Midland, Odessa, and Big Spring hams provided communications for the annual Bike MS Cactus & Crude Ride July 15 & 16. Andrew, NF5T, isolated the Midland, Big Spring, Patricia, Post, and Lubbock repeaters from the rest of the PermNet system providing a mini linked repeater system for the event.

Midland/Odessa hams participating were: Frank Alvarado AD5D, Daren Bishop W5DTB, Matthew Ellsworth KE5VFO, Chad Hauris KG5OZI, Scott Johnson AD5U, Clint Lannom N5MXE, David Moore N5QGL, David Overton W5JDO, George Robertson KG5KUQ, Alan Sewell N5NA, Alton Teague N5PSP, Michael Watson KB5KNF, and Lonnie Yee KE5MLP.

Big Spring hams participating were: Dustin Clark KF5FTY, Marvin Gross KE5EUR, Henry Hunter KN3RD, Jackie Moore KI5FJX, and Josh Sigmon KG5ROR.

Motorcycle marshals who are also hams were Jeff Edwards K1TAZ and John Wildenthal KG5PHX from Lubbock and Boerne, respectively.

Ham operators provided lead and tail vehicles for both days, called for bike mechanics as needed, were rovers along the route to assist cyclists, tracked down lost cyclists, moved rest stop supplies along the route, and generally insured the safety of the cyclists. Some hams who were 1st aid certified were called upon by the MS Society to act as 1st aid representatives at various rest stops in addition to their ham radio duties.

Overall the Cactus & Crude Ride went smoothly. One cyclist did have to be transported to the hospital on Saturday. The mini PermNet system worked well and provided good coverage over the whole route.

Plans are already being made for the 2024 Cactus & Crude which will be July 20 & 21, 2024.

The points totals for Field Day are as follows:

QSO points – 7674

Bonus points – 1050

Total points – 8724

We also had 24 contacts made on the GOTA station by Aaron, KG5YUP and Jonathan, KI5JKG. Each contact was worth 5 points for a total of 120. Very good that we had some activity on GOTA.

A very good showing! The sideband effort was by far the most improved and we have the makings of some good contest ops. I hope we can get some contest-level CW ops trained to help in that effort. Next year will be even better!

73, Roger, W5LXS

VE testing has been canceled for Saturday, June 10, due to the passing of Steve Hopkins, K5RS, and his funeral service Saturday morning.

Make plans NOW to attend the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day Hamfest and ARRL West Texas Section Convention on March 18, 2023. We’re also raffling an Icom IC-7610. Please visit the hamfest website for all the details, register, rent tables, and purchase a raffle ticket. We hope to see you there!