Callin on Ducati Rider's for 2011 Rolling Thunder

Zulu · May 14, 2011, 01:37:34 PM

Was thinking of having a little ducati rollin thunder this memorial day weekend to honor all the veterans of past and present.

We could all agree on a spot somewhere in Northern Va or MD and possibly ride to Wash DC .

Please fill in with suggestions and advices.

Thank you

zooom · May 15, 2011, 06:58:33 AM

no offense to anyone when I say this...I WILL NEVER DO ROLLING THUNDER AGAIN....I did it several years ago...rode with a contigent of people down to the Pentagon lot and then hung out twiddling my thumbs most of the time...looking at a lot of Harleys(there were a few non-Harleys, but there were few and far between-and lemmee tell you, the ATGATT look drew more attention than anything else it seemed)....most of the people there, were only there because it was like the "in" place to be.....I would honestly say that a vast minority were actually there to honor veterans and the origional spirit of the event...so after wasting several hours sitting around the lot...I finally got to move out of the lot ( which once you are in the lot, you aren't easily going to get out until it is time for you to leave in the procession) and on the route to Constitution Ave....I did the lil ride up and down...parked...got a drink as I was on the verge of dehydration due to a lack of vending in the Pentagon parking lot...then I got the f**k out of dodge...

battlecry · May 15, 2011, 01:21:11 PM

Don't want to discourage you either, Zulu. Been there, done that, and like zooom, would rather be somewhere else. Doing the Constitution loop is fun, but the wait is way too long. Think bike overheating. Think you overheating. If you have buddies, it can make time go faster, but to me it was a long day.

Artful · May 15, 2011, 02:28:59 PM

Would rather buy a vet a beer and shake his hand and then go for a ride anywhere other than there than sit out on a hot day with the Pirates stuck in a line.

tocino · May 15, 2011, 03:28:08 PM

Whew! Feel the love!

twolanefun · May 16, 2011, 05:24:07 AM

Quote from: Artful on May 15, 2011, 02:28:59 PM
Would rather buy a vet a beer and shake his hand and then go for a ride anywhere other than there than sit out on a hot day with the Pirates stuck in a line.

Okay, where and when?

Seriously though I agree that it does seem like a bit of a hassle and for sure there are folks there who are only there to be there. Having said that I try to go every other year, alternating with a run over to the Springfield Mile. I ride one of my Victory's and I've noticed the last couple of years more brands and types of bikes, though it still does seem to be a Harley affair. I find most people there to be quite easy to get along with and wish more non-Harley people would show so as to build a better understanding between riders, although I'm still having trouble accepting the stunters and those that ride like idiots over in PG County.
Yes sitting in that parking lot is a pain, more vendors now and drinks/food can be found. But there is nothing quite like the sound when the bikes get fired up and rolling at 12. And personally I find it somewhat healing to pay a visit to the wall and some buddies that did not make it back from Nam. - Gene

Zulu · May 16, 2011, 12:20:50 PM

There is a run from Patriot HD ... One time I saw a bunch of ducati super bikes too . We all can meet up at Fairfax patriot HD, and ride with them through 66 . For people who do not want to go all the way to pentagon parking lot can exit before and go to georgetown for beer or smthn and for the rest can ride to the pentagon parking lot.

Or if not we can meet somewhere else and go ride somewhere else.

accludetuner · May 16, 2011, 01:15:09 PM

How did I miss this thread! I deleted the other one.....

I'm personally cruising down with a large group of NON-HARLEYS. A mix of about 40+ sportbikes, streetfighters, sport touring, standards, cruisers, and customs. Might be a few Harleys in the mix, but they are the minority. That said, I've never done Rolling Thunder before and WILL be doing it for the experience. Myself and a couple of others are also going to do it in full uniform to emphasize the POW/MIA spirit of the event. I'd love to have a few Ducs in the mix, but it seems like most of you here aren't up for it.

zooom · May 16, 2011, 01:26:38 PM

Quote from: accludetuner on May 16, 2011, 01:15:09 PM
it seems like most of you here aren't up for it.

some are...some aren't...some have the been there and done that reaction to the event...

Quote from: 99Zulu on May 16, 2011, 12:20:50 PM
For people who do not want to go all the way to pentagon parking lot can exit before and go to georgetown or smthn else and go ride somewhere else.

this is what most sport bike people whom have done it before often do now...or they head over to Constituion and line up in the shade and wait over there...

Quote from: accludetuner on May 16, 2011, 01:15:09 PM
I've never done Rolling Thunder before and WILL be doing it for the experience. Myself and a couple of others are also going to do it in full uniform...

I say do it at least once for the experience...doing it in uniform will garner attention from people who will happily shake your hand and thank you heartily...lots of them...

it may also garner some attention from MP or Pentagon Police who may give you some grief if you are riding in a way that deviates from regulation as if you were on post, being the Pentagon lot is exactly what and where it is...just something to think about...

accludetuner · May 16, 2011, 02:07:34 PM

Yeah, I'm going to be riding "by the book" in uniform. Shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for the info though!

Zulu · May 16, 2011, 02:15:37 PM

Quote from: accludetuner on May 16, 2011, 02:07:34 PM
Yeah, I'm going to be riding "by the book" in uniform. Shouldn't be an issue. Thanks for the info though!

With a reflector Pt Belt?

If i dont find a group in nova.. I might try to catch up with you all some where on route...

accludetuner · May 17, 2011, 03:26:05 AM

Reg states that long sleeves (ACU top) is good to go except at night or on base, in which case you need something reflective. I don't need a PT belt for this and I wouldn't be surprised if helmets would also be put into the "optional" category when actually doing the event. I'll see what others are doing and go with the flow on that one.

twolanefun · May 17, 2011, 04:46:20 AM

Helmets are not optional. - Gene

flare_late · May 17, 2011, 06:07:00 AM

Quote from: accludetuner on May 17, 2011, 03:26:05 AM
Reg states that long sleeves (ACU top) is good to go except at night or on base, in which case you need something reflective. I don't need a PT belt for this and I wouldn't be surprised if helmets would also be put into the "optional" category when actually doing the event. I'll see what others are doing and go with the flow on that one.

You may still want to run it up the chain and get permission to wear your cammies. There's a difference between wearing your uniform to and from work and wearing it while off duty at a national event sponsored by a charity. It's probably cool, but just sayin...

The Marines make it simple - no cammies off base.

zooom · May 17, 2011, 06:12:28 AM

Quote from: flare_late on May 17, 2011, 06:07:00 AM
You may still want to run it up the chain and get permission to wear your cammies. There's a difference between wearing your uniform to and from work and wearing it while off duty at a national event sponsored by a charity. It's probably cool, but just sayin...

The Marines make it simple - no cammies off base.

that was more what I was getting at...I have heard of it being frowned apon to be in regulation uniform on offtime activities like this or otherwise....

News:

Callin on Ducati Rider's for 2011 Rolling Thunder