Sweet Emotion and Winslow...

Winslow and Tooter..

FORD!!!! (Editors note: dont EVER tell Winslow you are camera shy)

Awesome action shots by SE!

I love parking on the lawn, hehehe...

They even had a parade!

I wonder if Dubya rides? Nawww...

Dam, thats a hell-of-alot of bikes! - Overheard as we pulled into the grass adjacent to the Washington Monument...

Saturdays trip to Rolling Thunder XX was another *first* for me and I am so glad I went! From the ride to Washington, DC to the event tself, it was a great day.

VERY early Saturday morning, several of us met at Mr. Bill’s (Williamsburg Motor Works). I finally got to put faces to the names I have heard mentioned in stories and past events, which is always so cool. Plans were to head out at 7:30 a.m., and we did exactly that. Three stops were planned on the way, picking up several riders at each one. When we arrived in Washington, D.C. we had 61 bikes in our group. The stop at the Bus Station was a great idea! The bathroom lines are very long at the National Mall.

When we got to where we were parking, I could not believe the amount of bikes there. 1000’s of bikes were there and I must say some of the nicest ones I have seen. We got there a little while before the parade started, so we walked around. The show of honor and respect for our Veterans and POW/MIA was amazing. I saw tags from all over and many were a long way from home. The Parade lasted over 2 ½ hours, with too many bikes to count riding in it. This is really awesome to see. This has to be one of the largest events of the season and for sure one with a great cause.

Through out the day while walking around, I learned many things I guess I missed In History class. I also heard a couple stories from people who lived through war time and fought for our country. These stories will bring tears to your eyes. Seems while talking to a Veteran or the family of a Veteran, the first feeling I felt was gratitude and the first word I said after hearing their story was thank you. When you’re walking and just looking around. And you see that Veteran in the wheel chair or the mother crying while putting flowers on a memorial, the 1000’s of stars on the wall, each one representing 100 lost lives, you realize the sacrifice made for the life we enjoy now. These people are the true meaning of the word HERO.

The entire Rolling thunder experience for me was awesome. I would say to anyone thinking of going, this is something everyone should experience at least once. I want to thank Mr. Bill, Spanky, and Clay for organizing a safe, great ride to Washington, DC. I know I was nervous about riding the highway. But the trip went terrific and I actually relaxed enough to enjoy the ride. I will be there next year ready to ride!! Oh, I want to mention, next year will be the 15th year Bill and Spanky have made the ride to Rolling Thunder. That is awesome guys and I am glad to be part of the tradition. Thanks for the fun and great experience. See you at the next event!

Article By Sweet Emotion