Radios Need Work

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Today, I participated in the Gears for Goldens charity bike ride.  This ride included 62, 38, and 18 mile routes.  This is another annual event where I donate my time, truck, and radio skills to provide support for riders.

Today, I was able to assist a rider who had an accident.  At about mile 9 of the 62 mile route, the rider hit a fairly significant pot hole in the road, and he and the bike took a spill.  The bike was fine... the rider's head protected it.  When I came up to the incident, I found 7 or 8 riders stopped to help the downed rider, who was on the ground.  He had a nasty but on his forehead, and his helmet had been broken in half.  Fortunately, the man never lost conciousness, was lucid, and the other riders were able to assist him with basic first aide.  After about 20 minutes, during which time noone came in response to the 911 call, the rider decided he was well enough to go to the emerency clinic on his own recognacance.  At that point, I provided a ride for him and his bicycle back to start/finish.

One slight problem I had during this day was radio problems.  Something wasn't set correctly on either my mobile radio or my hand held.  The mobile needs a computer to update, so I couldn't fix that.  The hand held could be programmed using the keypad (with difficulty), and I did manage to get it working.  Only the handheld only has an 18" whip, and thus, a limited range.  I'll be spending the next week making sure that the main radio in the truck is programmed correctly.  I have also ordered an additional mag mount antenna that I can hook up to the handheld.

Fun day, and the big takeaway for volunteers is a free t-shirt.

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