Bikes and Bumblebees
By John Cumming, VE3JC
The Friday before FoBB, I had to have a suspect skin cancer removed (free advice to radio adventurers: As the song says, "wear sunscreen"!). Anyway, I didn't figure the stitches in my chest would stand up to a paddling outing, as I had done in the previous "flights". But I certainly did not want to miss out on the Bumble Bee fun, so I headed out on the bicycle with my usual bike mobile equipment (QRP+ and Outbacker Perth ant.).

I set the antenna on 20 m, and had just started riding when I heard W7EL. It was a real thrill to work Roy, and then to hear "as ... VE3JC/m de AA7QU" - "tag team" Oregon QSO's with Roy and Russ! I still hadn't worked up a sweat under the hot sunny southern ontario sky when I contacted WQ4RP, Paul. By this time, I'm sure I had a grin as wide as the back road I was riding on. Due to the heat and some minor discomfort (reminder #2 - wear sunscreen!) I rode for only 2 1/2 hours.

I occasionally checked 15, 10 and 40, but made no contacts on these bands. States worked included: OR, NC, UT, NH, MN, MA, CT, CO, GA, TN, TX. Working W1VT was another thrill, and it was great to hear all the familiar calls on the band (even if many could not hear me!). Thanks to all for another most enjoyable FoBB.