Hi all.
We have had a request at WOTA from Paul Woodburn of Cumbria Raynet (2E0EET) for assistance from anyone that can spare some time on 13th May to help out with the 12th Fred Whitton Challenge bike ride in Cumbria.
If you or anyone you know may be able to offer assistance for this worthy fund raising event, this would be very much appreciated.
Many SOTA/WOTA travellers have to use the passes involved in this event, so even if you cannot help, please keep in mind this date as it may cause disruption for activators etc.
The larger picture is also that the data is being logged along with ongoing recognisance in the Lakes with other emergency services, including Mountain Rescue. There is no known database to guide a full scale emergency at the moment so by participating and/or offering help and advice to Paul about the local knowledge gained about the area it can only be to the benefit to all those who use and enjoy the lakes.
73’s
Liz.
This is from Paul:-
This event has been so well run for this many years that even avid cyclists have never heard of it never mind the locals. In that time, the riders have raised £220,000 for charity. Main recipients have been Macmillan Nurses, Furness Mountain Rescue and the Air Ambulance – very creditable indeed.
Take a look at http://www.fredwhittonchallenge.org.uk/
This year’s event is now fully subscribed. 1700 cyclists are due to leave Coniston to indulge. The Saddleback Fred Whitton Challenge is a gruelling 112 mile sportive ride for charity around the English Lake District, taking in six of the major passes en route. It is on Sunday 13th May, and the route starts & finishes at Coniston, and includes the climbs of Kirkstone Pass, Honister Pass, Newlands Pass, Whinlatter Pass, Cold Fell, Irton Pike, and finishes with the brutal Hardknott & Wrynose Passes.
This year, the organisers have managed to contact Cumbria Raynet, after trying for some time, and ask for assistance with communications. In the absence of the Chairman who will be on holiday on the day of the event, I have volunteered as a member of Cumbria Raynet, to be Control for the event. I must admit, I was not aware of the magnitude at that time, but nevertheless, will do my best to ensure a successful mission.
So, here is my appeal for assistance.
Cumbria Raynet has a limited number of members, and this is a huge event communications – wise. Help can be provided in many ways, and not just on the day of the event – although this is of prime importance. We need to be able to furnish contact with HQ at Coniston, from all the pass summits where checkpoints are placed. Many may travel these routes on a normal basis, and organised interaction beforehand could facilitate the knowledge required. Some may already have information which may be of help or may have suggestions which would ease the tasks. Some may even be able to “work” as a relay from their home or suggest some possibility. It would also be a good chance for those with limited power, M6’s, M3’s to help enormously – lets face it, the distance from the summits, where accidents are unlikely, to the foot of the passes should be well in range for everybody. But it takes manpower.
Well, that basically sums up my request, and I hope you will take the time to consider what a massive PR exercise this is for Ham Radio in its self. You may also consider that you might like to put something back into the community, maybe you feel a need to thank the Macmillan Nurses (as I need to this year), Air Ambulance or Mountain Rescue (who are also involved with running the event), by making this event a bigger success for them.
Thank you for your time spent reading this, I am most grateful. If you have any questions, my details are on www.qrz.com under 2E0EET. If you can help, or feel you may be able to, please contact me
Paul Woodburn, Cumbria Raynet