Make sure your bikes in tip top shape. Expect MANY hours of not moving. Miles per hour becomes feet per hour in a hurry. Still, it a worthy event.

 

the old lady and i will be at the pentagon lot at 730/8

 

If your speaking about the Run For the Wall, the routes are posted here.. RFTW.org

 

I live in Alexandria, first Rolling Thunder I attended was II. We have changed our routine over the years and now we go and watch the people in the parade. We have this tradition of going downtown on Sat. night to check things out and pay our respects. Fri.& Sat night is also a good time to go and check out Old town Alexandria, just find King st. (Rt.7) and head for the potomac river. It's always a PARTY!

 

Old Town Alexandria is a blast! We usually hang at Murphy's, an Irish Pub that's been there forever it seems. If you've never been before I'd highly recommend you go to one of the organized ride-ins to the Pentagon. It's easy to get confused riding around the D.C. area and all the traffic won't make it any easier. Leaving at 0630 tomorrow myself from Orlando, heading to Va. Bch, VA. Spending the next couple of nights with friends. Then on Sunday meeting other friends at Ft Washington HD, doing the ride, and then getting out of D.C. hopefully somewhere South of Richmond/Petersburg area to RON, then heading to Greenville, SC to visit daughter for a couple of days, and then home again.

 

this will be my first RT is it better to do one of the rides from a dealer to the pentagon that gets to the lot at 10ish or is it better to show up at the pentagon lot at 7/730. i would like to be out of the lot before 2.. is this possible

 

It's a crap shoot as to when you're going to get out. In the past they've let all of the "VIPs" and guests out first, then it just seems kind of random as to which section they let go next. You just have to be patient and take it as it comes. It's really best to not put any time constraints on your day as they'll just get blown anyway.

 

If you want to be toward the front , go to the lot early (7 or so) if you want to enjoy a longer parade, go to one of the dealerships. (Patriot, Ft. Washington, Old Glory)ft Washington got lost a couple of years ago and we ended up at the White House with 500 bikes. Luckily I knew my way and a local who was riding and I got folks to the lot.

Take plenty of water and some snacks with you. There is some water there and a little food. We carried a tyvek sheet to lay in the grass on. Wear something comfortable also. take lots of pictures. expect long lines for the ladies to use the facilities.

The ride is worth the long wait. Wait until you see the gunny sgt standing at attention and saluting behind the lincoln memorial. Enjoy the experience.

Bub

 

I know that this answer isn't what you were asking for but I think it would be a GREAT honor to ride with such a group. Enjoy the ride

 

We will be leaving Richmond with about 500 - 600 bikes (estimated) @8:00. We figure it's best to take our time and wait just before staging then to get to the parking lot at 8:00 and wait four hours. Like others have said - when you depart from the lot is a crap shoot.