The Loudoun Amateur Radio Group Of Northern Virginia & Its Radio Station K4LRG

RESTON TOWN CENTER REPORT BY Rick - AI1V.   "AI1V and KU1T arrived on site at 0530. We were on the air immediately as we could use handhelds through the cross-band repeater at AI1V's QTH. We needed no other rigs all day.

We set up the shelter, hung the banner and the large size course map that KF4TJI provided, set up table and chairs, and were all settled in by 0545.

We also met up with KI4PCM, the Reston Bike club's representative and very capable ham. We contacted net control and were hearing all fixed stations very well through the cross-band repeater. We reported the first riders on the course at 0628. AI1V set up an APRS station on receive only and hooked up a PC with a map so we could track SAG vehicles. It worked pretty well considering the antenna was very low. A little later KJ4VTH joined us and we had lots of manpower and not much to do! We handled some tactical traffic with reporting riders arriving at the different sites, lost keys, disposition of trash, etc. We also listened to the incredible job done by NCS and the outlying stations coordinating SAG vehicles. They kept very busy and provided a valuable service."

"Having Trish, KI4PCM, on the air was remarkably efficient. She was able to answer most questions directly and authoritatively, so no "middle-man" was needed. As a result, the rest of us had a very light workload.

The shelter, banner, and especially the course map along with the APRS display generated a fair amount of interest from passers-by. We handed out a number of pamphlets and answered quite a few questions. We were also interviewed by a local web reporter who put some information on-line, so it was a successful public relations event.

Many thanks to Z, Bill, and Trish for making the day smooth and enjoyable!

Rick - AI1V - Reston Town Center Captain"

ASHBURN STATION REPORT BY JAY - KI4TXP.  "The Ashburn Station was set up and ready to go at 0615. We had, Anna - KJ4EOS and Luther - K5NOB helping out. Net Control was loud and clear all day. Hamilton was up and down. At least 50% of the time we were unable to copy them. Reston was fair. We could copy them but there seem to be noise on most of their transmissions. Next year, I will add another section to my mast and that should take care of those problems.

The first bikers arrived at 0700. From that point on we had a steady stream stopping by. At around 0930 we had our major incident. A biker was hit by a car and had to be taken to the hospital. Those involved used 911. As a result we were not directly involved. Anna, did head out to the accident scene to pick up the bike for the rider. It turned out that it was further away than she thought. She then met up with her father, Z - KU1T, and got a ride back to our station.

We had one phone call, that was taken by the lead person at Ashburn that a rider needed some minor first aid. We contacted NC and one of the SAG vehicles took care of it.

We closed our Station at 1630.

Needless to say this was another successful endeavor for LARG. Looking forward to next year. Jay - KI4TXP"

HAMILTON STATION REPORT BY NORM - AI2C:  "We were on site by 0615 hours and completed assemble of the antennas and stations and were operational by 0715 hours. A pair of Diamond verticals and mobile dual-band radios were used for the 2-meter net and for APRS.  There was better coverage this year on APRS with the larger Diamond antenna but there was still a blind spot for the southwest routes. And, as reported by Jay, Ashburn was not always solid copy. We used the packet messaging feature of APRS to stir up some activity with NCS and Reston but it was more of secondary capability. There was plenty of good help and Carol - KF4TJJ, Denny - KF4TJI, Paul - N4PD, Nancy - N1NCY, and Zachary Epperson - KD8OHO took turns keeping a log and handling coordination. Most of the SAG vehicles visited and staged from Hamilton; so, there was always some coordination going on. After lunch, Bryan - KG4UPR and his XYL, Tania, arrived and visited with everyone. It was great to see everyone and to offer assistance to the riders. Most  who get to Hamilton are old hands but a few are worm out or scratched up from a spill and arranging transportation or other assistance was prime activity. By 1530 hours the western routes had been swept by the SAGs and we were given permission to close station. Thanks to all who help at Hamilton. Best Regards - Norm - AI2C"

"Steve Green - KS1G of Herndon along with Maitland - AA4HS and Mark - KI4CTR rode the routes. This is at least Steve's sixth year on the Reston Century.  Here is Steve in 2004 at Hillsboro. This year Steve had an improved radio, GPS and APRS station strapped to his bicycle. Hamilton Station had pretty good copy on his APRS signal out to about 5-miles."

"Hamilton is central to western Loudoun County and everyone who makes it past Ashburn come here at least once. Loudoun Amateur Radio Group deployed four Comm Units with the Reston Century SAG Units: SAG-1 Jay Greeley - KI4UTB, SAG-2 Doug Johnson - KJ4BRN, SAG-3 Kurt Reber - KI4FWB, and SAG-4 Cheryl Beuning - KØCJB. There is lots of bicycle traffic and with it comes tried riders or those who need assistance from a spill or a blown tire. Thus, the SAGs come and go all day from Hamilton. By noon, stuff starts to happen and by 1300 hours some need rides back east."

Net control for the Reston Century Radio Nets was established at the home of Gary Quinn - NC4S southeast of Lovettsville. It was manned by Gary, John - WB5ODJ and Ken - KJ4GYL. It was up on the air early at 0600 hours. It commanded super coverage of the operating area. Operations were conducted on the 2-Meter FM Net and the 2-Meter APRS Net. Plus, the land line was used a a backup and SAG and riders could call in via cell phones for assistance. Net control would then use the radio nets to coordinate assistance.

As usual, Hamilton closes first after the western routes are swept. Then, when most riders are estimated to have arrived or pasted Ashburn, NCS turns the action over to Ashburn Station and then finally, to Reston Town Center to raps it up. This year, Close Station March Order was around 1715 hours. It was a nice operation.