Electrical Gremlins....

Doug,

You could also get a GMRS license that allows you up to 50 watts of power and your family is covered by that licence. No test, just cash BUT.... you'll hear tons of people/kids talking on freqs they are SUPPOSED to have a license for. You can filter that crappola out using CTCSS codes. Those codes allow you and your wife to only receive calls from each other but keep in mind, everyone can hear you. Radios with the correct FCC certification are very hard to find, but they are serious, commercial quality stuff.

The other option, like 67Dart273 mentioned is Amatuer Radio. If there is a repeater nearby you can sometimes get out in a 70 mile radius with just a 5 watt radio. Many hams would also be happy to make a phone call for you too. Lot's of guys live for that stuff, just for bragging rights, lol. I know I'd do it.... There's even a few local guys who've managed to set up some kind of bluetooth connection into thier helmet so they can ride and talk at the same time.