MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Here’s a look at the unsung heroes of the UP 200. The people who provide vital communications along the route.
The UP 200 traverses some of the most remote locations in Michigan. And if you’ve ever lost cell phone service, you know that cellular communications are not always reliable. That’s where Ham radios come in. Ham Radio coordinator Tom Perry is in charge of the network of operators that monitor the course, relay important information, and call for help if needed.
“There are a lot of dead spots, so you can’t use cell phones. And the gentleman that used to coordinate before me, he was a really smart guy. So they tried to do it with cell phones one year, and it was, it was a flop,” said Perry.
The system works on repeaters that allow someone in Marquette to communicate with anyone else along the route.
“We provide the repeater system that is the backbone of the communications, and they’re all linked together. So when you’re here in Marquette and you key your radio, it trips the repeaters of Marquette Township, Wetmore and Grand Marais. So everybody along the route hears every conversation,” explained Perry.
As with most of the UP 200, these radio warriors are all volunteers.
“So, between the two races, we’ve got approximately 20 checkpoints, and we’ve got, I counted, roughly 30 volunteer Ham radio operators,” said Perry.
The Ham radio clubs of the Central UP also provide communications for other events.
“I think we work different events. The UP 200, Lake Superior Performance Rally, Marquette Marathon, The Ore to Shore bike race, and The Noquemanon Ski Race, We do this for all of those different events,” said Perry.
