Bike Races

SMRA provides communication at various points around the course – mainly for safety concerns, but also for reporting rider progress, need for supplies, etc.

Here are some benefits to helping out at a bike races

  • Learn to use radios in the field and sometimes in areas that is almost impossible to use radio.
  • Practice mobile operating.
  • Learning how to work together with others who have the same interests.
  • We help people who are injured.
  • We provide a feeling of safety for the riders. (Riders always tell me thank for your time to help keep them safe)
  • Entered for a chance to win a prize at the end of the year from the club for helping out
  • Gratitude we get from the riders and race officials. (I constantly get thanked by Riders and officials for helping to keep them safe)
  • Each bike race donates money to the club. This helps keep our monthly membership fees so low among other things!

Here is a tentative schedule of the 2025 races SMRA will be supporting:

Events / Bike races (tentative)

 • 21 Jun 25 – Michaux DualSport

·• 20 July 25 – Foggy Bottom Enduro

·• 7 SEP 25 53rd Michaux Enduro

I urge all of you to clear your calendars and participate in as many as you can.
Besides providing a necessary safety service to the bike races, our participation also serves as:

  • Excellent training exercises for emergencies in the field, using portable, battery-powered equipment.
  • A chance to spend the day in beautiful Michaux Forest. There will be plenty of time for bird watching.
  • a day of fun
  • The way we fund SMRA activities and keep our dues low.

What do you need?

Here is a list of recommended items:
VITAL

  • 2m mobile rig (15 watt min), rooftop antenna (don’t have your own – we might be able to arrange a loaner) or Rollup J-Pole (Kite Poles or long Croppie Poles work well to get the antenna up)
  • Note paper
  • Pens/pencils
  • Watch/clock
  • Coat and hat per season
  • Snacks and beverages (WATER! LOTS OF WATER!)
  • Callsign badge or hat
  • Folding chair
  • Handi-wipes
  • GPS receiver

NICE

  • Reading material
  • Cell Phone
  • Compass
  • Camera and spare battery/film/memory
  • Kleenex/toilet paper/paper towels
  • HT to monitor optional simplex channel
  • Bug spray per season
  • Clipboard
  • Garbage bag

OPTIONAL

  • 2m vertical beam, mast, coax, tripod/support

For more information, contact Ed Otto W3ETO