darrenhardman

Rolling Thunder 2016; My experience.

Since the American Legion Riders Post 31, Shinnston WV have been back from Rolling Thunder I have been trying to find a way to put into words what I experienced. But every time I try it just doesn’t do it justice. So this is the best I can relay. Saturday, we go down to the National Mall and Thunder Alley. We pick up our Pins, t-Shirts, patches etc. Then we tour all of the Monuments. It was a couple of the party’s first time there. The ambience that day was like every other rally. People being cool. People comparing places they’ve been and sharing how far they’ve rode for this event. VERY HOT day, sit in cooking temperature for 45 minutes waiting to get into Arlington Cemetery to watch the Changing of the guard. ALWAYS worth it!

Sunday morning, We leave early (0615, we thought was early) from our hotel for the Pentagon North Parking lot. We get a half mile from the entrance and right then is when the emotion and the realization that we are part of something extremely huge smacks me right in the face. THOUSANDS of bikes had left earlier than us. It takes 30 minutes to navigate into the entrance in a column of two. My clutch overheats and I walk my bike in the last two hundred yards. It seemed like 2 miles. Thankfully the pace was slow enough I could keep up and not lose my place in line. Bikes are an endless stream from two separate exits. So much, the police have to alternate between the two to try and keep a steady flow. We park, finally at around 0800. Bikes are a steady stream until 1200 when the procession begins. Even then as bikes are pulling out onto the route there’s still a steady stream pulling in to be parked into the Pentagon South Parking lot. It seems it will never stop.

While waiting the four hours in the parking lot as the sun gets hotter and higher in the sky everyone crams into every piece of shade available to try and rest and not overheat before the parade of bikes begins. There’s a small hill to our right and most everyone at one time or another makes their way there to get a view of the parking lot full of bikes. From this spot I stand and see for the first time just how huge this event is that I am participating in. My eyes see it, but my mind cannot grasp the enormity of the number of motorcycles parked and STILL coming in! My adrenaline starts running, my breath catches as I try to take a deep breath. I walk down to catch a few vendors, grab a bite to eat, stay hydrated and find some shade until it’s time to ride out.

The time comes and the bikes start moving. I watch as the Police escort of at least 20 bikes leads the lead bike and Medal of Honor recipient up the ramp and out of site. Over the next couple of hours the line gets shorter as it gets closer for us to ride out. The closer it gets I can’t help but get nervous and excited all at the same time. My adrenaline spills and my hands shake. All I can think is please don’t let me dump this clutch and stall when I pull out. My time comes and I pull out with what feels like a flow of pride and honor for now I am truly part of this enormous event and there’s no turning back now barring a breakdown.

We proceed up the ramp and onto the route across Arlington Memorial Bridge. People are lined up and cheering. Cold chills sweep through my body! We turn left around part of the circle to the Lincoln Memorial and then turn left onto 23rd st. Lincoln Memorial in my rear view mirrors. So many people! Waving, shouting, crying, cheering, reaching out for a high five and saluting! It’s almost overwhelming! We come to the turn at 23rd and Constitution and there is a Marine in Dress Blues getting married! We rev our engines, lay on the horns, make the turn and speed down Constitution Avenue for a way! I felt like I was taking off into the clouds to forever be gone. No more pain in my body, no more bullshit in my life, No more negativity! The streets are lined with people who love us, who respect us, who thank us…… and we them! I’ve never felt anything like that in my life! I was finally brought to tears when I passed this little girl in a wheel chair on my right hand side. She was such a frail little thing. She was by herself in her chair is what caught my eye with a huge sign and a smile just as big that said “I STAND WITH YOU!” I pointed at her and laid on my horn the entire time I went by her! I just know for that brief moment neither one of us felt anything but a swelled up heart! And that was GOOD! The rest of the ride was a blur……

June 1, 2016 - Posted by Darren Hardman | Just stuff | American Legion, American Legion Riders, Americanism, Memorial Day, Motorcycles, Patriotism, Rolling Thunder 2016, Shinnston, WV