Hundreds of Amateur Radio operators, most from California, Nevada, and Arizona, turned out March 19-20 to support communication for the 2016 Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay (B2V). This year marked the 32nd anniversary of the event, sometimes called “The world’s longest police foot pursuit.” The relay event covers some 120 miles of remote territory, from the Mojave Desert near Baker, California — the gateway to Death Valley — to Las Vegas, Nevada.

“This event allows the Southwestern US amateur community to showcase its abilities to the country's law enforcement community,” ARRL Los Angeles Section Manager David Greenhut, N6HD, said. As in past years, Joy Matlack, KD6FJV, served as Communication Director, assisted by Margie Hoffman, KG6TBR, organizing the Amateur Radio communication support. The effort involves nearly a year of planning and preparation.

The 2016 event hosted to 264 law enforcement teams. Amateur Radio volunteers provided needed race staffing, but also filled potential emergency communication gaps in remote portions of the course. Los Angeles ARES (ARESLAX) teams were among the volunteering groups. — Thanks to Los Angeles Section Manager David Greenhut, N6HD