Unless you buy one of those illegal amps on eBay

I was the one who suggested he get a CB in the first place. It was not
to
give him range, it was because it is more likely if he needs assistance
someone nearby will be listening on one.

That's also why I suggested he join an off-roader's club and use
whatever
radios they do.

Geoff.


I understand. Yes, sadly, that is probably true nowadays. Calls on
most any 2M repeater in the USA go mostly unanswered, so if you need
some sort of assitance, CB may be the way to go. However, I applaud the
original poster on wanting to get a ham license regardless of whether it
would be the most practical route for him to take in his quest...for
times when he is not biking or whatever, he can chat with folks in any
of the four corners of the world (and actually, he CAN do it, even while
biking!)

Scott
N0EDV

Even with one of those illegal amps, you are still limited to the whim of
the ionosphere and absorption of the groundwave. Especially if you are
stuck on 27 Mc.

True about 2m. You never know where the repeaters are, what the frequency
and PL are, or if everybody is at work. At least on $0 and 80 you can
always find retired old codgers. The 440 or 1.2 guy might have his radio
right there in the shop or in the office and you can get a stern warning if
you disturb his private remote.

But CB might at least allow you to scope out where the hookers and drugs can
be found.