Paul VK3YYF @ AWI
The event is put on by the ADMCC, the Alexandra & District Motorcycle Club. It’s a self navigated event with multiple stages (loops) through the picturesque Rubicon Valley. This year, most likely due to the two long weekends (Easter and Anzac Day), competitor numbers were down on previous years. However over 350 riders took to a wet course on Sunday May 5th. Only a few days before the start heavy rains almost saw the event cancelled entirely, but with some track changes made to accommodate permits, it went ahead.
WICEN was on hand to provide the emergency and logistical support. Around nine operators were deployed into the field to provide voice and data communications. All rider
Rik VK3EQ at Check Point Bravo
s are “tracked” via TRAK, a WICEN packet radio software. A specific form is created for the event to allow data entry of specific client requirements. For this event rider numbers and times are sent back to WICEN HQ known as AWI. Two meters was used for data, most via digital repeaters on Mt Buller and in Eildon.
The organisers were very happy with WICEN’s participation, as noted by WICEN Vic State Secretary Alan Stratford, who also participated in the event. Voice communications on locally used 70cm repeaters were surprising quiet, but for the right reasons. Alan’s post e
Alan VK3FABT @ AWI
vent email noted only one bike recovery was necessary due to a fuel pump failure and one rider with a broken arm was treated on site by paramedics and taken to hospital by family. This is a testament to the preparedness of the riders and the course preparation by the organisers. Many operators spent the night before in the field and with temperatures falling into single digits and rain falling we were grateful for the fine weather forecasted for race day. Looking forward to Kenda 2020.
