We are now only two days away from the Black Bear.  Since my last message a number of volunteers have come forward, but we have also lost a few with a net result of still being a few shy of what we would like to have to run safely.  You will see in the attached chart that we still have some important positions unfilled. Please note that all assignments are tentative and may change for a variety of reasons.

We will not have  a problem for Stage One and Two (Sherborne Lake), as the Pine Springs/Ril Lake stage workers can fill in there, but they will have to leave before Stages Three and Four run at Sherborne.  If you are listed as working Pine Springs or Ril and show up at the 9:30 worker meeting,  we will have you fill in at Sherborne 1/2  or at Headquarters/Service Area until you need to meet to go to your afternoon stages.

All worker meetings are at the same location – the parking lot across from the Frost Centre on Hwy 35.  It is 23 km north of Carnarvon and 11 km south of Dorset.

Meeting times are as follows:

Stage preparation – Friday 11:00 A.M.

Notes Familiarization Passes – Saturday 6:45 A.M.

Main Worker Meeting – Saturday 9:30 A.M.

Pine Springs/Ril Lake Stage Meeting – Saturday 1:30

Be sure to come prepared for the weather – forecast is for 23 degrees, sunny with 15 kmh winds.  You should be prepared for a day in the sun.

You also need to come prepared to deal with the bugs.  When I was on the roads a few days ago there were no black flies and only a few mosquitoes,  but that can change dramatically with the weather.  Let’s hope for enough breeze to keep them away. Light coloured clothing is advised.

Bring lots of food and drink.  You will be out there for quite a long time.

Have lots of fuel in your vehicle before you go out.  There is a gas station at Carnarvon and one in Dorset.

Be sure to have writing utensils – pen, paper & clipboard.  Also try to have a good digital watch. We will provide each stage end team with at least one atomic clock.

If you are a radio operator and can bring an extra handheld, please do.  They are great between the Flying Finish and the Finish Control car.  Just put the handheld on its lowest power setting.  For those who do not have that, we will be providing FRS radios.

The primary radio frequency will be 146.775-  Other frequencies will be assigned by Area Supervisors as needed.

All workers are invited to the Awards Banquet in Dorset after the rally.

Thanks for volunteering.

Ross Wood VE3WOD, Chief Control Marshal