Rolling Thunder, who's going?
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 359
Likes: 23
From: Pennsylvania
I-85/95 look for a hotel around Springfield VA?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 839
Likes: 6
From: Virginia
For those of you who have never been before, here are a few tips:
There is no shade on the Pentagon reservation - bring a hat and sun screen. If it ends up being really warm the Fire Department will spray water to help cool people off. Bring an extra shirt in case you need to douse yourself to stay cool.
Bring snacks and plenty to drink. Bikes start rolling off the reservation at noon, but it takes over 3 hours to get everyone out of the parking lot.
Gas up before heading to the Pentagon. There is only one gas station in Crystal City (just south of the Pentagon) and they are never cheap.
Don't start your bike until you see the row you are parked in actually moving. When the precession starts at noon lots of people fire up their bikes....it's entirely possible you won't move for over an hour or more.
If you don't know where you are going, there are escorted rides leaving from Whitt's Harley, Harley Davidson of Quantico (Formerly East Coast Harley), and Patriot Harley. The groups are large (usually 2000 or more) so get there early.
Have a great time. It's amazing to see all those bikes in one place. The ride into DC is truly an experience. As others have said, it's very moving. Ride safe and have a great time!
There is no shade on the Pentagon reservation - bring a hat and sun screen. If it ends up being really warm the Fire Department will spray water to help cool people off. Bring an extra shirt in case you need to douse yourself to stay cool.
Bring snacks and plenty to drink. Bikes start rolling off the reservation at noon, but it takes over 3 hours to get everyone out of the parking lot.
Gas up before heading to the Pentagon. There is only one gas station in Crystal City (just south of the Pentagon) and they are never cheap.
Don't start your bike until you see the row you are parked in actually moving. When the precession starts at noon lots of people fire up their bikes....it's entirely possible you won't move for over an hour or more.
If you don't know where you are going, there are escorted rides leaving from Whitt's Harley, Harley Davidson of Quantico (Formerly East Coast Harley), and Patriot Harley. The groups are large (usually 2000 or more) so get there early.
Have a great time. It's amazing to see all those bikes in one place. The ride into DC is truly an experience. As others have said, it's very moving. Ride safe and have a great time!
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 698
Likes: 13
I-40 East
I-81 North
I-66 East
Or you could do the 85/95 route..........Either way is good.
Once you get in the vicinity of DC you can find a hotel that fits your budget. The further out you stay the better the price will be.
You might want to look on one of the many travel sites and go ahead and find a room.
I booked a Best Western 1 mile from the Arlington Memorial Bridge last week and paid $134 a night......Booked two nights.
Last edited by wndchsr2; May 19, 2014 at 05:38 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
THIS. My son and daughter-in-law lived in Atlanta for 6 years and swore by this route over the MUCH heavier traffic on I-85/I-95.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 698
Likes: 13
I live 2 hours north of Atlanta.