Why would you want to be an Ironman when you are already a Tin God?
Ok, that is just because I don’t train nearly enough for that sort of thing.
I have done a couple of Ironman events – and they all basically setup a station along the route and report in race leaders, tail enders, and anything interesting until they all past your point and you can go home. Ok, there is a little more to it than that, like some mobile hams – traveling the route in a vehicle checking on things. Oh and the larnies – keeping the race coordinators, owners, and managers in contact.
This Ironman was different. Well at least for me – I had some Hammies and they made me proud! I was asked if I could man a station which would be on the cycle and the run routes. This means get in before the road closures and leave after midnight. I was then asked if I could man the route clear vehicle (the vehicle that drives the route before things get going to make sure the route markers, bollards, traffic cones etc. are in place. A lot of fun driving around, but who would setup and man my station in the mean time?
Dakota and Mike (ZU2DW and ZU2MOO) not only setup the station, but the ran it until I could get back there after my “morning drive”.
This was not the total Hammies involvement either – by special request, Graydon ZU2GH was assigned to the race coordinator and followed her around like a lost puppy. A responsible job, well done. Graydon also assisted with the deployment of the temporary repeater on the Radisson Blue hotel (see pics below).
I was so proud of my Hammies!
On a personal note, my brother did not take part in the event this year, but had completed an Ironman the previous year – along with a Two Oceans Ultra and the comrades. Proud of him too!
Ironman 2017 – ZU2GH Graydon – Radisson repeater installation
Ironman 2017 – Radisson repeater installation
XYL with the tent behind her – prepared for sleepy Hammies!
Ironman 2017 field station.
Ironman 2017 – antenna for Radisson repeater