Getting Ready for "Rolling Thunder"

Time to get the Harley ready to ride in "Rolling Thunder" this Sunday.  Although I've been riding again in the last couple of years, since buying my FXSTC (Softail Custom), I've been out of town or otherwise occupied during these festivities.

Twenty-five years ago (big anniversary this year!), a bunch of Viet Nam vets organized a ride to  The Wall, on the Mall in DC, to camp out and honor their fallen comrades.  It was an impromptu  gathering, and I recall there was some discussion among the government as to whether it was legal and proper for them to be camping out on National Park property, etc..  It was all resolved, and today, the event draws over half-a-million motorcycles from all across the nation and the world.

Bikes get police motorcycle escorts from designated gathering points outside the city and gather at the Pentagon parking lots.  A B-52 flies over to kick off the event!  Most of the Mall area streets, from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, are closed for bike traffic only, and the riders are released from the Pentagon in groups of a thousand or so and can ride the city free from the danger of "cagers".  There's ceremonies, a concert (featuring Nancy Sinatra, a loyal supporter every year) and thousands of spectators who come out to celebrate the day and pay respect to the veterans.

I'm geared up for my first ride in this big event.  I'll be taking lots of pix!  Stay tuned!

If you want to check out the official website:  www.rollingthunder1.com