-Background Radio Chatter–What you are hearing are transmissions made by amateur radio operators, commonly known as “hams” who have volunteered their time and equipment to fill in the communication gaps along the bike routes. As Greg explains, the event also offers Amateur Radio operators an opportunity to practice emergency communications, a core component of the Amateur Radio service as designated by the FCC. Believe it or not there are amateur radio operators who are bouncing signals off the moon back to earth. If you’d like to learn more about amateur radio contact your local amateur radio club or visit www.arrl.org. For Allegheny Mountain Radio, this is Nick Mullins callsign KC4WX.