I started to attend the event in 1995 and still manage to attend the event with a couple of years missed with other commitments.
It is a huge event that runs all weekend and the ride on Sunday is a small part of the weekend.
I attend as I am a Vietnam Era Veteran and I am out there to support the other veterans.

Here is my contribution of pictures to the forum for...
Rolling Thunder on Sunday of 2015

But starting on Friday evening at the Vietnam Memorial there is a Candlelight Vigil - starts at 9:00 PM - really worth seeing once in everyone's life.
Saturday there are different events going on which are sponsored by the many dealers in the area.
Stop in to a few of them and have some fun.
But make sure you have some time to walk through Thunder Alley - always fun and lots of bike in the surrounding area to see - but be prepared to walk and leave the bike parked somewhere as it is very crowded in the area with several thousand bikes looking for a parking spot.
Of course on Sunday is the big ride through the mall but again there are a few other things going on in the area.

If you attend, have fun and support the veterans - We Will Never Forget!

 

For info on the event itself: http://rollingthunderrun.com/

 

You guys be safe, and have fun. Look me up.

 

This is my 9th year of Rolling Thunder. Yes there is a lot going on and I do mean a lot. My group is heading to DC tomorrow. We have about thirty going this year. You need to do a little planning if you plan to get anything out of the event. That being said you can always just go to the mall, visit a few war memorials, visit Thunder Alley and call it a day.

 

My ol'lady and I are planning on coming down. She wants to ride in the parade. We'll be leaving from Baltimore but not exactly what time since we've never ridden in the parade. Any suggestions?

 

I rode with www.rftw.org from 2010 - 2012. This group has been doing their ride now for about 27 years - all start from Southern CA and take 10 days to get to DC - this group has gotten so big - it now has three routes - all leaving from Rancho Cucamonga, CA.

Rolling Thunder - is a special ride that starts at the Pentagon in DC and rides around the 'National Mall' grounds. I really think everyone one should do this 'Once' However, you really need to understand and be prepared for what it is and how it operates. Everyone stages in the Pentagon parking lots - the staging starts EARLY. Our group RFTW shows up well before 7am - we are allowed in and stage upclose to the front but NOT the front. The Wife and I did this in 2010. Got into the pentagon parking lot and parked about 7am. Then we WAITED AND WAITED. the first hour was kind of exciting but the Next 3 Friggin Hours was Hot and boring as HELL> The Parade started at NOON. We did not have wheel turning until 12:30 {[past estimates of bike pulling out of the Pentagon parking lot and doing the parade are 200,000 PLUS } it can take HOURS just to get everyone out - depending on where you parked in the group.
( Now keep in mind - we just spent 10 days in a tight formation from CA to DC with rftw - very well organized and very safe. When Rolling Thunder got started and we pulled out of the Pentagon parking lot - the entire parade lasted about 15- 20 min???? WTF??? and it was NOT all that organized - the crowds along the streets were BIG and it took all my attention to stay safe...
Interesting but I will NOT do it again - still glad I did it - now have that bragging right -
Be ready to park and wait up to 4 hours to start your 20 min parade.. Like a lot of motorcycle trips... its the journey Not the destination, lol

as far as what to do that weekend - it is one weekend that you can park just about anywhere you want (Motorcycle) anywhere on the Washington Mall or most anywhere on the street. Thunder alley is nice. Remember where you park - easy to get lost... Watch the streets for Pot Holes from HELL> watch for other crazy riders and drivers (cages)

Would I do it again NO {just do not need 500,000 new friends to ride with in DC, lol > Did I enjoy the parade and the overall DC expense in 2010 YES ...

 

Talked it over with her yesterday and we won't be doing the parade. Kickstands up at 1000 at our house, ride down and enjoy ourselves.

 

You need to come down Saturday and be at the Pentagon no later than 6:30 AM. Bring comfortable shoes, bottled water, sunscreen, a hat, and anything else that will make you comfortable for about five to six hours of sun and heat. There will be food, drinks, & souvenirs sold at the parking lot but vendors do run out every year.

 

I lived in DC for over 30 years and attended numerous Rolling Thunder events. Ft. Washington Harley (Livingston Road) always has a "slammin" party the Saturday before the event. Worth checking out....

 

I got my license 5 years ago and have gone into DC each memorial day weekend.

Early Saturday Morning to go to Thunder Alley.
Sunday, I join up with a Ride that starts at a Bar has breakfast then rides as A group to DC. Some places meet up with Dealer and ride with them. A lot of riders peel off the main group and don't go into the Pentagon. They will head back to the Dealership, Bar, Moose Lodge, etc for a BBQ after the ride.

Last year I missed everything on Saturday/Sunday and just went to Thunder Alley first thing Monday morning and got to park right in front of the venders. Slim Pickings though.

Parking for Bikes is always interesting RT Weekends. Be Prepared to Walk. to get to the Wall and to Thunder Alley. AND Remember where you Park!! that's not always easy to do in DC.