Radio amateurs to provide comms in 'Bull of Africa' adventure race

The 'Bull of Africa' is a multi-discipline outdoor adventure race, involving everything from mountain-biking, canoeing, hiking, rope-climbing and navigation from point-to-point. The race routes are planned through remote areas not normally seen by the general public. Teams and volunteers see parts of South Africa that they would never have dreamed of.

The 'Bull of Africa' is seven-day, 570 km event. The world's top international teams will compete against our own teams, who have competed successfully in events around the world. Teams race non-stop and rest/sleep at their own discretion where and when they feel it is necessary. They have to pass through checkpoints en route and transition points where the disciplines change.

The 'Bull' this year, is to take place in the area around East London, starting on Saturday 9 August and ending on Saturday 16 August. Volunteers are asked to be available from 7 to 17 August, so that they can be deployed to their respective checkpoints. There will be 10 checkpoints on the race route that require communication back to HQ on a 24 hour basis. It is for these 10 points that Ian Jacobs, ZS6AIN, is looking to muster amateur radio teams to supply a communication network.

Duties are similar to those at motorsport rallies - just not so much dust or mud! This is a great opportunity to test your skills in setting up a radio station 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 checkpoint, 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 the prize-giving for all volunteers on the evening of 16 August, a free T-shirt bearing '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.

Source: The South African Radio League