Hello All,
Fall-like weather …. finally!
September came in like a (temperature) lion, and then took its own sweet time moderating. But here we are in October, and we are once again with seasonal temperatures. While not a fan of the “s” word (snow), I am looking forward to the cooler seasons and the smaller electric bills. However, I am not yet thinking of the upcoming gas bills. Heavy sigh.
Earlier this year, I was once again invited to be part of the 2023 Warrior Bike Ride Executive Planning Committee. This year’s kickoff meeting was back on February 1st. A tremendous amount of planning, work & three county coordination went into a one-day event. It is always a privilege and a pleasure to work with men & women who are so very good at their jobs. Once again, I learned quite a bit.
Having said that, I have some new numbers for the SOWW Warrior Bike Ride that took place back on September 9th, 2023.
- 264 riders took to the roads, raising $97,612 dollars for the Retreat.
- This will fund 38 Warrior family stays.
- Frank Yurkovich, founder of Golden Seal Enterprises and 18-year U.S. Navy Special Warfare Veteran, was the honorary Ride Marshall.
- It took 120 volunteers to support the ride with 1,000 hrs. of manpower for event day alone.
- The Ole Virginia Hams fielded 28 operators as bike route spotters.
- Warrior Ride Committee preparations began last December with a 2022 after action report in preparation for this year’s ride (2023).
- 75% of our riders have some military affiliation either as active duty, Veteran or military family member.
- Several groups have been with us from the beginning including The Farm Brewery, Nam Knights, Great Falls Volunteer Fire Department and of course, the Ole Virginia Hams.
Speaking personally as a US Army Veteran, I continue to be proud of our club member’s continuing support, and of our association with this very worthwhile charity.
The proposed date for the 2024 Warrior Bike Ride is Saturday, September 7th.
You don’t have to wait until our next monthly meeting to see everyone again. Our monthly breakfast is this Saturday, October 14th at 8:00 AM. Pioneered by Byron, AK4XR, we get together every Saturday before our meetings at a table or two in the back of Yorkshire Restaurant for some good food and good conversation.
Yorkshire Restaurant
7537 Centreville Rd.
Manassas, VA 20111
(703) 368-4905
Menu: https://www.yorkshirerestaurantmanassas.com/menu/
The very last Tri It Now will happen this Sunday. We will be celebrating the 26 seasons of Tri It Now! The “SEASON WRAP UP” will be held on October 15th @ 8:45 AM, at The Freedom Aquatic & Fitness Center, Manassas, VA 20110.
https://www.triitnow.com/
The Season Wrap Up will start with the run, then do the bike, and finally end up with a “snake swim” at the pool. We’ll do the swim last instead of first because late October can be mighty cold for racing with a wet head!!
Categories include: triathlon, duathlon, aquabike, aquathlon, tri-relay teams & a new race category – DU-Relays (2 or 3 person teams with each person completing 1 or 2 legs of the triathlon or duathlon) – ages 10 through adult. We need 7 or 8 volunteers as I write this. As always, to volunteer contact Andy, KJ4MTP via e-mail andy@gamponia.com
Be there as Tri It Now wraps it up!
Our next monthly meeting Tuesday, October 17th.
W4OVH Monthly Meeting
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Buckhall VFD Hall
7190 Yates Ford Road
Manassas, VA 20111
This month’s presentation will one for all of our DIY-ers. Authored by Jeff, WB4TT and Gil, KM4OZH, they have, for the last several months, been working on a 60-foot tilt over tower for Jeff. It weighs over 900 lbs. and can be raised or lowered with just an electric drill. An awful lot of planning & hard work went into this venture. Now, they will be telling and showing us how they did it. Please plan on attending.
The Ole Virginia Hams have scheduled another VE Session for November 4th, 2023 from 8 AM until 12 noon.
Once again, we will be at:
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
CLIFTON CAMPUS
13421 Twin Lakes Dr.
Clifton, VA 20124
This church has 2 campuses. Please remember the VE Session is at the Clifton campus only.
VEs are asked to please volunteer.
The 77th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 2nd at 10 AM.
Planning is underway, but we will need volunteer spotters. If interested and available, please contact George, K4GVT via e-mail george@k4gvt.com
Also, the OVH Holiday Party is once again being organized by Theresa, KG4TVM, once again to be held again at the Yorkshire Restaurant.
Yorkshire Restaurant
7537 Centreville Rd.
Manassas, VA 20111
(703) 368-4905
We will gather on Sunday evening, December 10th , for our meeting/party. For our new members, that means no regular monthly meeting. This is it. The party will run from 6 PM until ~8 PM. Please bring a covered dish, as ham and turkey will be provided by the club.
And bring an unwrapped gift (or two) for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots.
A reminder to check in to the OVH’s Thursday night VHF/UHF repeater net at 8 PM.
The details for that are on the OVH’s web site: https://w4ovh.net
This is a great way to stay in touch.
Questions, comments or war stories can be directed to my e-mail: KN4DD@arrl.net
73,
Ken, KN4DD