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There are plenty of race results to keep track of, during the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon. B.A.R.C., or the Beargrease Amateur Radio Coalition, are the ones who do it. These amatuer or "ham" radio operators take their hobby seriously, but have fun doing it.
Their control center, called "net control," is set up in the basement of Billy's Bar this year. It's where all of the marathon's vital statistics and course conditions are tracked, called in from radio operators stationed along the trail.
Some of B.A.R.C.'s members have dabbled in radio for decades, such as Tim Davich, who got interested when he served in the military. "It's something fun, being able to talk to people in different areas." Bob Lindberg, who has volunteered with the coalition for years, worked the Finland checkpoint this year. He calls net control whenever a team comes through, with their bib numbers and times. "I've been enjoying myself with the mushers, handlers, and other people coming in."
While all of B.A.R.C.'s members enjoy a good laugh or some playful chitchat over the air waves, they take pride in their work, and in knowing that they provide a needed service to the Beargrease, and many other events in the Northland. Those include the Superior Dragon Boat Races, and Grandma's Marathon.
Davich says its that pride that gives him joy, volunteering with radio in-hand. "Without amatuer radio, the race would have trouble getting communications to places without cell phone service."
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