The 2024 Lifetime Sea Otter Classic will be held on April 18-21, 2024. Help from amateur radio operators has been a vital resource for communication in the Fort Ord National Monument backcountry.
The Lifetime Sea Otter Classic attracts thousands of athletes and spectators and is now regarded as the world’s premiere cycling festival. The areas where we assist have little or no cellular or repeater coverage. It is an excellent opportunity for demonstration and practice of emergency communications and help build readiness for a real disaster.
This year help will be needed for the following times:
Thursday 4/18 – Enduro Support – Morning through MId Afternoon.
Friday 4/19 – Back Country Support – MTB Fuego XL Backcountry Radio – Early Morning to Mid Afternoon.
Saturday 420 – Back Country Support – MTB Gravilla Backcountry Radio – Very Early Morning to Mid Afternoon.
Sunday 4/21 – Back Country Support – MTB Fuego XC Backcountry Radio, Robles Tour and Family Off-Road Tour – Very Early Morning to MId Afternoon
Ham radio operators will be primarily working radios including ham radios and commercial/public safety radios (i.e. You may be asked to coordinate on a public safety frequency to guide in an ambulance while the medic provides care). We’ll always try to pair experienced hams with new hams as needed. First aid and course marshal support will be provided by National Ski Patrol as in the past.
Volunteers receive a volunteer T-Shirt, a pass to the Sea Otter Classic Festival (a $100 value), and a lunch.
Instructions for volunteering are available at http://sbcara.org/otter (It is still early and this page is still being updated for this year – 2023 information is here for reference).
Please pass this email along to anyone you think might be interested.
Thanks & 73,
– Timothy S. Takeuchi – sbcares.org
San Benito County (XBE) COM-L: Communication Unit Leader – W6TST
Chief ACS/RACES Officer / ARES DEC: District Emergency Coordinator / ARRL PIO
Sea Otter Classic Volunteer Communications Leader
