Greetings Everyone,
Once again, it’s half past September. After a short cool period last month, September heat came roaring back with a vengeance. Depending where you were in the greater Washington DC area, you experienced three to five days of back to back record-breaking heat paired with less than normal rainfall so far.
The good news, if you will allow me, Hurricane Season (which ends December 1st) has been mild for the US this year, with only one storm hitting the mainland so far. And as always, I hope for a mild winter.
Our flurry of activities is winding down too. Off of the top of my head, we have the last Tri-It-Now event in October, the Manassas Christmas parade on December 2nd and our annual OVH Christmas Party left on this year’s To-Do List.
While I am on the subject of activities, let us not forget that September is National Preparedness Month. I recognize that we can’t do it all, that as a society we are all interdependent. However, I do believe in being as self-sufficient as possible. So, while the weather is warm and mostly dry, now would be a good time to inspect any tree-supported antennas or get a new one up.
I’d like to give thanks to everyone that came out and supported the 6th Annual Warrior Bike Ride on the 9th. It was one for the books.
This year’s Bike Ride was wedged between two unexpected, strong thunderstorms about 12 hours apart. The first thunderstorm blew in the night before around 2 AM. While it soaked everything, there were only a few downed trees along the route on the morning of the Bike Ride. So, we were fortunate there.
We fielded 26 operators for the event and only had one rider incident. A rider near the Aldie, VA rest stop reported being light headed and feeling faint. EMTs were dispatched and could not find our rider. Cat, KM4BPD, one of our two spotters at that location, self dispatched to help. After nearly 20 minutes, it was determined that the rider had felt better on their own and resumed the ride without informing anyone.
And just like last year, a rival bike club held their ride on the same date & route, but in the other direction. Once again, there was a bit of confusion as the two groups intersected. But once again, I am happy to see there were no significant incidents.
The second thunderstorm rolled in just 12 hours later, about 2 PM. While the Bike Ride was indeed winding down by then, the partiers at The Farm Brewery at Broad Run and any stragglers still on the course, got soaked.
Bruce, KN4GDX did his inaugural stint as our Net Control and he did a fine job. I hope he comes back next year.
We would like to recognize our volunteers:
David, KD4DEE; Bruce, KN4GDX; Cat, KM4PBD; Byron, AK4XR; Thomas, W4PIO; Andy, KJ4MTP; Greg, KM4CCG; John, KG4NXT; Ken, KN4DD; James, KQ4CAX; Duane, KK4BZ; Bruce, KN4TS; Jay, NQ4T; Patsy, KO4SFT; Chris, W3CUM; Wayne, N7QLK; Jeffrey, K9VEG; Gene, N4HFW; Grant, KB3EMT; Erik, K4SOK; Marc, N1BED; Alan, KD5VEZ; Lynn, KX4HR; Robin, KJ4LWN & Harold, KN4IJY.
And a big thank you to our Guest Operator, Chief of our EMTs: Frank Smith, KT4LN
Another big tip of the hat to Andy, KJ4MTP for organizing and running the whole ham show.
Additional thanks to Ken, KE2N and Jason, N3JLT for setting up the temporary links between the OVH and Bluemont repeaters and then standing by in case we needed maintenance.
Our 2nd to last Tri It Now – THE 14.06 was Sunday, September 10th @ 7:30 AM, @ The Freedom Aquatic and Fitness Center, Manassas. This is the 14.06 triathlon which is one tenth of iron distance and consists of a triathlon, duathlon, and aquabike.
Like the Warrior Bike Ride the day before, we were wedged between two rain events. It rained overnight, thankfully bringing the temperature down, and it didn’t begin spritzing again until the Mini Tri had ended. The rain did nothing for the humidity, however. The events began at a pleasant 70 degrees, but with a dewpoint over 68°, there was enough humidity to have us sweating anyway.
I’m happy to report that we didn’t have any incidents. However, the number of participants determined to create their own routes despite numerous signs and OVH spotters yelling directions, was impressive.
I would like to recognize our volunteers here:
Andy, KJ4MTP; John, KG4NXT; James, KQ4CAX; Ken, KN4DD; Andrea, KI4SXM; Lynn, KX4HR; Theresa, KG4TVM and Al, KB4BHB.
On a sadder note, Ina Nenninger, owner & organizer of Tri It Now has decided to call it a career. She has informed us that the Tri It Now Season Wrap Up on October 15th, will be the final event and both she and her company will retire.
The OVH has provided spotters to the Tri It Now organization since 2012, and we as a club are better for it. They will be missed by both their participants and our club spotters.
Alexander Graham Bell once said “When one door closes, another opens.” We here at the Ole Virginia Hams wish Ina and her family well as their new future begins.
Next up is our monthly breakfast on September 16th at 8:00 AM. I hear it’s the most important meal of the day. Originally developed 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/
Our next monthly meeting Tuesday, September 19th
W4OVH Monthly Meeting
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
Buckhall VFD Hall
7190 Yates Ford Road
Manassas VA 20111
We will have a video “Everything you need to know about Lithium Batteries” presented by Marcel Stieber, AI6MS.
A reminder that the 77th Greater Manassas Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 2nd @ 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, 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