Dancing Bear Bike Bash 2026
William McKeehan
Dancing Bear Bike Bash 2026

Dancing Bear Bike Bash 2026

Date: Sat September 19, 2026

Time: 7:00AM - 2:00PM

Location: Townsend, TN

1. OVERVIEW

  • The 2026 Dancing Bear Bike Bash will take place in Townsend, TN on Saturday, September 19.
  • Race will start and finish at 137 Apple Valley Way, Townsend, TN 37882 (same as years past).
  • Maps available via RideWithGPS: https://ridewithgps.com/events/492023-dancing-bear-bike-bash-2026 Participants and volunteers are encouraged to download the free RideWithGPS app and save routes offline.
  • The course includes 27 Mile, 36 Mile and 45 Mile routes utilizing local roads in and around Townsend.
  • All three routes will all start at 9AM and will proceed onto US-321 with a police escort.
  • Weather conditions are expected to be hot and humid with periods of sun; a thunderstorm in spots in the afternoon; possible danger of dehydration and heatstroke while doing strenuous activities. The forecast high is 91°.
  • Communications volunteers are needed to provide logistical and emergency support along the race route for the duration of the event.

2. OUR ROLE

Provide reliable, real-time communications coverage along the race routes in order to:

  • Relay status updates from race personnel,
  • Report medical or logistical issues to race personnel,
  • Monitor safety conditions along the course,
  • Assist in coordination of race logistics (e.g., water stops, course closures).

Volunteers should be in place and ready for check-in by 08:45 and remain on post until released by Net Control.

3. EXECUTION

a. Concept of Operations

  • Net Control will be established in the communications trailer at the start/finish area by 07:30.

  • All field operators should check in by 08:45.

  • Communications will be conducted on the 146.625 repeater (tone 156.7).

  • Backup repeater will be 444.950 (tone 156.7).

  • APRS will be used to track SAG vehicles on the standard frequency 144.390

  • Field operators will monitor the net throughout the event and report any needs or incidents to NCS.

  • SAG Activities

    • SAG 1 & SAG 2 will active follow combined 35 and 45 mile routes.
    • SAG 3, SAG 4, and SAG 5 will provide backup coverage for all routes as directed by NCS.
    • SAG 3
      • pre-stage at Coulter Bridge/Elleljoy for 27 mi turn-arounds.
      • Return to trailer via Old Walland Hwy and standby
      • Follow 27 milers back, wait 10 minutes after riders leave.
    • SAG 4
      • pre-stage at E. Miller Cove and Old Walland Hwy (near 5291 Old Walland Hwy)
      • When all riders past move to Dry Valley split via Hwy 321, not Old Walland Hwy
      • Make final sweep of Dry Valley extension when directed by NCS
    • SAG 5 pre-stage at Bethlehem Church

b. Timeline

Time Activity
07:00AM Coffee House opens.
07:30AM Packet pickup begins.
07:30AM Net Control Setup Begin.
08:15AM Trailer ready for voice and APRS
08:45AM Roll call.
09:00AM Ride Start.
10:45AM – 2:00PM Lunch service window for participants.
01:45PM Ride Finish.
~2:00PM Event ends (subject to last riders).

c. Assignments

Tactical Callsign Name Notes
NCS 1 AI4SI Rick and tow trailer
NCS 2 WB3JKQ Lou
WS1 AA0JE/KK4MG Jim/Mike E. Miller Cove & Old Walland Hwy
WS2 W9ACB Michael Bethlehem Church 45/36 mi routes
SAG 1 KI4HDU William active on 36 and 45 mile routes
SAG 2 KE4FGW David active on 36 and 45 mile routes
SAG 3 W4LSM Paul pre-stage at Coulter Bridge for 27 mile turn-around
SAG 4 N4AER David pre-stage at E. Miller Cove and Old Walland Hwy
SAG 5 NW1A Craig pre-stage at Bethlehem Church

d. Support Material

4. SERVICE & SUPPORT

  • Please wear your Blount County ARES shirt.
  • Operators are responsible for their own communications gear (HTs, mobile rigs, batteries).
  • Operators are responsible for their own personal items such as water, snacks, chair, clipboard, rain gear, and any required medications.
  • Dress appropriately for weather and standing time.
  • All SAGS to carry basic tools, tire pump, Presta to Schrader valve adapter
  • All SAGS must be able to carry bikes and riders. Bike racks preferred
  • ALL – be careful what info you pass over the radio.  For an injured rider, transmit only the rider's tag number and general need.

5. COMMAND & SIGNAL

a. Net Control

  • Ricky, AI4SI, and Lou, WB3JKQ, will act as Net Control Station and coordinate all radio traffic and incident reporting.
  • All check-ins, traffic, and releases should go through NCS.

b. Frequency Plan

  • Primary: 146.625 MHz (-) tone 156.7
  • Backup: 444.950 MHz (+) tone 156.7
  • APRS on 144.390 MHz

c. Reporting

  • Check in with NCS on arrival at assigned location

  • Maintain situational awareness and report:

    • Injuries or medical needs
    • Hazards (weather, traffic, etc.)
    • Logistical support needs

  • Clear with NCS before leaving your post

  • Come by trailer after race.  There may be some free lunch gift cards.

Be professional, prepared, and punctual. Your support is critical to a safe and successful event.

 2026 DBBB 27 Mile
 2026 DBBB 36 Mile
 2026 DBBB 45 Mile