Troop Escort - 27 January - Dublin CA 1,000 motorcycles wanted

[Arizona]

Latest information - UPDATE 1-23-2007 - Go HERE (PGR) (http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/393969/view/topic/Default.aspx) for latest information.

Woody

Additional info. in latest posting below: 1-24-2007

--- original post ---

BARF Riders - The Northern California PGR (Patriot Guard Riders (http://patriotguard.org) ) has been issued a challenge by our brothers and sisters in Oregon, and we need your help.

Recently, Oregon met and escorted to the airport, 17 troopers header for Iraq. They met and escorted with 41 motorcycles. Nearly a 3:1 ratio.

On 27 January, approx. 300 members of the 104th will be sent off from Camp Parks in Dublin. (Exact details are coming soon).

We have been invited to show our support for these brave men and women as they head off to places we would rather not go.

Help us show Orgeon (and the rest of the nation) that California supports our troops. Help us turn out 1,000 motorcycles (or scooters, or trucks, golf carts, hell ... hitch-hike if you have to) to particpate in the send-off [and hopefully] escort them to their point of departure (Travis AFB???).

You do not have to be a veteran or motorcyclist to particpate. If You have a flag, bring it. If you don't, get one (or two).

This is NOT a Protest group

You do not have to be pro-war, pro-Bush or pro/anti-anything.

Come to offer respect and support. Nothing more. Nothing less.

I will post details ASAP and try to give everyone as much time and notice as possible to allow planning.
However, please remember this will be a military operation and so subject to change at any time.

More soon.

Woody
-----------------
UPDATE - 1-17-2007

It appears the mobilization ceremony will be on Saturday the 27th January approx 1 pm

The troop escort (lead their buses down the highway ... destination not firm) will be on Sunday the 28th . I'll post those details as they beome available. there are approx. 300+ soldiers involved so it will likely involve more than one escort.

Camp Parks is almost across the street from Arlen Ness. This might come in handy for those that can't meet the requirements to ride on base on Saturday. (Riding on base on Sunday is not required as we can meet buses at the gate). If you can not meet military standards for riding on base on Saturday, bring your car, or park off base and walk in (as I may have to do). BRING FLAGS!!!!

In general, the following requirements must be met to ride on a military installation. I'll post specifics for this event as soon as I have them.

1) Current Registration, Insurance Card and MC endorsement on your license.
2) DOT 2 or better approved helmets on everyone – with the DOT sticker visible.
3) Reflective vest or reflective jacket for pilot and passenger.
4) Gloves, high boots and impact resistant eyewear (or full face helmet visor) for pilot and passenger.

[tdah]

if i weren't going to be in San Diego, i'd be there. hope that there's a great turnout.

[1SFRider]

Lets do it! I'm in. Just let me know the details...

[AFMR1]

I'm in..........................

[SMBGSXR]

Sounds really cool, I should be able to make it

[Dove]

:flag

[Conallron19]

I'll be there.

[krazychowmein]

Sounds like a good idea!

[mnb]

I feel sorry for the Road Captain, having to organize 1,000 bikes...

I checked the PG site and it looks like this is a two day event:

27th - arrive and do a parade of bikes in front of the gathered masses - enjoy the reception.

28th - arrive and escort (highway escort) several groups of busses throughout the day from Camp Parks to a local area airport (expect some riding on day 2).

So it would appear the actual escorting is the 28th (Sunday).

Here's the forum thread:
http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/forumid/72/postid/379733/view/topic/Default.aspx

You need to register in their forums to see/load it, though.



For everyone who might consider attending on the 27th at Camp Parks, start to prepare on the following to get onto the DOD installation:[list=1]
Current Registration, Insurance Card and MC endorsement on your license.
DOT 2 or better approved helmets on everyone – with the DOT sticker visible.
Reflective vest or riding jacket for pilot and passenger.
Gloves, high boots and impact resistant eyewear (or full face helmet visor) for pilot and passenger.
[/list=1]

Oh, get a flag to mount to your bike!

[jay99]

Count me in. New to group, wuld like
to start riding for a good cause.

[racerXgirl]

If I ain't moving that weekend, then I'll be there

[niwrad_r1]

anything for the brothers at arms. i'll try to be at 27th but the 28th for sure.

[Arizona]

Thanks for the support guys. I knew I could count on BARF!

There is a meeting tomorrow with the Lt. Col. in charge. We should have a lot of details ironed out soon and I'll post an update this weekend.

Again. Thanks to everyone that can make either day. This will be huge for the morale of our soldiers. (And you won't believe how good it makes you feel :cool .)

