I'm heading to rolling thunder for another year. I've been going since 1999 and have never been to the pentagon. Well, we're going there this year and riding in the parade. I'd like to know what time should you get there and what is there to do while you wait?? Thanks to those who served!!!

 

be there by 8am. when you enter the parking lot, if your riding with someone stay nose to tall in the same line or you Will! get separated,be careful when in the parade, people lining the sreet will want to give you a hand slap or 5 short of speek this can pull you off bike if your not careful, things to do,see the pentagon memorial, there is a mall close by, hang out on the hill and watch the bikes come in. Enjoy

 

Bring warm clothes . It was 46 this morni g and will be 42 in the morning. Did I mention a 30 mph wind too?

 

The RTTW should at least be on every rider's bucket list,i if isn't part of your riding calender

+1 on getting there early and staying in single file.

Consider adding a day or two to visit Arlington National Cemetery--tke the tour and see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknowns.

Visit the Vietnam Memorial and take the tour at the National Cathedral--more military history there one might expect.

Take some bottled water with you--that asphalt parking lot gets hot. You can get them refilled at CMA water stations at the lot. Also, plenty of food vendors.

And as mentioned, sit on the hill and enjoy the view of so many bikes arriving, and you'll enjoy good people watching.

Enjoy the ride and be safe.

Carl

 

Thanks for the advice. The parade is on my bucket list. We always do the museums. Keep the advice coming.

 

If you get there at 8 don't rush to your bike at noon you'll be a while getting out of the parking lot for a while. We were a third of the way back in the parking lot and we took an hour and a half before we left.

 

I've done it a number of times. Just chill, bring warm gear, (rain gear as well) because out of the 11 or times I attended easily more than half of them it rained. After the parade and run down through DC it's alway a hoot to roll over the bridge to Washington HD. They've got a bunch of vendors, and there's a ton of folks that show up. Usually some cool bikes too. It's less than 10 miles from downtown DC. Enjoy.

 

When you park your bike, look to the front and see the exit. To the left of that lane are interesting that are, for a poor term displays-- so take some time to walk that--among other things you will see is the Gold Mothers area for moms who lost service sons or daughters.

Another suggestion, especially if you are a non-vet as I am, and you find yourself in a line at one of the food vendors, look for a vet and insist, don't ask, and pay for what they are having. I doubt that the $$ involved make a difference in his or your life, but you will be glad you did.

For me the two best aspects of the ride is the respect accorded the riders who are Vietnam era vets who were so badly mistreated at the time. The second was finding my second cousin Bobby' name on the Vietnam Memorial's website. He was a USMC Lt. who was KIA during the TET offensive and devastated his parents. He was the first kid in our family to graduate college. When I checked for Bobby on the Memorials website you are provided info, some of which I knew from years ago. What I didn't know was that he'd been awarded a Silver Star for valor--well done, Bobby.

I'm sure if you do the ride I'm sure you will come away with your own memories.

Carl

 

Home safe update. It was a beautiful ride to DC. First time in years that we didn't get rain. It was a little cool in the morning but you can't beat good riding weather. I was amazed at the amount of bikes at the pentagon. We got there about 10am and we were in the last 1/4. Still for the first time in the parade it was just too cool for myself, wife and the other 4 riders that all were first timers. Thanks for all the advise from the other members who chimed in. And thanks to those who served in our armed serviced.

 

That's great...glad you had a good time. I went in 2009 and it was such a eye opening event, until then I didn't know it was a protest, the next time I go(next year hopefully) I plan on riding in the procession.