SOTA FAIL on Pikes Peak

My son (Chris W4CBB) and I took our motorcycles to New Mexico and Colorado. It was an epic, father/son motorcycle adventure! I took my KX2 with me in order to attempt a SOTA activation on Pikes Peak.

Unfortunately, we had to abort due to weather. But, it's just as well because my brain wasn't working right in the thin atmosphere. I was sloppy and couldn't think clearly. I've never been at that altitude before! Very interesting.

I worked Gary (W0MNA) but other signals were weak. The weak signals, coupled with my weak brain, and the sketchy weather made for a failed outing. We packed it up after Chris saw a lightning bolt.

What a fantastic vacation we had! I wish I had a better video for you but maybe this will be helpful to someone who anticipates activating Pikes Peak someday.

[DesNIN]

Great memory to have with your son! Thanks for taking us along.

[guyonamotorcycle]

I was up there last summer. Love your sense of humor. It is an amazing place for sure!

[PeterJavea]

Congratulations guys.
I probably couldn't have got out of the car without falling down, let alone set up the station and transmit....
Seeing that cyclist was also amazing. 73

[Marmot]

Hey Cliff, N0SKT here. Pikes Peak is my back yard here in Manitou Springs. I have worked 26 peaks over the years. Next time you come out let me know and I can get you to some nice peaks to work. Erick

[WLDT]

Cliff, Really missing your videos. I hope all is well with you. I am planning to activate Pike’s Peak next summer. I will be taking a portable O2 bottle.

[gliderrider]

I was in Colorado Springs about the same time but we didn’t make it to Pikes Peak . Just ran out of time. Glad to see someone up there . We got somewhat discouraged when we found they changed how you get up there as of June 15th. We also wanted to ride our electric unicycles up there on the last few miles and down.

[Roddy]

I went to the Hill Climb in 2007. At about 9000-10000 ft it was ok, but at the top (14100ft), I got a headache for a few hours afterwards. I brought my handy from Ontario and made a few local contacts on 2m FM from the mountain.

[VABC]

Great ride up that mountain. Wowee! Your son is a careful driver. Enjoyed your video. OWH (Operating while hypoxic) is no easy feat and you did admirably. OWHIL (in lightening) is challenging and crazy!
73

[Hogdriver]

You need some supplemental O2! Great video. Good thing you weren't on 2 wheels. I've hiked Sandia Peak and could feel it at 10, 000+ feet. I've also ridden the Bear Tooth Highway on the bike, with those same deadly drop offs - scary but fun. But the motorcycle did all the work so no real ill effects at that 10, 000' elevation. You guys get an A++ for effort - thanks for sharing.
73 Gregg KE2SX

[rds]

That was an official activation. Only takes 1 contact to activate the summit. 4 contacts to collect the points. 73

Roland K7FOP

[cristian]

Mate I really want to thank you for this vid. I thoroughly enjoyed the scenery, and your gallant attempts at contacts under tough conditions - I reckon you did a marvelous job sending morse in those conditions. It may have been a SOTA fail in terms of activating the peak, but the hobby is about having a go, and you certainly did that ! I also think it is absolutely COOL that you are able to share this with your son - I hope one of my boys will develop an interest in radio also...Im only commencing my SOTA journey here in Australia, and you've been quite inspirational.! great work guys, and Thank you from VK1 land, 73 VK1FCLU

[SteveParks]

The fam and I were in Colorado Springs about a week ago. Sad we missed each other. We did Field Day from 10k feet at Jefferson, Co. thanks for another great video.

[bradenglettkdzm]

Cliff, thanks for putting this up even though you didn't consider it to be successful. I can see that SOTA involves a lot of heights, something I'm not fond of! :)

[MichaelLloyd]

Great video Cliff. I've been wondering what a SOTA activation sounded like (might be a future video there). I used to live north of Denver and I've ridden motorcycles in the Rockies quite few years. It's a wonderful place to ride. We spent a good but of time in Rocky Mountain National Park but never made it to Pikes Peak. The altitude problems that you were experiencing are normal. Some people react more severely and it can be life threatening. 73 NE5U Mike

[TIATSCR]

Great adventure.. today I was working ISS SSTV mode.. Ham Radio is great !!! best 73 from TI3ATS

[FFCA]

wow interresting to see how it's possible .
In this summit but there ´s anyone . Unfortunaly too low propagation I Think .
sometimes with an indoor antenna in an apartment we have beautiful surprises just as much to hope . thank's for video Who make me thinking about that . 73

[DougPaulsonDoist]

Fascinating and Fun, as ever, Cliff. I have enough to trouble with CW at sea level. Even one contact above the clouds is enviable...
73

[robertjohnson]

Great adventure! Looked like fun, I hate heights lol.

[TXLorenzo]

There was a reason Nikolai Tesla moved there for research, it has the most lightning in the country! Having lived there for a while, Pike's Peak makes it's own weather, best go early in the morning rather than afternoon. BTW, plan to only visit 14k ft for just a short time, no oxygen!

[BretAllenStudios]

Don't feel bad. Pikes has it's own weather for sure and lightning is a big risk on the summit. I've climbed Pikes peak in July and got caught in a blizzard that shut down the road. Rescued 2 hikers with no gear that got caught up in the storm, lost on the face. They bought our lunch at the top haha.