Traditionally, Gene (K5IIY) has been the chief organizer for our bike race efforts. But, this year, he was going to be out of town for the DeLeon event, and asked me if I would handle the organizational duties this time around. I agreed,  wondering what I was getting myself into -- since my previous involvement in these affairs has been primarily as a Net Control Op, and I lacked any experience in the organization of same. It turned out to be much easier than I expected, due in very large part to the willingness of so many of my fellow hams to participate in this public service event. I think it's safe to say that it was a total success; and that must be credited to the efforts of quite a few folks.

Once again, Steve (K5SRH) provided his camp trailer for use as our command post. Jamie (KE5PZA) barely flinched when I assigned him to work Net Control, which he'd never done before. (You did a great job, Jamie. Thanks) Hams manning rest stops were: Dan (KB5JI), Gary (KE5JFF), Vernon (KE5RES), Cliff (KC5KWX), Joe (KD5NRH), Jason (KE5KHW), Jerry (W5BZR)*, James (NJ5O)*, David (K5DDL) and Kelton (KK5LQ)*.

We also had hams in two supply wagons: Drew (KE5REX) and Jessica (KE5REY); and in a SAG wagon; John (W5JAT)*.  Acting as rovers were: myself, Robert (KE5MOQ) who also doubled as a photographer and Bill (WA5PB). Bill deserves the 'Extreme Dedication" award for this event. He'd had both rear wheel bearings replaced on Friday and one turned out to be factory defective. Bill broke off his first lap around the course, drove back to Stephenville, got the bad bearing replaced and headed back to DeLeon to finish the race. Also acting as a photographer was Ruth (whose call I didn't write down -- I'm sorry, Ruth). Ruth holds a Novice class license (she's studying for her Tech) and currently has no 2 meter privileges, but she came over and offered to help any way she could. She got some great pics and we look forward to hearing her on the repeaters soon.

The hams denoted by asterisks (*) in the above narrative deserve special mention. Jerry, James, John and Kelton live in Granbury and contacted us to volunteer their services for the bike race. They had to get up earlier and drive farther to join us. Thanks guys, your contribution to this event made our success possible. Let us know when we can come over and help y'all. We'll be there.

My very special gratitude to all of you who participated in the amateur radio coverage of the DeLeon 2009 Melon Patch Tour. My first foray into ramrodding a bike race event turned out extremely well, and I owe it to the dedication and efforts of all of you. Thank you.

73,
ldb
K5WLF