Sweep Riders Of the Sierra’s (SOS), is an
all-volunteer riding group established to provide safety and on-trail
communications for endurance events on the Western States Trail and other
Northern California locations.
Our responsibility during these
events is to "sweep the trail," that is, to follow the last few runners or
riders and assure that no one is lost or injured.
Each sweep team is comprised of 2 to 3 riders, sweeping
one section of the trail from 7 to 20 miles in length before being relieved by
a fresh team. Over some parts of the course, we also deploy a second mounted
team in the middle of "the pack" to provide added coverage.
SOS Team Leaders are experienced riders who are also
licensed amateur radio operators. Using hand-held HAM equipment, they keep
contact with the central Event Control station while traversing the sometimes
remote and otherwise inaccessible trail. GPS equipment is also carried so as to
provide accurate location information to emergency rescue units, such as
MedEvac helicopters.
Sound like Fun?
Please read our Qualification Policy page for details.
2012 Qualification Rides will be
held on May 19th and May 22nd.
You MUST
pre-register to ride.
All rides are in Cool behind the Fire
Station. Be saddled and READY TO RIDE by 10am. You MUST CONFIRM BY PHONE
with Lynn Seeley (916-663-1714) NO E-MAIL Confirmations!
PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A $10.00
CHARGE FOR PARKING OR YOU MUST HAVE A POPPY PASS ($90.00 FOR THE YEAR.)
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Team Members each carry a full pack of survival and first aid supplies. In
the event of an incident on the trail, involving injuries or otherwise, teams
also gather information for review by Event
management, Comm management and SOS itself.
If your horse (or mule) is focused and
quiet, and if you would love to ride the most scenic part of the Golden
Sierra country and participate as a volunteer in one or more of the area's
endurance events, please contact SOS about becoming a "unique riding
volunteer". All qualifying rides are held in the Cool, CA, staging area, and
all breeds of equines are welcome to participate.
Meetings are held at Denny's Restaurant at 1800 Auburn
Ravine Rd. in Auburn (across freeway from Baker's Square.) IF YOU PLAN ON
ORDERING FOOD, be there around 6:00PM. Meeting starts at 7:00PM. As
always, you will be given individual checks for your dinner and they will
include the tip on your bill.
2012 General Meeting dates are as follows:
- April 26, 2012
- June 14, 2012
- July 26, 2012
- August 23, 2012
- November 29, 2012
