S.I.R.E. Workers Notice

When: Saturday, October 18, 2003

What: 11th Annual “Saddle Up For SIRE” Ride-A-Thon

Where: 7IL Trails, Cat Spring, Texas

Here are the details. . .

Meeting Place

We will assemble at the Whataburger on SH249 just south of FM2920 in Tomball. We need to be out at the site by noon, so we will leave from the Whataburger parking lot at 10:45 AM. Please plan to bring a sack lunch to eat when we get there.

Route

The route to Cat Spring will be FM2920 to Waller, US290 to Hempstead, SH159 to Bellville, SH36 south to Hacienda Street (first traffic light) to Mill Creek Road to the ranch entrance. Go through the gates and proceed to the camp where you will receive directions to park. The driving distance from Tomball is about 50 miles.

Assignments

There will be one main control station at the start/finish and three checkpoints around the trail. Checkpoint 1 is at the south end, 2 is near the ranch entrance, 3 is at the north end and 4 is the control station. These are clearly marked on a map that will be given to each worker. Preliminary assignments have been made for all team members. These will be finalized at the site.

The riding trail is 12 miles in length. As stated above, each worker will be given a map showing the location of each checkpoint. We will mark each point with the name and call sign of the person working the position. We will likely have three or four Hams at checkpoints 1 and 3, which will enable a wide coverage area for these remote points.

Procedure

The control operator shall define the procedure used. The following is the procedure used in past events.

Set your transceiver to 145.50 MHz, simplex.

After the assignments are finalized each worker should ensure their map shows the location and call of all workers. One person for each checkpoint should drive their vehicle out to the checkpoint. An SUV or truck is recommended for checkpoints 1 and 3. The ride officially begins at 1:00 PM. Each person should check in to control as they arrive at their point and get last minute instructions, if needed. We will be using 145.50 MHz, simplex, for all communications.

Priority of messages is as follows:

1. Request for emergency medical service.

2. Request for veterinary (ill horse) or farrier service (thrown shoe).

3. Request for personal service (complaint, unruly horse, etc.).

4. Information to be passed to/from a ride official.

5. Information to be passed from control to a checkpoint.

6. Information to be passed from a checkpoint to control.

7. Information to be passed from a checkpoint to another checkpoint.

Control will pass all traffic, and will give permission for all direct traffic. Main control shall pass control to another station as necessary for continued, reliable communications (such as temporary absence from station). Control will be notified when the direct traffic has concluded, or will interrupt direct traffic as needed for higher priority traffic. Direct traffic may use 145.60 MHz as needed for high traffic situations, or as directed by Control. After traffic passing is completed, please immediately return to 145.50.

Simple protocol will be used: e.g. “Control, this is checkpoint THREE,” or “Control from P3,” or “Rover 1 from control.” If there are multiple persons spread out at a checkpoint, use a second identifier such as “Control, this is Jim at checkpoint THREE.”

As horses come by a position, their participant numbers will be recorded. Control will be notified from each point when the first rider passes; give the rider number. Thereafter, notify control after approximately 10 more riders have passed, and give their numbers. This is NOT priority traffic; so don’t get over-anxious trying to call control if there is a lot of traffic at the time. However, the recording of rider numbers is important so that the last known position can be determined if a rider gets lost.

If cattle are near a position please ensure that they do not interfere with riders going through the gate. If the cattle try to cross with riders, ask the riders to stop and/or help while managing the cattle.

Keep traffic moving and verbally guide traffic through gate or bridge areas where there may be congestion. Also, some riders need directions about where the trail goes, assist them by showing them where they are located on the map. The trail is well marked so giving directions should be a rare occurrence.

Water and Dixie cups may be available at some of the positions. Please assist the riders as necessary.

What to Bring

Umbrella

Hat

Sunglasses

Chair (camp stool or lawn chair)

Suntan Lotion

Paper and Pen

Bug Spray

Small Cooler

Sack lunch or snacks

Handie Talkie, set to 145.50 MHz, with extra batteries

Ice, sodas and water will be provided for your cooler.

Dinner and a T-shirt will be provided, but you will need to pack a lunch or snacks.

There may be extended periods when there are no riders passing, so you may want to bring a book or magazine to fill the time.

See you there!

73 de Keith WD5DXL