Thinking of going to Rolling Thunder this Memorial Day.Taking
any advice on where to stay and what to expect without
breaking the bank.

 

You would be best off to stay out away from the DC/Northern VA area. It will be a little cheaper that way and give you the chance to do some exploring with some nice riding. South of I-95 to Fredericksburg is where I would recommend. Plenty of hotels more reasonably priced.

As for things to do, I would recommend either checking out the open house at HD of Washington in Fort Washington, MD, or the I believe Patriot HD dealer has a big party on the Saturday before Rolling Thunder. Personally, I prefer Fort Washington (it is the official event headquarters).

 

I will look into these.Thanks.

 

I live in the Fredericksburg area. Only 50 miles to the Thunder. I usually go at least to pay respects to my cousin on the Wall. In F'burg the hotels are reasonable, plenty of places to eat, good bike awareness by cagers. You can PM me if you need more info on the area.

 

I will.Thanks.

 

I second the Fort Washington Open House - been there several years. They also gather there and ride to the Pentagon in the morning.

I would definitely stay away from downtown DC, but there are some good deals in Arlington and a lot of the groups stay there. Last year, we stayed at the Marriott for $99/night and you are 5 mins from the Pentagon and and Arlington Cemetery.

I'm not big on Georgetown, but the the Old Glory BBQ is worth the trip.

 

I went last year with two other guys. We stayed here and I think it was around $75 if I remember correctly. The place is a bit older but the room was huge. No complaints from us. Washers/dryers in the basement. There were about 100 other bikers staying there as well.

http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwest...ertyCode=09103

As for what to expect, I guess that depends on your expectations. My brother is buried at Arlington National Cemetary. I have visited his grave many times but never on Memorial Day weekend so it was especially moving for me. I'm an Army vet as was one of the guys I was with and he had never even been to DC so we both had a great weekend.

Expect crowds all weekend. It takes forever to get out of the Pentagon for the procession. We arrived at the staging area about 7:20 and I think we had wheels up at about 1:30 after the noon start if I recall. Despite that I enjoyed it and would do it again.

 

Foe those that want to go a different direction http://www.ilfreedomrun.org/ This wall was paid for by private donations, namely bikers...Also a run on Memorial Day. I'm going this year.

 

I'm also heading down this year for the first time; I found some cheaper hotels in the College Park, MD area. Planning on hitching a ride with the group from Old Glory H-D to the Pentagon on Sunday.

 

I live in the Shenandoah Valley, which is west/northwest of D.C. It's about an hour and a half to D.C. and among some of the best back roads to ride a motorcycle. Skyline drive is out here and would be the start of a great ride back to Tennessee. Just a thought.