For many years I have wanted to participate in the Rolling Thunder event. Now that I am retired I will be able to do so this year. Has anyone out there already been a participant and do you have any words of wisdom for me? I already know about the two main web sites, and the info there. http://rollingthunderrun.com/ and http://www.rollingthunder1.com/. I am more interested in any tips you might be willing to share. One thing in particular I am interested in is where do all the bikes park after the ride? The ride route is shown with a big "END" at the conclusion. Ok, now where does everyone park? I want to stay in the immediate are.
Thanks,
John

 

John - Five years ago I was heading west in New Mexico after a cross country ride when we came upon Rolling Thunder heading east. It was impressive to see, bike after bike after bike, and occasional LEO escorting them. Part of me wanted to turn around. We didn't get to interact much with the group but did talk to a few stragglers. Hope it is a good ride for you.

 

Pretty sure that would have been the Run For The Wall, which starts in southern California and joins up with Rolling Thunder in DC.

 

John, Went for the first time last year. It is something that every rider should take part in at least once in a lifetime. Be prepared for a lot of sit and wait on the morning of the ride. It takes a while to get that many bikes out and moving.

The end is next to a large set of playing field and you can park there and easily walk to the mall.

We stayed in Arlington and that seemed to work out very well. I was also lucky enough to ride with a guy that was part of the legion riders and he had been before and knew the "ways around" to be in the right place at the right time. The American Legion that we staged at did a great job of having some vendors, some events and then lead a group ride to the staging area at the Pentagon. I am not sure if non-members can join in without a member. I would contact them (http://fairfaxpost177.org/) and see what the requirements are.

Hope this helps, and I am sure you will get a lot of answers here. Good luck, safe travels and enjoy.

 

Hey so, I have never been but I am planning on attending the one in perhaps 2018 it's the year I retire from the Army I will be starting in CA probably two weeks in advance in order for a lot of debauchery along the way.

 

Yes, it was Run For The Wall to join up with Rolling Thunder. Very impressive.

 

I made the ride a couple of years ago. It was a very moving experience. I rode up to Quantico HD that morning. Before long, the parking lot was packed, staged one bike behind another in rows. Lots of bikes. They had coffee and some donuts.


They have a small service, presentation of colors, etc. Then you all leave about eight or with police escort up I95 to the Pentagon for more staging. People all along the way on the side of the road. Every overpass had fire trucks and people waving. All along the ride in DC, people everywhere.


Lots of bikes and people. You can walk around, people watch, etc. There were food vendors and port a johns there. I found a tree and sat most of the time with two Marines. It can get hot. The shade was nice.


I think the bikes start pulling out at twelve as fast as they can roll out. It was a quarter till two when we pulled out. For the most part, we were moving. Sometimes fast, to the next turn, then hard on the brakes, then fast again. Then at the end, there is a place to park and walk over to the mall.


I think most of the dealerships in the area may do the same.

 

Do it. Plan some time to ride the area. Think about stay a ways away from DC . much better deals . Gordonsville VA about 90 miles easy ride in great area to visit.
Ride with a local group or go on your own either way is worth it IMO.

 

I live right outside DC in Maryland and do Rollin Thunder every 3 years or so. Usually stage at the dealer in Frederick, MD and get a police escort down 270 to 495 and into DC. It should definitely be on the list of things to do. There is a lot of waiting around and socializing (it can be brutally hot and humid) but it is definitely a moving experience .

 

So Biden Administration shuns on 2020 Rolling Thunder in DC. But it doesn’t surprise me. He disrespects our front line Patriots everywhere.