2026 Tour de Blount

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Location: Start/Finish at Crawford House on Maryville College Grounds

1. OVERVIEW

• The 2026 Tour de Blount will start and finish at the Crawford House on the Maryville College campus.
• Race start time is 07:30 AM.
• The event includes 25 Mile, 50 Mile, and 75 Mile routes utilizing local roads across Blount County.
• Primary communications goals are rider safety and coordination of transport for riders with equipment breakdowns.
• Lunch will be provided for all active volunteers and riders.
• Route is the same as last year.
• No weapons are allowed on the Maryville College campus.

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,
• Coordinate SAG support and rider assistance.

Operators should arrive at the start/finish area by 07:15 unless proceeding directly to their assignment location.

3. EXECUTION

a. Concept of Operations

• Net Control and communications trailer will be established near the Crawford House.
• NCS trailer setup begins Friday evening.
• Communications volunteers may either report to the start/finish area or proceed directly to assigned positions.
• Check in with NCS upon arrival at your assignment.
• Tactical call signs will be used, followed by FCC call signs at the end of each exchange.
• Keep transmissions brief and concise.
• Do not report rider names or injury details over the air.
• Request NCS contact 911 if emergency services are needed.

b. Timeline

c. Assignments

Net Control and Support

Water Stops

Do not park inside the tunnel at WS3.

SAG Assignments

d. SAG Operations

• SAG vehicles must be capable of transporting both rider and bicycle.
• APRS tracking is strongly encouraged.
• Carry basic tools, tire pump/adapters, extra water, warning sign, and flashing light.
• SAG1 or SAG2 will precede the race start and stage at WS1.
• One SAG should support the lead group while another supports trailing riders as the field spreads out.
• Tail SAG may advance to water stops after counting riders behind them.
• Maintain approximately 200 feet following distance behind riders.
• Pass cyclists only when safe and maintain at least 3 feet clearance.
• If traffic backs up behind your vehicle, pull over safely when possible to allow vehicles to pass.

4. SERVICE & SUPPORT

• Please wear your Blount County ARES shirt.
• Bring radios, extra batteries, larger HT antennas if applicable, and personal supplies.
• APRS frequency: 144.390 MHz.
• Bike support shop will be located beyond Bethel Baptist Church.
• Route cue sheets and GPX files are available on the BCARES Team App.
• Prepare for possible rain conditions.

5. COMMAND & SIGNAL

a. Net Control

• AI4SI and W7FKI will serve as Net Control Stations and coordinate all radio traffic.
• NCS will monitor both primary and backup repeaters throughout the event.

b. Frequency Plan

c. Reporting

• Check in with NCS upon arrival at assignment.
• Keep transmissions short and professional.
• Report hazards, rider support requests, and logistical issues.
• Do not report rider names or medical details over the air.
• Clear with NCS before leaving your assignment.

Have fun, be safe, and thank you for supporting this important event.