I have always wanted to go to Rolling Thunder in May. 2013 seems lime it could be the year.
I hope you like CROWDS If you choose to attempt to ride, you will be in the pentagon parking lot, and the tail end will not even be started by the time the front riders are finished.
Better option is to support them if the travel through your neck of the woods
Yes it will be very crowded but it is pretty incredible. Imagine motorcycles parked nose to tail with the rows barely 2 feet apart for as far as you can see. The rumble of the engines is like nothing you've ever heard and the feeling you get when you start the parade and people are lined up on both sides of the street cheering you on will bring you to tears. It is something that you will always remember. I was there nearly 20 years ago and I'm glad I went.
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I went to Rolling Thunder with my Spyder in 2011. I was glad I did. If you are going to do it make sure you keep a few things in mind:
* Get to the Pentagon parking lot early.
* Remember, it is not a parade; it's a demonstration to remind government in Washington to never forget our POW/MIA military.
* There are always Gold Star Moms in attendance. They are usually in a tent on a peripheral side of the main parking lot. If you get a chance, thank them for the ultimate sacrifice their Son or Daughter made for our Country
* You can buy food and soft drinks/water or bring your own.
* You will stand in a long line to use the temporary facilities in the Pentagon Parking lot.
* D.C. can get hot in May. There were nice people passing out those frozen neck scarves and that helped a lot. Stay hydrated.
* Once you park your bike, expect a minimum of 6 to 7 hours before you start the ride. We got there around 06:30 and were in the first lot close to the beginning but we did not pull out until around 13:00
* Get to the Pentagon parking lot early. I really cannot stress this enough. The later you show up the longer you wait. The riders in the overflow parking lot were there for a couple hours longer. I guess if you timed it right you could be very late and be at the very end with little waiting but that would negate the true experience of what Rolling Thunder is about.
Do it at least once. You will not regret seeing hundreds of thousands of bikes and like minded patriotic Americans in one place.
It is Epic.
CAC
Last edited by CanAmChris; 11-08-2012 at 08:33 PM.
I have always wanted to go to Rolling Thunder in May. 2013 seems lime it could be the year.
Three of us from the Dayton area hope to make the trip. (2 Spyders and one Harley) Our Harley driver friend has been once and neither of us Spyder guys have been. We both started driving this year. Anybody know of a campground reasonably close to the area, years ago I stayed at a KOA down in Virginia when the wife and I were up there for a dog event. I figure even now might be too late but thought I'd look for a place for use to camp.
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I went in 2011 to rolling thunder with a freind, he had a harley. I agree with everything that CanAmChris.
Just go by everything he states. We go there early and did not leave the parking lot untill 2pm.
I am planning going this year. Just looking for others leaving Central NY area. to have a group to ride down to rolling thunder. ITs for all to remember never to forget MIA , POW.
I hope you like CROWDS If you choose to attempt to ride, you will be in the pentagon parking lot, and the tail end will not even be started by the time the front riders are finished.
Better option is to support them if the travel through your neck of the woods
IMHO
+1 we went every year for the past 5 years on our Harleys. Last year they had us in the South parking lot and forgot about us. We stayed in the lot until 3 then just left to go home.
This old jacket has been to the "Thunder" 18 of the last 25 years. I have been fortunate that it has taken me with it each time. As previously stated it ain't a party. The emotion there is very obvious, and will stay with ya forever. Our brothers & sisters that have protected our freedom, and our way of life deserve your support.
I agree with most all previous posts except the one that says stay home & support those that are going.
Yes it will be hot. It was hot in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afganastan, but they went anyway. We can do the same to honor those in attendance, and those that will be there only in memory.
I will now get off of my soap box and add that one should bring good walking shoes. If you plan to visit the wall do not bring any sort of weapons even a pocket knife as they will take them from you. Also this year I would NOT carry a backpack for obvious reasons.
Your attendance will be will be appreciated by the hundreds of thousands of tearful eyes. The sights & sounds will make your heart swell with pride, and your eyes tear for those fallen.
Also take the time to say hello, and thanks to the WWII vets in their wheelchairs, and on their walkers as they may not make it next year.
God bless our fallen heros, and those that stand for our freedom today.
Budro
as it stands right now I will be at rolling thunder. A marine and I will be leaving may 24th at 8am from Cortland NY. Lets try and look each other up. If your are there. I know there will be lots lots lots of bikes.
If you go, can I ask that you ride in honor of our son. Sr. Airman James A Hansen 5-24-85/9-15-10 Balad Iraq. I wish we could go, but Memorial Day programs keep us here in MI. Thank you and have a safe ride.
I'll be there on Saturday morning and early afternoon. I always park to the right of the Lincoln Monument on the mall lot close to the place that sells food. Hope to see a few folks.
Caution:When you argue with an idiot,You have to lower your standards and then you get beat by their experience
If you go, can I ask that you ride in honor of our son. Sr. Airman James A Hansen 5-24-85/9-15-10 Balad Iraq. I wish we could go, but Memorial Day programs keep us here in MI. Thank you and have a safe ride.
I will be riding in the VIP Escort and it will be my honor to ride with your son's name displayed on my Spyder.
Speaking of Rolling Thunder there is THREE GUYS from here at work Riding from Charleston West Virginia to California and meeting up with group and riding back to Washington and then back to Charleston WV. this makes I their 4th year ,they spend three weeks on the trip
Hats off to all of the past and present military folks
I will be leaving s.e. Ohio (Hocking county) Sat. 25th to DC. If ya want company or need company let me know---Budro
I
Another Marine on a Harley and I will be leaving Cortland NY at 3pm on May 25th sat. We should arrive in the Quantice (Dumfries) area around 9pm -10pm. I am not sure of the Hotel we are staying at. I know sunday morning we will go to the Harley dealer in Dumfries and ride to the Pentagon from there with other bikes. I will send you a private with my cell number.
Rolling Thunder
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Originally Posted by BuddaBelly
Rolling Thunder
