When the PGR started, every member was always asked to be prepared and bring a flag, dress for the occasion, and stay hydrated, etc. Flags rigs ranged from discount store kits on two piece poles to commercial ceremonial quality on 8 foot oak poles. We had a number of flags donated by a neighboring state by a family for whom they attended a mission. At that time we built “standard” flags to share with the areas around the state. While these are usually available, members should always be prepared and here are a few choices.
If you ride, you want something that is safe on the bike. Some members have their bike flag rigged to come off to stand at a mission. Please make sure that it is secure when on the bike and it should always be tested for highway speeds before the mission. While the plans may be for a slow procession, routes may change and remember that riding 30 mph into a 30 mph wind is a 60 mph load on the flag and the rig. Failure of the rig can be fatal for anyone following.
You may find various collapsible poles to which you can attach a flag. I have seen painter’s poles and golf ball retrievers that are quite compact. My preference is actually made by a company that started manufacturing golf ball retrievers and now makes a product called Hide-a-pole. It collapses to 16” and extends to 6 ½ feet. While we don’t allow direct promotion on this site, they are easy to find by web search and mention that you are PGR for special pricing.
Many members ask about our standard flag set-up as we are getting more and more missions where our PGR flags may not be available. This might be quite easy if you can talk a local plumber into whipping one up as there are materials most folks will never need again. It would take them about 2 minutes (you might have to take to acetone in). Here’s how to build your own:
Pole material is 1 inch white PVC pipe from any hardware or home improvement store (sold in 10 foot lengths for about $3). You will also need a male and female screw coupling, 2 plain end caps, PVC cement, and some acetone, ketone or finger nail polish remover, two cable ties, and a 3 x 5 foot flag.
Cut the pipe into 2 sections 4 feet long each.
Use acetone, ketone or finger nail polish remover to take the lettering and markings off the pipe.
Attach the female coupling to the end of one piece, the male end to the other piece.
Attach an end cap to open side of each piece. The PGR poles are left open on one end to fit over stakes but this will make personal poles distinctive.
Drill one hole for a cable tie just below the top cap.
I suggest at this point that you attach the flag to the top hole with the cable tie.
Stretch the flag toward the bottom and drill a second hole in line with the first about 2 inches further than the grommet on the flag. This will keep the flag tight, allow for material stretching and variation should you have to replace the flag.
Write your name or put a return address label on both pieces to make sure you can always identify it if there’s a mix-up.