camped, perhaps you could reply to this email with camping information you may have. 

It's a long day; it's an early day. But think about the cause - please give up a little sleep and a few miles on your car to help the MACC Fund raise money to cure childhood cancer and to help some little boy or girl. As an FYI...volunteers come from as far away as downtown Chicago and Springfield, IL to participate in this event. 

You can check out MACCFUND.ORG and TREK100.ORG for further event information.

To volunteer and join our team, please email me direct per the instructions below and indicate the following information:

• Your Name

• Your Callsign

• Position(s) requested (1st and 2nd choice)

• Are you APRS capable - yes or no, If yes, what is your beacon-id?

• Have you participated in an event like this before?

• Are you open to having an 'assistant" ride along with you?

• Your T Shirt size

• Any other information you feel is useful.

I can't promise the above choice of positions, but I will do my best to grant your wishes. There are a lot of recipients on this email - So as to not flood everyone's mailbox with your reply, please send your response in an email to N9GUU@HOTMAIL.COM. I'm looking forward to hearing from all of you. Please join my team! Thank you in advance. Please feel free to Email or call with any questions you may have. AND - Please pass this on to other HAMS you think may be interested!

73 - John Cankar W9JM

TREK100 Ham Radio Communications Coordinator

N9GUU@HOTMAIL.COM

(847) 321-1463   Cell