Radio Operators from the Cleveland ARC, Chattanooga ARC, and Collegedale ARC joined forces to assist Scott’s Bike Shop with their annual Black Bear Rampage bike race in the Cherokee National Forest near the Olympic White Water Center in Polk Co, TN.
Riders could choose to compete in a 20-mile or 40-mile race. Radio Operators were stationed at various checkpoints along the course to provide directions and aid if needed.
This year a major accident occurred between Checkpoint 13 and Checkpoint 14 where a rider flipped head first over his handlebars. The radio operator at Checkpoint 14 was informed by riders and called in the emergency to Net Control. Net Control quickly dispatched the Polk County Fire & Rescue Squad to go in and assist the rider out of the woods and take him to the nearest hospital to treat a broken collarbone.
Radio operators were commended for their ability to act quickly and relay the necessary information to the Fire & Rescue Squad.
