Can someone who has riden with one of these tell me if it is noticable. Does it add drag? I am planning to do the 200 mile ride and while I don't mind having the flag on my bike to inspire others, candidly I do not really want to add the extra drag, as I think doing two days of 162 kms each will be tough enough.
The survivor flag is a lot like those bright orange flags that some people have on their commuter bikes. It's not too large, but not having ridden with one I can't comment on the drag. I recall last year that some people were having trouble in securing the flag to the bike. If you have a road bike that lacks rack/fender eyelets you may have to resort to tie wraps - and I doubt that these would last the first day.
I rode without on Day One and with on Day Two (arrived to late to bother with it on the first day) and I never even noticed it was there. That's probably the point, come to think of it. It reminds people why they are doing the ride, and it adds to the sense of community. I can't see it adding noticeable drag.
If it requires fender or rack eyes then I have no way of attaching it as I have a carbon road bike with no attachment points. Maybe I can zip tie the flag part only to my saddle.
I have a ti/carbon bike, and they attached it just fine with zip ties. no damage to the bike, no damage to the rider. I do have a cool picture that I tried to take by holding the camera behind me as I was riding, and all it took was the flag at a somewhat wonky angle. Fun.
Well I had the survivor flag through most of day 1 on the 200M route. Not sure when the flag disappeared, but I finished with just the yellow pole. I really didn't notice the flag except for a bit of flapping. The people I rode with noticed it more as it does bend and flap and you can't get too close or you might get the end of the pole in the face.
They are great way to spot the survivors in the start crowd and on the road, but for a long ride I would recommend an alternate method to signify a survivor. We're only in the start crowd for a short time, so what really counts is how visible are the survivors out on the route. I think a different color jersey would be a good alternative, just as the blue ambassador shirts were distributed.
A survivor could be presented a clearly different colored event shirt. If a survivor is also an ambassador, then they could choose which they wish to wear for the event.
Not sure how much time and cost was required to produce and attach the flags to the bikes. The bike mechanic crew was going pretty steady Friday night and Saturday morning. This extra cost could be saved as there would be minimal extra cost going to a different color jersey.
Something to consider. If you agree, please add a note.
My flag lasted 10 meters. My heel caught the base of the flag stick and away it went. Lucky it did not hit anyone as I was near the front and thought stopping would be dangerous. On day two I got a flag and zip tied it to my saddle with my name plate. That worked well, although I am not sure if people realised that is what it was.
I agree with you shirts would be a good idea especially sine one would wear them at camp Which would allow for conversations about the fight and the cause.
PS June 13 was the 14th anniversary of my cancer surgery. So a great day especially considering the alternatives.
Chase if I had had both the physical and mental presence of mind I and elite riders should in fact have finished and come back to help you in.
Good luck in getting the fund together for that road bike for next year. But you must be so pleased you did what you promised your brother you would do.
I don't know who signed up for 2011 but what I do know... there was less than 800 riders on the 200M route on Saturday and less than 600 riders on the 200M route on Sunday.
They need to do survivor jerseys instead. I couldn't be bothered trying to mount the flag on my bike. As it was, the plastic number tag scratched the paint, probably due to all the road grit being thrown up with the rain.
I've ridden with the flag for three years now, never had a problem. You can choose to have them put it on the left side to the rear if you like. They put some rubber against your frame so they don't damage anything, and it should hold pretty strong for the ride. I drilled a new hole in the bottom bracket of the flag pole, then mounted it directly to the left side of my quick release rear axle. One extra tie wrap was all it took to keep it secured and straight. Could be tricky if you have to change a flat, but a little practice before the ride, and you should be fine. No matter what, it's a great feeling knowing that people can see that there is a bright side to the fight against cancer. Wave your flag, survivors!
It appears the Ride has been listening: I received a call from the Ride saying that as a survivor, in addition to the traditional flags, survivors will be able to pick up yellow survivor socks to wear. Interested to see what they look like but think this is a great idea
In addition I have already had my flag from last year stitched onto the back of my jersey.
