Several SLQS members are avid cyclists, and Derek WB0̸TUA had an idea: combine a group bike ride with POTA activations. Derek pitched the idea at one of our outdoor meetings using a “Park Powerpoint” preso (paper photos taped to several sign boards). The response was an enthusiastic “Yes!” The target date was October 4th.

The riders started at 9:30am at a parking lot adjacent to the Great Rivers Greenway trail. Bikers met there to load up and head out, following the Monarch Levee trail to reach US-0374, Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge. Here they set up for the first activation, spending about 90 minutes as K0FHG, KC8FDU, and N0SA got on the air to get their first activations of the day. Jim KK0̸U hauled things too heavy for bike transport in his truck — very much appreciated!

From there the crew rode across the Discovery Bridge to the Katy Trail (US-1766) where it adjoins Weldon Spring State Conservation Area (US-6492). That’s a twofer! (In POTA-speak, a “two-fer” is a location which overlaps two parks.) This site was also the place where Keith KC0PP had been preparing an outstanding BBQ lunch for everyone.

KC0̸PP later commented: “It was a beautiful day for biking, POTA and a picnic! It was great fun. There is already talk for another event next year. This could become an annual event!”

And WB0̸TUA had this to say: “A heartfelt thank you to all who participated in our first annual Bike-In/Drive-In POTA! We had a great turnout today and the weather really cooperated. An extra special thank you to Keith KC0̸PP who brought all the food and did all the cooking and to Jim KK0̸U who carried everyone’s stuff from the start to the 1st Stop to the 2nd Stop and then back to the start.”

Members who participated: John AA0̸VE, Jon N0̸WL, Larry N0̸SA, David W0̸DCX, Keith KC0̸PP, Mike WB0̸SND, Mark KB5YZY, Katherine KD0̸LSB, Jeff N0̸MII, Jared W7AQB, Gib KE0̸PRK, Geoff KC8FDU, Sarah KF0̸UHI, Jim KK0̸U, Bob K0̸FHG