Pedal Power and Pileups: How Amateur Radio Operators are Revolutionizing Mountaintop DXing with E-Bikes

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In a world where technology keeps getting smaller, faster, and more convenient, leave it to amateur radio operators to do the exact opposite. Enter the latest trend in ham radio: e-bikes outfitted with full-blown HF stations. Because why just bike up a mountain when you can bring enough gear to contact Antarctica from the peak?

The Ham Radio E-Bike Setup: An Engineering Marvel (or Catastrophe)

For those not in the know, e-bikes are battery-powered bicycles designed to assist riders, especially on tough terrain. They’re eco-friendly, practical, and fast becoming a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts. But amateur radio operators aren’t content with just carrying a backpack and a portable QRP rig. Oh no. They’ve transformed their e-bikes into roving ham shacks.

The setup typically starts with a high-powered e-bike frame capable of carrying not just a rider, but also:

• A full-size HF transceiver bolted onto the handlebars (Yaesu, Icom, or bust!).
• A deep-cycle marine battery strapped where the water bottle holder used to be.
• An extendable vertical antenna mounted on the rear rack, doubling as a flagpole to warn hikers of impending RF radiation.
• A laptop or Raspberry Pi precariously duct-taped to the crossbar for digital modes like FT8.
• An onboard solar panel to keep the whole contraption juiced up, even if the rider collapses halfway up the mountain.

And of course, because no ham shack is complete without it, there’s an 80-meter dipole antenna strung between two telescoping poles that miraculously fit into panniers.

The Mountain Assault: From Static to Pileups

Picture this: a lone figure cycling up a steep, rocky trail, sweat pouring down their face, as they mutter the International Phonetic Alphabet under their breath. The e-bike groans under the combined weight of the operator, their gear, and the dreams of global DX domination. Finally, they reach the summit.

Out comes the gear. Within 15 minutes, they’ve erected a vertical antenna, unspooled 100 feet of coax, and established a ground radial system. Their trusty e-bike, now more “shack on wheels” than “bike,” powers the rig. They press the PTT button and let out a triumphant “CQ CQ CQ, this is [callsign] portable on top of Mount RF Overload!”

The pileup begins.

Pileup Chaos: Making the Mountain Sing

As the operator works their pileup, hikers pause mid-trail to wonder why someone is shouting “Five-Nine, next!” at the top of their lungs. The operator grins, basking in the glory of their signal reports. Little do the hikers know that they’re witnessing the magic of ham radio—and the absurdity of someone operating a 100-watt station from a bicycle-powered fortress.

But there are challenges:

• Wind gusts: That 20-meter vertical antenna turns into a weather vane, threatening to topple the entire operation.
• Wildlife encounters: Curious mountain goats nibble on coax cables, and a raven once absconded with a key component of a paddle keyer.
• Battery anxiety: The operator faces a crucial decision: use the last bit of power to call one more DX station, or save it to ensure the bike can make it downhill. Spoiler: DX wins every time.

The Future of Ham Radio E-Biking

This bizarre marriage of amateur radio and e-biking is already sparking innovation. Some operators are integrating APRS trackers into their rides, letting other hams follow their uphill misery in real time. Others are experimenting with mesh networking, connecting e-bike-mounted stations to create a roving ham network.

There’s even talk of an “E-Bike DXpedition Contest”, where points are awarded for the most QSOs made from mountain peaks above 2,000 feet. Bonus points if you’re chased by a bear or flagged down by bewildered park rangers.

Conclusion

Ham radio operators have always been known for their ingenuity and stubborn refusal to embrace convenience. The e-bike HF station is just the latest example of this glorious eccentricity. Whether it’s pulling off a rare DX contact or explaining to confused hikers why their bike looks like a sci-fi prop, these pioneers are proving that ham radio truly knows no bounds—even if it means pedaling up a mountain with 50 pounds of gear.

So next time you hear a booming signal from a mountaintop, remember: somewhere out there, a sweaty, overjoyed ham is living their best life, riding the airwaves and the trails—one pedal stroke at a time.

See some examples of bikes that can be used!

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