The Rolling Barrage – FAQ

The Rolling Barrage – FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

We get asked a lot of questions about The Rolling Barrage especially in the months leading up to The Ride. This FAQ or Frequently Asked Questions area hopefully will answer some of the most common questions we get asked.

What to Pack?

Motorcycle riders have particular needs and every rider can be different in this regard. Different configurations on storage, the normal length of trips you take, comfort level and environment changes are all factors to consider when packing for The Rolling Barrage.

But we have broken down a “suggested” packing list for consideration. We highly recommended some of the items due to the nature of a coast to coast ride. But ultimately, it is up to you to be prepared as much as possible.

Cause you never know…

Clothing – Part I 

  • Approved Helmet
  • Rain Jacket and Pants
  • Rain Gloves
  • Summer Gloves
  • Winter Gloves
  • Balaclava / Toque
  • T-shirts – TRB related we hear is awesome!
  • Socks
  • Underwear – ones with glitter – optional
  • Long-johns – glitter again is optional
  • Sweater
  • Jeans / Cargo Pants
  • Riding Jacket – Vest / Cut

Clothing Part II

  • Leather Pants / Chaps
  • Riding Boots – yeah, cause CROC’s or sandals don’t work
  • Sunglasses
  • Bandanas
  • Change of Shoes
  • Bathing Suit – quite a few of the hotels have swimming pools and saunas and they loooove bikers

Bike Maintenance

  • Tool Kit
  • Replacement Fuses
  • HD Syn-3 Lubricant
  • Paper Funnel
  • Multi-Purpose Spray Lubricant
  • Motorcycle jumper cables
  • Tire Pressure Gauge

Personal Items

  • Toiletries – S.S.S. Kit – military peeps know this
  • Emergency Cash – we recommend $100-$200
  • Sunscreen
  • Earplugs
  • Roll of Toilet Paper – cause you never know
  • Cell phone
  • Wallet with ID

 

Emergency Items 

  • Personal First Aid Kit
  • Emergency Contact Phone Numbers 
  • List of Medical Conditions or a Med-Bracelet
  • Medications 
  • Flashlight 
  • Spare Key
  • Charging Cable for Cell Phone 
  • Duct Tape, Rope, Cellaphane Wrap – wait… sorry wrong list 

Other Important Items I 

  • Route Information – Itinerary – we supply that right here on the website
  • Bike registration & Insurance 
  • TRB Registration Information 
  • Camera – if your cell phone doesn’t cut it
  • Cargo Net
  • Removable Luggage – Riders Bag

Other Important Items II

  • Bungee Cords
  • Multi-Tool
  • Zip-Lock Bags
  • Garbage Bags
  • Small Towel 
  • Thermos for coffee, tea, water 
  • Other items as you see fit

How Much Does The Ride Cost?

The cost of the ride really depends on how many days you ride with The Rolling Barrage. The planners make every effort to arrange the best deals possible with hotels. So consider these factors:

  • Hotels
  • Food – majority of hotels offer a breakfast
  • Fuel
  • Maintenance / Repairs – if you have issues during the ride

Where we can arrange it, some meal stops offer a discount. There are also great organizations that have sponsored or donated meals for the riders.

Do I Need a Motorcycle to Participate?

Technically, you do not need a motorcycle to participate. A bicycle is not recommended, however.

But we have had the following on The Rolling Barrage.

  • Trike motorcycles
  • Motorcycles with side – cars
  • Motorcycles with trailers
  • Spyder or Slingshot vehicles

The above vehicles will form their own pack and be in front of the Tail Gunners

  • Direct Support Vehicles to TRB
  • Emergency Responder Vehicles – Escort

We have also had supporter vehicles such as tractor trailers, SUV’s, trucks, cars, and RV’s follow the ride.

Do I Have to Be a First Responder or Military to Join the Ride? 

We get asked this question a lot. We would love you to join and support us. We love the support of Canadians across the country. Generally speaking, everyone knows someone who has worn a uniform and served their country, province, or local community. In the rare cases you have not, come anyway and meet a whole group of them. Active, retired, maybe even providing escort and support to The Rolling Barrage itself.

The Rolling Barrage is for everyone. There are no direct club affiliations. Many military, first responder and civilian riding groups join us.

Come out, have some fun.

Motorcycle Camping 

Camping is not organized by The Rolling Barrage. There have been riders who have pulled a trailer to facilitate camping or packed tenting gear to camp. Where you decide to camp is entirely up to you. Some hotel properties do not allow, for example. Some comforts to consider:

• Tent with pegs
• Waterproof ground cloth/tarp
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping mat or cot
• Folding chair or camp stool
• Flashlight with extra batteries

The Ride is Not Stopping or Passing By… <Insert Location> 

This is another popular question. Usually after we post our annual ride poster of dates and stops.

As a ride that is normally between 19-21 days we unfortunately cannot stop at every major city across Canada. Depending on routes, we may pass your city, town, village, etc… but we plan stop to stop and then in between. We need to plan breaks, fuel, meals, maybe a visit to a local attraction or memorial. Commitments are planned well in advance. Our ride grew in size across the country in 2023. This brought challenges with respect to locations for meals such as lunch and fuel points. 

Our planning in a wider picture is municipal, regional, provincial, and national. However, if you know riders on The Rolling Barrage and we stop in a given location overnight, come visit us.

We’d love to have you join us for dinner or our events in the evening.