Iredell County Amateur Radio Society 
The Love Valley Roubaix is a challenging cycling event held in Love Valley, North Carolina. This event is inspired by the famous Paris-Roubaix race in France, known for its tough terrain and cobblestone sections. The Love Valley Roubaix offers cyclists a similarly demanding course, featuring a mix of paved and unpaved roads, gravel, and dirt paths that wind through the scenic countryside of Love Valley.
Participants can expect a variety of course lengths, catering to different skill levels and endurance capabilities. The event typically attracts both amateur and experienced cyclists who are eager to test their skills and stamina on the rugged terrain. The race is known for its steep climbs, descents, and the technical challenges posed by the varying road conditions.
In addition to the cycling challenge, the Love Valley Roubaix often fosters a festive atmosphere, with spectators lining parts of the course and various local vendors and activities available for participants and their supporters. The event showcases the natural beauty of the region and the vibrant cycling community that comes together to celebrate this unique and grueling race.
Every year, ICARS (Iredell County Amateur Radio Society) plays a crucial role in supporting the Love Valley Roubaix race, ensuring effective communication across the event’s challenging terrain where cell phone coverage is poor. Here’s how ICARS assists:
Stationing Vehicles with Radios: ICARS strategically positions vehicles equipped with radios at various points along the race course. These vehicles serve as communication hubs, bridging the gap where cell phone signals are unreliable or nonexistent.
Deploying Licensed Hams: Licensed amateur radio operators from ICARS are stationed along the route to monitor and relay real-time updates. These hams ensure that all parts of the course are covered, providing a reliable network for communication.
Providing Updates to Race Command: The stationed hams continuously communicate with race command, relaying important information about the race progress, conditions of the route, and any emerging issues. This constant stream of updates helps in maintaining a coordinated effort throughout the event.
Assisting Cyclists in Need: In case of emergencies such as injuries or exhaustion, ICARS members are on hand to assist. They can quickly communicate the need for medical assistance or other support, ensuring that help arrives promptly.
Enhancing Safety and Coordination: The presence of ICARS ensures a higher level of safety for all participants. By providing a robust communication network, they help in coordinating efforts between race officials, medical teams, and other support staff, making the event smoother and safer.
ICARS’ involvement is vital to the successful and safe execution of the Love Valley Roubaix, highlighting the importance of amateur radio in community events, especially in areas with limited communication infrastructure.
