Nathaniel A. Lopez
On February 18, in the desert outside Oracle, 23rd The annual 24-hour race at Old Pueblo was underway. 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo is a mountain bike race hosted by Epic Rides where multiple cyclists compete in multiple races, including his 24-hour race to see how many times he can complete a 17-mile course in his 24 hours. race will be held.
The gathering areas where hundreds of riders from all over the world have camped are known as 24HOP towns. Not only were the towns full of riders and spectators waiting for the race, but there were also stalls selling bicycle gear and food. Hours before the race, 24HOP Town was buzzing with eager anticipation for the noon start of his 24-hour race.
At checkpoints located throughout the course of the event, volunteers ensured the race was running smoothly, reported injured riders to Arizona search and rescue, and provided light first aid if needed. or providing the tools to riders who needed them. All these checkpoints were communicated over a wireless network. Pima County Communications attended the event and acted as net control. In other words, it was responsible for controlling all radio traffic between multiple checkpoints.
Three miles outside the town of 24HOP was Checkpoint C or Checkpoint Charlie. Next to the checkpoint, Search and Rescue set up a helipad. Encamped and stationed at Checkpoint Charlie were volunteer amateur radio operators Ross Eckhart, Hannah Eckhart, Greg Eckhart and Joan Clark. The four of them also volunteer at other special events as radio operators. Brothers Ross and Greg were interested in radio amateurs from a young age and served in the signal corps during their enlistments in the Army. Their interest in amateur radio was shown by having their radios ready before the race, testing their connections, and troubleshooting technical issues when they arose.
Another amateur radio operator, Walter, known as Walter the Nurse, was also stationed at Checkpoint C. He recalled using the radio to save some cyclists from a terrible storm during an event in northern Arizona.
Hannah remembered why she got her driver’s license. One year at her 24 Hours of Old Her Pueblo Race, her husband Ross was calling another radio her operator and the night portion of the race. Hannah had no other means of contacting Ross than by phone, so she decided it was best for her to get her license from then on.
The race started at noon and within 15 minutes hundreds of riders passed Checkpoint Charlie. A constant stream of riders followed and radio operators took their respective positions. At one point a rider was passing by saying a rider was injured during a checkpoint. Ross and Greg received it by radio and made contact with the other checkpoints. Eventually, the riders boarded the checkpoint. The rider from Vermont had fallen on some rocks and had bad cuts. Walter and Joan tended her wounds and bandaged her. Once she was gone, they radioed to the next checkpoint to watch the riders. Checkpoint Charlie was at full capacity until noon the next day.
Amateur radio has played a very important role in providing reliable communication between emergency services and race volunteers to ensure the safety of riders.
Ross Eckert is a former San Manuel resident who worked for Magma Copper Co. He and Hannah have volunteered at many past events in his community, including the Mount Lemon Gravel Grinder and other bike races.
