Bull of Africa event needs more radio hams

The Bull of Africa event is a multi-discipline outdoor sport involving everything from mountain biking, canoeing, hiking, rope climbing, abseiling and navigation from point to point.

The race routes are planned through remote areas not seen by the general public and teams and volunteers see parts of the country they would never have dreamed existed.

More Radio Amateurs are needed for this seven-day (570km) event where the world's top international teams will be competing against our own teams. Teams race non-stop and rest/sleep at their own discretion where and when they feel it is necessary.

The Bull this year is to take place in the area around East London, starting Saturday 9 August and ending Saturday 16 August. Volunteers are, however, asked to be available from 7 to 17 August so that they can be deployed to their respective points. There will be 10 points on the race route that require communication back to HQ on a 24-hour basis.

The duties are very much the same as those at motor sport rallies - just not so much dust or mud! This as a great opportunity to test skills in setting up in remote places and maintaining communication for an extended period. Teams on the first legs of the route would not necessarily be there for the duration; once all the teams have passed a CP it will be stood down. Teams on the latter section will be required for the duration.

The organisers offer R100 per person per day to cover sustenance, free camping at Areena caravan and holiday resort in East London for the start and finish, cost of meal at prize giving for all volunteers (evening 16 August), free T shirt bearing the "Bull" logo and petrol costs by the most direct route to EL from home and return.

This invitation is open to all licensed radio amateurs. The success of the event will depend much on amateur radio support.

Contact Ian Jacobs, ZS6IAN, email address cherian@iburst.co.za or call him on 083 650 9289.

He needs your support right now. If you would like to have an experience of a lifetime, call him today.