The purpose of SOS is to "sweep the trail" utilizing
amateur radio operator equestrian teams for selected endurance
events.
About SOS...
Sweep Riders Of the Sierra’s (SOS), is an
all-volunteer riding group established to provide safety and on-trail
communications for endurance events on the Western States Trail and other
Northern California locations.
Our responsibility during these
events is to "sweep the trail," that is, to follow the last few runners or
riders and assure that no one is lost or injured.
Each sweep team is comprised of 2 to 3 riders, sweeping
one section of the trail from 7 to 20 miles in length before being relieved by
a fresh team. Over some parts of the course, we also deploy a second mounted
team in the middle of "the pack" to provide added coverage.
SOS Team Leaders are experienced riders who are also
licensed amateur radio operators. Using hand-held HAM equipment, they keep
contact with the central Event Control station while traversing the sometimes
remote and otherwise inaccessible trail. GPS equipment is also carried so as to
provide accurate location information to emergency rescue units, such as
2010 Qualification Rides will be
held on May 6th and May 23rd.
You MUST
pre-register to ride.
All rides are in Cool on the Olmsted
loop. Be saddled and READY TO RIDE by 10am. You MUST CONFIRM BY PHONE
with Debbi (530-887-1353) or Lynn (916-663-1714) NO E-MAIL Confirmations!
Team Members each carry a full pack of survival and first aid supplies. In
the event of an incident on the trail, involving injuries or otherwise, teams
also gather information for review by Event
management, Comm management and SOS itself.
If your horse (or mule) is focused and
quiet, and if you would love to ride the most scenic part of the Golden
Sierra country and participate as a volunteer in one or more of the area's
endurance events, please contact SOS about becoming a "unique riding
volunteer". All qualifying rides are held in the Cool, CA, staging area, and
all breeds of equines are welcome to participate.
2010 Events We Support:
Western States Endurance Run (WSER) June
26-27, 2010(See WSER Sweep
Schedule)
Gold Country 30/50 Endurance Ride (GCER)
July 10, 2010(See GCER Sweep
Schedule)
Western States Trail Ride (TEVIS CUP)
July 24-25, 2010(See Tevis Sweep
Schedule)
Lake Oroville Vista Endurance Ride (LOVER)
Nov 6, 2010 (contingent on finding a new Ride Manager)
SOS Membership Meetings
Meetings are held at Denny's Restaurant at 1800 Auburn
Ravine Rd. in Auburn (across freeway from Baker's Square.) IF YOU PLAN ON
ORDERING FOOD, be there around 6:00PM. Meeting starts at 7:00PM. As
always, you will be given individual checks for your dinner and they will
include the tip on your bill.
Our responsibility during these
events is to "sweep the trail," that is, to follow the last few runners or
riders and assure that no one is lost or injured.