Our Foxcatcher Endurance Event is a great way to start the Fair Hill International season. Not only is it a bonus to have another equine discipline using the excellent venue of the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area, but it also allows us to meet new folks with very different skills along the way! Take for instance the Columbia Amateur Radio Association (CARA)…what in the world do they have in common with our Endurance riders?
For the last 12 years, amateur radio operators Andy Protigal and David Parkison have been coming up from Howard County to volunteer during our Endurance Event, including participating in the 100-mile event se
veral years ago that required 18 volunteers working from 4 AM to 3:30 AM the next morning! Their radio operation provides communication support through radio operations, including setting up 8-10 stations along the course, tracking rider locations through a computer spreadsheet system, and maintaining situational awareness for safety assistance. They track riders through a system of checkpoints and radio communications. The organization works with the competition organizer to identify locations for radio support stations and coordinates with DNR officials at Fair Hill. Typically, they operate 8-10 stations on the course plus a net control station at base camp. Â Andy serves as a rover on the course checking on each station and being a backup if there is a problem. David works at control keeping the records of where and when each rider passes one of their check points.
Both volunteers obtained their ham radio licenses in 2010. Each of them was attracted by the challenge of building a field station, not in a facility, but using battery or generated power to create an independent, self-contained communication system to reach out and learn about others who share a fraternal bond with communication beyond one’s own world. The involvement with Foxcatcher is motivated by a spirit of volunteering and wanting to give back to the community. They support other events including the Civil War Century bike ride in Thurmont, MD. Unlike the Foxcatcher event where they staff fixed positions, they staff both fixed and mobile stations (i.e. cars) that are staffed to provide assistance to riders that experience mechanical problems or injuries (muscle cramps, etc.).
Andy shared that he got involved in 2010 for both personal interest and the opportunity to give back to the community, noting that the hobby attracts people of various backgrounds and ages. He describes with excitement of the opportunity he had to connect a young radio enthusiast with an astronaut at the International Space Station. They emphasized that amateur radio is a fun hobby that allows people to explore STEM fields, give back to the community, and communicate with others around the world, particularly appealing to those interested in technical and scientific topics.