Bakers Scenic Challenge
NorWestTARC and NorTARC combined resources to provide safety communications for the latest equine endurance event. At a new venue near Bakers Beach, extending into the Dazzler Range and south to Frankford Rd. The field was the biggest for some time, with over 100 entries, spread roughly equally over 80km, 40km and 12 km rides.
Being new tracks in a new area, more than the usual preparation was prudent. Once the tracks were confirmed and desirable checkpoint sites identified, Radio Mobile software was applied to find comms should be readily achieved without the need for a repeater. A sites visit with the track setter indicated access to be reasonable, though the road was badly pot-holed.
The NTARC comms trailer was put into position at Ride Base on Friday, ready for an 06:00 gathering on Saturday before heading off to stations ready for the 80km ride start at 06:30.
A crew consisting of VK7s Roger ARN, Stuart FEAT, Rick RI, Ross WP, Andre’ ZAB, Idris ZIR, Stefan ZSB passed around 300 messages to Base, from the eight checkpoints at the three locations. Climatic conditions were less than favourable with forecast wind gusts of 70km/h and showers.
