Went for the first time last year. Buddy lives in NC and rides with a group of Veterans there. Seems to me (remember my first trip and a hang around with the Riders Group), some groups had positions in line for the start. We were in the north parking lot in the north east corner. The word was we were suppose to start by 12:15. We missed it by just a few minutes. The problem (as I see it), was several people ignored what I believed was the organization. Not that it was a big deal as there were only a couple of people that jumped the starting order. Once on the parade route there were portions of traffice jam then suddenly it was open and you're doing 60 to catch up the the riders ahead of you. And again we were in the first 20 minutes of the ride.

Went right back to the hotel, had lunch and lazed around for several hours, then rode to Maryland well after 4PM. Ran into traffic issues as the parade was still in progress.

All in all, an experience NOT to be missed. The organized rides to the various memorials, Arlington and commaradie is worth any effort it takes to get there. Will do it again someday.

 

Lots of great organizations support Rolling Thunder as well as independent riders. Absolutely a must do IMO!

 

Organization is top notch. The few that acted like they weren't subject to the organization were an irritant more than anything else. Kind of like a loose moustache hair in a full face helmet.

 

Definitely ride in the parade at least once. Shut the bike off in the parking lot and bring water and sunscreen. That's about it. The time I went I started at Patriot HD in Fairfax, VA. They shut down all of 66 heading into DC. So there is like a mini parade of lots of bikes leaving fairfax. There are people on all of the bridges that cross over the highway. It's pretty sweet.

 

I have done almost all the Rolling Thunders in some capacity. Some when the weather has been in the 90's and some when in the 60's. You can either be in the parade or watch the parade. I would do the parade at least once. Usually at the Pentagon they announce the mount up for the parade start, if I remember correctly, around noon and everyone mounts up and starts their bikes. Unfortunately with sometime 100,000 bikes there or more, it only make sense that all can't leave at the same time. I have been there and had my line pull out at 12:15 and have been there when my line doesn't get to pull out until after 3 or 3:30. To avoid all the idling you have to watch what's going on. Sometimes getting into the Pentagon, there can be some delays but usually things go pretty good.

 

I agree with other posters that you should ride in the parade at least once. It's an amazing sight. I also have gone to Thunder Alley and hung out and watched from the sidelines. Either way you should enjoy it. Especially if you're a vet.