By Doug Rice, W3COB: Lancaster and York County Hams provided radio communications for the Keystone Trails Association (KTA) “Keystone Trail Challenge” on September 7th, 2019. The event is a combined 50k and 25k endurance hike. The course of the event covers some of the roughest terrain in Southern Lancaster and South Eastern York Counties, with steep climbs, water crossings and spectacular views of the Susquehanna River.
The Communications team was managed by Daniel Boone, KB3ZMB, President of the Red Rose Repeater Association (RRRA) in Lancaster, PA. Boone’s team of 16 Hams staffed two separate starting points and four mid-course checkpoints. A portable repeater W3HZU/R, manned by Rich Diem, W3OKU, was provided by the Keystone VHF Club of York, PA. Six stalwart hikers paired with KTA Volunteers to conduct “Radio Sweep” hikes covering each course section.
Only one serious incident occurred requiring a PRIORITY MODE net for 90 minutes, when a participant appeared to aggravate a heart condition. Sweep hikers staged at the next checkpoint “backtracked” and converged with oncoming sweeps to escort him safely to the closest checkpoint.
- The ham radio operators were a great help to our event. Had our one participant’s heart problem been more serious, the radio communications could have saved his life because the closest EMT was at Lock 12 and reachable only by radio. Many of Pennsylvania’s most beautiful natural locations have no cell service, making radio communications and radio volunteers vital for events like this. – KTA President Elect, Katie Barker
A comprehensive After Action Report was completed with the input of all Radio Operators involved, with some “lessons learned”. Staffing shortages, while managed, taught us that it can’t be understated it’s everyone’s responsibility to educate and involve the next generations of hams in Public Service and EMCOMM.
Joe Neville, Executive Director of the Keystone Trails Association and Event Director, was present at the Net Control Station for key moments of the event.
“The KTA Trail Challenge is one of Pennsylvania’s premier trail runs simply because the course alternates breathtaking vistas with steep descents into dark hollows followed by strenuous climbs to the next vista. The steep hills, rocky terrain and deep ravines are what attracts participants but also provides many opportunities for accidents and participants to get in physical distress. Without the assistance of numerous ham radio operators and volunteers, this event could not be safely operated. The rugged terrain makes cell phone service impossible and walkie-talkies do not have the range or ability to cover the 32 mile course. As the race director I have appreciated the calm professionalism displayed by these volunteer operators during stressful situations. While other volunteers, spectators and family members of participants react with high emotion that is often counter productive to an emergency situation, the ham operators deal with negative situations in a cool/detached manner that still manages to convey empathy and concern. Again, this event would not be possible without the ham radio operators and their equipment.”
– Joseph Neville, KTA Executive Director
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Quote from https://theburgnews.com/burg-blog/the-annual-kta-trail-challenge-its-all-in-a-days-run?fbclid=IwAR0EL_mR-lEkce0ab-w_okRzLYE6UDkxwYLnWzqhwCszuKiovZKRqTkmL9w, published and retrieved September 9, 2019:
Amateur Radio Operators Involved/Roles:
Net Manager –
- Daniel Boone (KB3ZMB)
Net Control –
- Doug Rice (W3COB)
- Mark Vreeland (KB3NCJ)
- Ben Rice (KC3KBS)
- Ralph Brandt (K3HQI)
Checkpoint Staff –
- Dave Olson (W3EO)
- Patti Olson (W3KO)
- Rich Diem (W3OKU), maintainer of the repeater
- Paul Long (AC3CL)
- Betty Long (KC3EWO)
- Bill Kelly (KC3LHG)
- Jim Fry (KC3EWN)
Trail Radio Sweeps-
- Cameron Bailey (K3TA)
- John Kidd (KC3FJZ
- Anthony Kidd (KC3FJA)
- Jack Spitznagel (KD4IZ)
- Kris Bearcove (KB1EAR)