What's in a platoon?

After multiple plane delays, I am finally on a flight headed to LA. The flight has given me a chance to go through photos from the first couple of days. How odd to look through the photos and remember at the time I took the photo wondering who these people were and what prompted them to run for the wall. And now, some 12 days later we are friends and I know them and they know me. 

A little bit about the logistics of the Run for the Wall. The first day in Rancho Cucamonga you check in with Shirley (Top Sarge) she issues you the orange tie for your bike which denotes you as a registered participant. She also pins you with your FNG button, if you are in fact an FNG. What is an FNG, you ask, Fine New Guy or Gal. Hahaha, we all know what it really stands for but this is a G rated event. Which I am grateful for. 

This is Jim, somewhere between California and Washington DC he earned the name Shamu. You can see Shamu's FNG pin. Each year the FNG pin changes color, so with one glance you can tell who the new guys are. I think it's kind of funny that Jim received his road name, Shamu from Spoon. The guys up in Hollister must have a thing for food and eating. 

Once you arrive in DC the FNG pin is turned upside down denoting that you are no longer an FNG and next year there will be a whole new crop of them.  I plan on having a lavendar patch made with FNG 2014 embroidered on it. It is sewn upside down on your vest. I earned it so I guess I'll wear it. It's fun to see the old ones. 

After you check in with top sarge you drive around where a road guard randomly places you in platoons. Once you park and check in with your platoon leader you are given a sticker for your bike. 

I know, I know there are lots of stickers on the bikes. The one I am referring to is the little red number 4. This is how the road guards know what platoon to direct you to when 400 bikes roll into the staging area. 

You might think all platoons are created equal, but it is not so. 

Platoon 1 is comprised of the most seasoned riders and the riders in leadership positions. The first platoon is probably the smallest platoon. The first platoon rides side by side verses staggered. 

Platoon 2 also rides side by side verses staggered. FNGs are not allowed to ride in Platoon 2 until three days into the run after they have proved themselves to be competent riders. 

Platoon 3 -7 is comprised of riders that prefer to ride staggered not side by side. 

Platoon 8 is the trikes

Platoon 9 is lovingly referred to as trailer trash as they are the bikes that are pulling trailers. Most of them camp instead of hoteling it and haul their camping gear in the trailer. 

There's some beautiful trailer trash. 

Looks like we are beginning our descent into LA. I'll bring your more news of the ride in the coming days. It is going to be difficult to return to real life after experiencing Run for The Wall.