You can run an animation of the routes as wellOriginally Posted by AJF
You can run an animation of the routes as well
Well at least it got some discusson of sorts going, but I fear you (generally)have not visited http://www.equineramblersuk.co.uk/pe...or-beacons.php for more information to educate yourselves further.
There is no shame in being ignorant about it or learnng more. There are a lot out there that have no knowledge of PLB's. This campaign and petition is for ALL that go in remote areas, not just horse riders so don't waste your time digging comments at equestrians. There is a sector of equestrians who ride long distance in remote unpopulated areas too...some Land's End to John O'groats or coast to coast. Have a look at the Trail Stories on the site and the Gallery.
The PLB is about the size of a mobile phone which you can put in your bumbag or rucksack and just forget about it until you REALLY need it (hopefuly you won't). It is to be used as a last resort when your shouting for help, whistle blowing and mobile phone reception is down etc. It's very light too. The cost is not prohibtive either at about £300, but that's your choice (if the law is changed) if you choose the expenditure. If you are with someone then that person can stay with you once the unit is activated rather than leave to find the nearest land based phone. BT are taking these out gradually.
The signal goes to RAF Kinloss who check the registered information (and the GPS signal location that is received) before alerting the SAR's. If the unit has been activated accidentaly at home they will ring the owner to let them know. There's also an Elected Point of Contact they can apply to for more info. Once they have satisfied themselves they will raise the SAR's. The GPS is accurate to 125 mtrs which will save the SAR's all lot of time and allow for a more prompt rescue, a brillaint advantage on what is available now.
They are not a tracking device as some of you seem to think they are. The GPS PLB is a transmitting signal only when activated, requiring OFCOM registration. Tracking devices require a monthy subscription and quite a few need mobile phone SIM cards which PLB's do not.
All that is required now is that the Database at RAF Kinloss is expanded to cope with in-land use and the law changed. SAR's have knowledge and equipment already in place.
Not prohibitive at £300?
Why does she think we are fell runners and not horse riders?
Quite. £300.
Three little words.
Cloud.
Cuckoo
Land.
I'll stick to spelling out in large lettering 'HELP ME YOU BASTARDS' with handy rocks and stones
Of course the helicoptor may not see my SOS or may not get even off the ground but at least rocks are cheap!
Last edited by Stolly; 19-01-2008 at 12:16 AM.
LOLI'll stick to spelling out in large lettering 'HELP ME YOU BASTARDS' with handy rocks and stones
Of course the helicoptor may not see my SOS or may not get even off the ground but at least rocks are cheap!
Yes. We might grouse about paying £40 - £50 - £60 - £70 for our footwear and whatever it costs for weatherproof shells and thermal base layers; but at the end of the day we participate in a realistically affordable pastime.
Jenniwren will have paid at least £1,000 for her nag - could well be 5x that amount, between £500 & £1000 for the tack; and that's before she starts to kit herself out. Then there's the derigeur horse box with on board accommodation, for getting herself and the nag to events. After all that, £300 is a mere drop in the ocean.
25 years ago, a work mate of mine was passionate about competing in Saturday night navigational road rallies. He had a pukka, fully prepared Mk2 Escort that stood him at around £5,000 back then. He competed in an annual 12 event championship with entry fees at £45 per event (shared with his navigator). Before each event, it was a full major service including new brake pads and linings plus 6 brand new tyres at £60 each. All that was on top of running his regular road car that was needed to trailer the Escort to events.
Around that time the Fell Runner Magazine was full of letters protesting about the Ben Nevis entry fee being around £8!!!!!
For my life I would willingly fork out another one off payment of £300 to live to see another day! Your Cloud Cuckoo land could have you on a mountain with hypothermia with your attitude
For my life I would willingly fork out another one off payment of £300 to live to see another day! Your Cloud Cuckoo land could have you on a mountain with hypothermia with your attitude
"I'll stick to spelling out in large lettering 'HELP ME YOU BASTARDS' with handy rocks and stones" In the dark these won't be seen! A PLB will transmit day and night!
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