Overview
The Silicon Valley Tour de Cure is a fund-raising event sponsored by the American Diabetes Association. The Tour is comprised of four bicycle tours, 25K, 50K, 75K, and 120K in length. Each rider is sponsored, and many are in company-sponsored teams. While the ADA provides a large community of scientists and health-care providers for the treatment of diabetes, its goal is the cure and prevention of the disease. The Tour de Cure takes place in over 200 locations in the United States, contributing millions of dollars to treatment and research. The Silicon Valley Tour de Cure has raised slightly under $1 million each year for the past couple of years. Our goal for this year is to get over that $1 million hurdle. And none of this would be possible without the dedication of our great volunteers.
The American Diabetes Association's Silicon Valley Tour de Cure website is here
This is a demanding event for radio operators. The 120K route goes through Portola Valley and the hills of the ocean side of the Peninsula. Coverage in the valleys and canyons is difficult. Volunteer operators should be prepared for cold, wet weather (especially in the morning) and hot, sunny weather (especially in the afternoon). NOTE: Because operators will be out for up to eight hours, they should have plenty of battery power, food, and water, along with whatever other supplies they will need during the day. In some locations, we recommend mobile radios with at least 25 watts of power.
We will attempt to have lunches included in with the Rest/Water Stop supplies for volunteers at those locations. However, bringing along some food and water of your own is never a bad idea.
As each course closes, a sweep will be made to determine if there are riders still on that course. Any final requests for support or the SAG wagon should be made at that time. All radio operators should be off duty by 5:30 pm. However, many of the Rest Stops close much earlier.
Thanks for all you do,
ericl, KI6AOC, Comms Lead for Silicon Valley Tour de Cure