The ride was operating as “Usual” until around noon
when we experienced the onset of thunderstorms.
High Winds, heavy down pours and cool temperatures began to take its toll on the riders
as these WX cells developed into more sever conditions.
The Half Ebbetts, Ebbetts, Hermit Valley, Sandy Meadows and Pacific grade sites had numerous riders with early on symptoms of hypothermia
and some later experiencing more severe symptoms as the storms continued.
Once again, our ham radio operators said to heck with the recommendations
and took the worst cases in to their vehicles, and RV’s to warm up.
I have NO DOUBT that some
VERY SERIOUS CONSEQUENCIES
were averted because of these actions.
This event involving Amateur Radio radio volunteers not only includes radio communications,
but show cases “Real World” examples of the compassion and responsibility
that provides the Reputaion we are all proud to be a part of!
I’m always proud to be associated with you in the communication center for the Death Ride.
Your quick and calm responses allow the NCS ops in the TARA communication van to relay your traffic
in an accurate and professional manner.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU
to the crew from the
Calaveras Amateur Radio Society, Inc.