Bicycle Ride Along the Pemigewasset
There's not a nicer place to ride a bicycle
anywhere. And there's not a nicer place
to operate portable than along the
Pemigewasset River. Today I worked
Germany, Belarus, Russia and Slovenia
from the banks of the river.
![](road.jpg)
The road is flat and winds through the fields
and woods of Old Hill Village. An entire
town was moved in the 40s to make room
for a flood control area when the Franklin
Falls Dam was built.
The afternoon sunlight reflects off the river and filters
through the trees as Judy and I peddle south along
the river.
![](shore.jpg)
After riding about a half an hour we come to a small
cove. It looks like the perfect spot to operate.
![](river.jpg)
I throw my water bottle over a pine branch
about 40 feet up. I pull up 30 feet of wire and
attach it to the loop of my backpack and then
to the Elecraft T-1 tuner. The antenna is perfectly
vertical, and I sit down underneath the tree.
I am using the ATS-4 at about 3W on 20 meters.
I hear DK1NO calling CQ. Hannes gives me a 569.
![](jim.jpg)
Shortly after, I tune up a bit and hear Al, EV1R
in Belarus finishing up a QSO. I call him for
a quick exchange of 599s. Barely a minute later,
RU6DX/P is calling a few kHz up the band.
Valery gives me a 599 also, but I know he has
some trouble copying, because I had to send my
call a few times.
![](rig.jpg)
I shoot a quick close-up of the ATS-4 before
answering Leo, S50R in Slovenia. Leo gives
me a 569 report. He is 599. "UR 3W ALL OK
Jim," he sends.
With that I take down the antenna and begin
packing up.
![](antenna.jpg)
The trip back is relaxed. We are bathed in the
lush green of our surroundings. We stop several
times to enjoy a field of goldenrod or see an old
foundation site. We reach the car after 40 minutes
of leisurely riding.