Rebel Wolf Online -- Tarleton Area Amateur Radio Club

Firecracker 100 2006

The TAARC provided race communications for the Kiwanis sponsored Firecracker 100 bicycle race in Stephenville on 1 July, 2006. By all accounts, the entire event was a resounding success and we've been invited back next year to do it again. The Solar Powered Ham Station was onsite at Race HQ on the south side of Tarleton's Wisdom Gym to serve as the Net Control station. Set-up commenced about 0630 and the station was on the air by about 0705. Communications with hams at the various rest stops proceeded mostly smoothly for the duration of the event, with only a few minor glitches due to tech problems.

Club members and other area hams participating in the event were: Gene Morrison, K5IIY, who did double duty as traffic control in an Erath County Sheriff's unit equipped with both law enforcement and ham radios; Larry D. Barr, K5WLF, Net Control; Steve Hill, K5SRH, Net Control; Jim Tucker, W5BWY, various rest stops and rover; Gary Whitworth, KE5JFF, rest stops 1 & 3; Neil Wade, KC5VDS, rest stop 2; Robert Taylor, KE5HIX, various rest stops, rover and net control set-up; Terry Musick, KK5HE, rest stop 4; Ben Kirklen, KD5OLX, and Donna King, KE5DPQ, rest stop 5; Robert Taylor, KD5ZMZ, rest stop 6; Mike Lackey, KD5NNU, and Sandra Lackey, KD5NTR, rest stop 8. Aaron Lawless, KE5FYT, and Camden Lawless, KE5FYU, were riders in the supply vehicles and Bill Allen, WA5PB, acted as a rover unit. Thanks to all the hams who participated in this event. You did a great job.

The Solar Powered Ham Station (parked with care) at Race HQ. Since we were just a few days after the solstice, the sun was high enough in the sky that there was no shading of the PV panels with the tailgate up. This was the first deployment of the antenna mount, which requires no bolts to hold it rigid on the pickup. The Net Control table is on the other side of the pickup. In the shade.

Steve Hill, K5SRH, and Larry D. Barr, K5WLF at Net Control. One thing's for certain -- Net Control is definitely a two man job.

Gene Morrison, K5IIY; Jim Tucker, W5BWY; Larry D. Barr, K5WLF; Terry Musick, KK5HE and Gary Whitworth, KE5JFF at Net Control before the first Green Flag dropped. Things got busy after that, and we didn't have time to stand around posing for pictures!

Ben Kirklen, KD5OLX, and Donna King, KE5DPQ. Donna is the Chief Dispatcher for the Erath County Sheriff's Office.

Terry Musick, KK5HE, at Rest Stop 4. Terry and Gary Whitworth, KE5JFF, both work 3rd Shift at St. Gobain's and gave up some sleep to work this event. Your sacrifice is appreciated, guys.

Al Morin, Race Organizer.
Great Job, Al!

The 2006 Firecracker 100 was a lot of fun and a great event for Stephenville and for the Tarleton Area Amateur Radio Club. The TAARC was proud to participate in it, and we'll gladly do it again next year. Thanks to Gene Morrison, Pat Morrison and Bill Allen for the photos.

73 & Thanks for visiting our site!

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Last Updated: 2 Aug 2006 at 0100 CDT (GMT -0500)