The Cape Ann ARA is requesting hams to assist with staffing for the Cape Ann Trail Stewards Dogtown Trail Run on Sunday, May 20, 2018.
“Please let us know if you can staff a communications checkpoint for the event by Thursday, May 17 so we can plan staffing positions. I will supply you with an information packet by email on Friday morning. Accessing checkpoint locations may require up to a mile of walking over varying terrain and are not accessible by vehicles,” writes Chris Winczewski, K1TAT.
“I have made up .KMZ files (Google Earth) of pertinent positions and access trails. These can be accessed on most modern GPS plotters and Smart-phones to guide you to the check-points. I will also provide paper maps and directions in the information for each check-point in the information packets which you can print out.
“Radio operations will be on the Gloucester 443.700 MHz repeater (+ Shift, PL 107.2). Note the new PL tone on this repeater. Please let us know if you need help programming the repeater information into your radios.
“This event starts at the Dogtown Road parking lot off of Cherry Street at 09:00 and runs through trails in the heart of historical Cape Ann. There will be a support meet-up at the Dogtown Road parking lot at 07:00. There you will be teamed up with medical first responders and other event staff to man your checkpoint. Checkpoint operators will proceed to their stations after the meeting. The run will start at 09:00 and support cut-off time will be about four hours.
“Radio propagation to the [Cape Ann ARA 440 MHz] repeater tested good along the entire route of the run. Accessing the checkpoint locations will require some physical effort, mainly the ability to hike over varying terrain for upwards of a mile and back. Make sure to bring hydration, wear loose clothing and good hiking shoes.”
“Please let us know what type of equipment you plan to use (i.e.; HT; OEM rubber duck; 440 MHz capability, etc.) so we have a better idea of where to locate you along the event course per the potential of your equipment. Also please provide me with your cell-phone number for reference. This may present a good opportunity to test your go-kit plan.”