Replacing Flags

As I ride around the Northeast, I have gotten to see many different flags, flag poles and flag posts. I have two different sets of post on my bike. I use one for my small flags and the other set for my parade 3 X 5 flags. I was setting my wooden pole flags on my bike for Memorial Day and took off and, lo and behold, one broke! A chance you take when riding at 60 MPH! Luckily I wasn't traveling fast, but after using the poles a couple times, they had weakened enough to break and split, depending on the pole I looked at. I found the answer to my problem a few days before talking with a group that uses the big flags regularly. 3/4 inch conduit and aluminum poles, whichever is the choice. With no time to set up I rode with my bike flags 2X3 size on plastic post and poles, which have been tried and true for many rides. But, as I said I travel around the Northeast and have seen some ratty Flags on poles in front of homes and businesses which really need replacing. After a tough winter, with winds and freezing climates, they rot fast even on the pole. I have replaced my flag, three times since spring of '08 and am sporting a new flag both on the house and my bike the next time it is needed and will proudly fly my new flags on my new aluminum poles when they a called back out to duty!

Summer Riding

The Veterans Assistance Fund Ride day started out mostly sunny, turning partly cloudy as we waited for other riders to show up. Sign in brought some sprinkles, then the sun came out to shine. As we started the run, the sprinkles came back, as we got farther into the ride, the harder the rain came down. The ride was stopped and everyone polled to continue or end the ride. Three people went to the completion of the ride. We raise a small amount and look forward to doing this again next year.

The Vermont Thunder Run day started out with sprinkles on the southern end, riders came in saying it was raining on the northern end, and we were determining whether to put on rain gear, or ride in leathers. As we started the ride, it started raining and I was not in rain gear, I did have my leathers on and was somewhat protected. The further we got into the ride, we found sunny weather and I became over dressed for the ride (however, what I was wearing dried quickly).

Memorial Day parade was memorial, We started out on the chilly side and I was dressed for the weather. We lined up in front of the parade and took our tour around the oval first and then became the end of the parade line. ( you must know it is an oval ) We then took the final turn around at a higher rate of speed, inluding and going beyound the posted speed limit giving the attendees and police a moment to pause.

All rides were enjoyed by myself and just a note on summer riding!

Veterans Assistance Fund Ride

The Veterans Assistance Fund Ride is only one week away. Last minute checks on the route and ride conditions has been determined as safe, but with cautions. May 3rd and there is still ice clinging to some of the byways I rode today. 200 miles of riding just to get the right scenery and veiws to look at. I saw hikers, bikers, motorcyclist and rock climbers out. Fisherman were in the rivers and streams, and I bundled up against the breeze that holds the chill to it up in the higher elevations, enjoyed all the miles I put under my wheels. All that is left is to deliver a couple last minute items and then kick back and wonder if I did it all right, but will have to wait until the ride day of May 9th, 2009 to find out who shows. Safe riding.
See you on the Road!