It seems to me that a PGR member would need to have their own flag to stand with on missions and then "on-bike" flags for the rides.

How do you guys that are experienced manage to do this? I have a 2015 Street Glide Special. I am not really wanting to any hardware to my bike at this point for a couple of reasons. I just don't really know what the procedure is for a newbie. I haven't had the chance to attend a mission yet, but I would like to be somewhat ready for that day before I need to.

Thanks!

 

When I was ready, I just showed up to my first mission. One of the riders loaned me a flag so I could stand on the flag line. They were nice and showed me the proper way to hold it. One of our guys sells them and right away I bought my own.

Putting flags on your bike is your choice. When we are doing an escort the riders that do have mounted flags will ride up front and the riders that don't have flags will fall in line.

I've seen various methods of attaching flags to your bike. My bike is a solo seat so it's a bit trickier. At first I had small flags and used zip ties to attach them to my mirrors and my rear foot pegs.

Later I made my own flag mounting system to have much larger flags mounted to my rear foot pegs. If you look closely at my handlebars you will see the flag I use on the flag line. It is in a black bag with bungees holding it on my handlebars.

 

I would say to attend a mission first before mounting anything to the bike. I only use the 12"x15" flags mounted on my bike. And there are plenty of mounting options for those. For standing a line, you'll see plenty of flag poles made of PVC pipe sections that can be rolled up and secured on the bike for transport. For 3'x5' flags, I use the collapsible flag poles, which collapse down to a size that fits into my tour pack. You can leave the flag attached, roll it up, and store it in the little bag that PGR sells (can't find it on their site right now, which usually means they're out of stock). I have this setup for my American flag, and my PGR flag. Will probably add a POW/MIA flag soon. When on-site, and before standing guard, the end of the extended flag pole fits down between my right side floorboard and the frame, and rests against the handlebars, which looks nice.

 

Mounting on your bike is a personal preference. Don't expect a 3 foot x 5 foot flag, or mounting system, to survive highway speeds if unfurled.

Here, we have support vehicles that always brings the flags for the flagline. Some are staked at the cemetary and/or the funeral home or church. And others are held in the flag lines stood by members. Usually, flags on the bikes stay on the bikes.

 

I guess that was my question/fear....

For my first mission, is it acceptable to show up empty handed so to speak and just learn?

 

Absolutely!

I went on my first mission without bringing anything. I was warmly welcomed, and the chase vehicle had plenty of flags to hand out for the flag line.

 

Absolutely! We all started the same way.

Meanwhile, any box store sells a 3x5 flag kit with a 3 piece aluminum pole for $10 or less. Get one of those, and then go to your first mission and see what others are using. I use what was a collapsible golf ball retriever for a pole (availble at Wal Mart), with the flag zip tied to it. It all fits into the original vinyl case, and then into a harley saddle bag.

Also, the national site sells a collapsible pole (if in stock) that many use.

And, hey, WELCOME to the PGR! Your life will never be the same the first time a father, mother, spouse or child comes up to you on the flag line and says, "Thank you for being here."

 

Yep, just show up when you can. Heck, even a bike isn't needed. Then once there look at the other bikes that are sporting big flags. There numerous ways to do it. From very inexpensive to down right costly for such a simple task.

 

I felt the same way on my first mission, so I ran to Walmart and bought two American flags with wooden poles, duct taped them to my tour pack rack because I didn't want to be empty handed. I found when I arrived, there was no rule or judgement by the PGR and they were just very pleased to have a new participant... I couldn't have felt more welcomed, with or without flags.

In my region, we have support vehicles that run with the mission and are with us at every stop, so we depend on the support vehicles for our Flag line flags. And in the winter, I run my truck to the missions when snow/ice prevents me from taking the bike, and I just use window mounted flags.....MIA, PGR, and American flags. On my bikes, I have found some nice mounts... about $50 each that do a great job and look nice. But go to some missions, see what everyone else is using, and they will be happy to tell you where they got theirs if you see a style that you like.

Welcome to the PGR ! One of the most worthwhile things that I have done in my life. Last week, I completed my 100th mission so far this year, and I am more addicted than ever so just be ready ... it can be very powerful and life changing. Great group of people to boot !

 

100th mission? That's impressive. I've managed to get to 6 so far this year.


I did the same exact thing as you for the flag. The staging area for my first mission was essentially in a Walmart parking lot. I ran into the store, grabbed the flag with the pole, and went to the mission. Turns out to be a VERY nice quality flag, made in the US. After that mission, I ditched the original flagpole and went with as it fits in the tour pack. But, like you said, they were happy to see a new face, and helped me secure the flag & pole on the bike for travel.