By Paul Teel, WB5ANX
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For the past 20+ years the local amateur radio community in Tulsa has supported the local cycling clubs by providing communication and safety support. The first of four events in 2025 was Tour de Tulsa and the final event comprised two days in the biggest of them all, Tulsa Tough on Saturday and Sunday. A huge thank you to all the volunteers, loaner equipment, and repeaters in service…especially from the Tulsa Repeater Organization and the Tulsa Amateur Radio Club. I am still working on the After-Action-Report and Improvement Plan from Tulsa Tough. However, I can tell you that we had a good number of new hams involved this year as a ride-along. They were learning the craft of being a SAG and just how to support the riders on the course.
Many of last year’s ride-along were SAG drivers this year.
Why do we do this?
Planning and executing the events helps us practice and reinforce the skills we need for emergency communications. And public relations is a real plus as we give back to the community. The feedback from the ride sponsors is universally positive. They are impressed with the planning, volunteer commitment, and communications capability. Lastly, we have a lot of fun during the events. Just check out the pictures from this year’s events.
Do you want to volunteer and participate in one of our events?
The next cycling event will be D.A.M JAM on Saturday, September 6. It starts and ends in Pryor with courses that go through some of the most beautiful parts of Northeastern Oklahoma. If
you would like to volunteer, please register at W5IAS.com under events (when registration opens). Or contact me directly and we can discuss how best to participate.
A hearty thanks to all the volunteers! Well done for 2025.