[UK-CONTEST] Ropoco 1

[Peter Hobbs]

As part of a clearing up chore after lunch for SHMBO, I came across a big pile of old contest logs, amongst which was one for ROPOCO 1 1987.  Of the 77 calls in my log, I was pleased to see that 16 have stuck with it until today.  I also noted that the event started at 08Z, i.e. an hour later.  I'm sure this was because it was felt that earlier would give GM entrants a better chance, but I suspect my 77 was well behind the leaders (only 57 today).  So, is 07Z too early for folks, or is this just another example of declining interest?  Ropoco is perhaps a bit of an acquired taste but always fun.

I paid the penalty of finishing a final set-up CQ at 0659, to which a very nice Frenchman replied.  Unfortunately his command of English was not perfect and he responded to my 579 name peter tu es 73 with full detail about himself, his station, the weather and various other matters.  As I said, he was a very nice guy so that was 5 critical minutes lost, plus another 5 or 10 trying to satisfy G0JSC (no, ignoring him just doesn't work!).  Unfortunately, no email address is posted on QRZ.com.    If anyone happens to know it, I have the whole episode on .mp3 - the penny might drop if he just heard himself!

73, Peter G3LET