ShellyB wrote on 09/04/19 at 10:59:26:youzguyz...
I keep looking at that pic you posted. I want to do that kind of thing so badly. I just joined American Legion Aux and await word from them about joining the Riders. Because I hope to do local parades etc.
I have to ask.... is that flag heavy? How badly does it effect your bike? Both at slow, parade speed and at highway speed? Or do you typically use a smaller flag say if it's an escort on the highway? I'm very small so I hope it's not too bad.
Sorry.. I have so many questions about this and your the 1st person who does it I have been able to talk to so far.
ShellyB.
I ride with the Patriot Guard Riders... and so can you and your husband. It is a national organization, and there is nothing special required to join. You don't have to ride. You don't have to be a veteran. All you need is.. respect. Take a look at the national site, and look for one that is local to you as well.
The national site:
https://www.patriotguard.org/Lots of ALR members ride with the PGR.
That flag is my Annin Tough Tex. It is fairly heavy, and has to be to hold up to highway speeds that shreds other flags. And I won't run that flag in the rain. First, it gains a lot of water weight FAST. Second, once it gets dirty, it is almost impossible to get clean enough.
When rain looks likely, my nylon flag goes on. Not as heavy, not as durable, but washes easily and sheds water.
Yes, you can feel the effect on the bike, especially in a hard cross wind at highway speeds. "Most" escorts don't go over 50 on the freeway, as the police have to keep the procession together.
It gets really.. interesting.. when going over some of the really high over passes with a stiff wind blowing.
If you decide to do this kind of thing, make sure you practice under any conditions that you may want to ride in. When riding escort you really need to stay on your side of the lane.
Slow speeds are not an issue with the flag, unless you have a hard enough tail wind that it blows around, in your face, and you can't see.
I have a smaller flag for every day riding. One of those that is sold to fit in a car window. Picture below.
More questions? Ask away. Try to answer best I can.
More pictures? Neal Achterhof on Facebook. All my posts are public, so you don't need to be a "friend" to view.
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