Welcome to the Frederick Amateur Radio Club!

What is Tour de Frederick (TdF)?

TdF is primarily a cycling fund-raiser that benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Frederick County as well as the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek.

Where is the Tour de Frederick?

TdF starts and ends at the Walkersville Volunteer Fire Company. There are four routes that cyclists can select, including 100 mile Century ride, 63 mile Metric Century, 31 mile Club and 10 mile Family ride. The routes all head north from Walkersville, with Century routing through the Gettysburg Military Park in southern Adams County.

What is the role of radio operators?

For TdF, we provide communications for the entire event. More specifically,

• Radio volunteers ride in Support and Gear (aka SAG) vehicles and communicate with net control regarding riders that may need assistance. Often the radio operator is the navigator, directing the vehicle driver. SAG vehicles support riders, either helping with basic mechanical issues (you do NOT need to be a bike mechanic), transporting riders with more significant issues, and assist in cleaning up directional signage and rest stop remnants.
• Radio volunteers staff the six rest stops along the routes. At rest stops, radio operators communicate needs and issues to the event staff via net control.
• Net Control is the heart of the operation. At net control, SAG vehicles are tracked and dispatched to assist riders, and provide the communication link for the whole event.

What equipment do I need in order to volunteer?

While you’re encouraged to use your own radio gear, we can generally equip you with whatever you may need. Many rest stops can reach the repeaters with only a hand-held radio, although an “enhanced” antenna is often beneficial. Operating in a SAG vehicle more often requires a 50 watt mobile radio with a magnetic mount antenna, but we have loaners as needed.

How long is the day?

Net Control will be on the air from ~6:30 until the last rider comes in, generally around 5pm. However, we can accommodate just about any schedule that you have. For example, the first rest stop is only open from 7 until 10am. We also have later in the day shifts.

What if I’m a new ham and know nothing?

This is the perfect event to get your feet wet! We can pair you up with an experienced operator in order to learn the process.