Woody

[Mike T]

cant make it....but that should be a good ride...:thumbup and take pics!

i spent a week at Parks a few summers ago...and once someone says hot....its hot....

[AnthonyPal]

Originally posted by Arizona
<snip>
4) Gloves, high boots and impact resistant eyewear (or full face helmet visor) for pilot and passenger.

How high are high boots? Over the ankle or up to the calf?

Anthony

[mnb]

I'd guess that 8" tall or higher would qualify.

[SMBGSXR]

What is the latest news? Meeting place, time, do we need flags? Anything special we do need? Any additional information would be great.

[Arizona]

I've been driving the Ride Captain nuts trying to get info. but since this is a military operation, it is taking a bit of time. I also believe they are in "Hurry Up" mode or something as these things are usually planned out much farther in advance.

To answer a few questions...

You do NOT need flags. Usually we have a fair number of crusise rand they dress up nice, but what the troops will appreciate is the fact that you made the effort to show up.

Boots over the ankle is probably good enough. We are going to get "exact" requirements for this event. If you think you will not be able to ride on base, you can park off base and walk in (not that far -- I may be walking with you) or drive your cage.

On Sunday, the day we escort them to their departure point, it won't be necessary to ride on base at all.

It does look like Saturday will start around 1PM and I beleive the enrty point will be the Dublin Blvd. (the one that passes by Arlen Ness's place).

I will post ALL details within minutes of me getting them.

[Arizona]

Latest information - UPDATE 1-23-2007 - Go HERE (PGR) (http://www.patriotguard.org/Forums/tabid/61/postid/393969/view/topic/Default.aspx) for latest information.

Woody

[whezzy]

i'm def. going to try to make this one. are all bikes welcomed?

[Arizona]

Whezzy,

Go to the Patriot Guard website. www.patriotguard.org Read the mission statement on the home page (scroll down). If you agree with that statement, you are welcome.

Woody

[SMBGSXR]

Can I post this info in the gixxer forum? Trying to see if locals want to go. According to what I read it doesn't sound like there will be something on Sunday...as of yet.

[Arizona]

Originally posted by SMBGSXR
Can I post this infor in the gixxer forum? Trying to see if locals want to go. According to what I read it doesn't sound like there will be something on Sunday...as of yet.

Yes. Feel free to share this with family and friends.

I suspect the escort will come together. It usually does.

[Arizona]

Information: A public ceremony will be held Saturday at 2:00 pm on the Parade Field at the Camp Parks U.S. Army Combat Support Training Center for nearly 300 troops from the US Army Reserves 104th Division (Institutional Training) soon deploying for missions in Iraq. The formal military ceremony will include music from the 91st Division Band and patriotic folk singer Hank Cramer, comments from current and former 104th Division Soldiers to include a WWII Timberwolf combat veteran and the current 104th Division Commanding General, Maj. Gen Terrill K. Moffett. Approximately 300 officers and enlisted personnel will mobilize and deploy out of the 104th Division from all across the US (approximately one fourth of them from Calif.). The Soldiers will primarily augment the existing staff of the Multinational Security Transition Command - Iraq (MNSTC-I), headquartered in Baghdad. The MNSTC-I is responsible for the training of the Iraqi National Army and the Iraqi National Police. The Soldiers from across the Division area will deploy in early spring for a scheduled period of one year. Prior to deployment - all the Soldiers will go through mandatory pre-deployment training in Ft Riley, Kansas for approximately 90 days. The 104th Institutional Training Division, headquartered in Vancouver, Washington is one of six Institution Training Divisions that span the United States devoted exclusively to training soldiers. The 104th Division, also known as the "Timberwolf" Division, encompasses the largest area of all the training divisions. The Timberwolves are responsible for combat support and combat service support related skill training for over 80,000 soldiers in the US Army Reserve and National Guard throughout 12 Western states, Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific as well as initial military training support under a training base expansion at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, Fort Knox, Kentucky, and Fort Benning Georgia. The 104th Divisions 4th Brigade is based in Camp Parks and conducts advanced individual training in Combat Service Support military occupational specialty training and reclassification training in the areas of: Personnel, Finance, Postal, Transportation, and Quartermaster, and medical support. This unit provides training for over 20 separate military occupational specialties. Historically - this is the first time the 104th Division has deployed this many Soldiers at one time since the Division Activation on 15 Sept. 1942 at Camp Adair, Oregon - when they mobilized the Division to prepare for action in World War II.

IN OTHER WORDS, THESE GUYS MISSION IS TO GET OUR ASSES OUT OF IRAQ. (Not a job I want).

Come wish them well on Saturday.
Info. about Sundays mission (possible escort) will be available as soon as we have it.

Woody