This is the north parking lot at the Pentagon as the bikers are getting ready for the beginning of the Ride to the Wall, panning from left to right.
Prior to the dinner on Saturday night, we were treated to a performance by a pipes and drum corps in the atrium of the host hotel.
Here's a map of our route.
At the Washington Harley-Davidson store. Lois Travelena is in the third picture wearing a white shirt holding her camera. (lower right)
It was a terrific turn out and the biggest sales day of the year for the store. We like to reciprocate for their sponsorship. Artie gave one of his powerful speeches.
Here is Artie with Jennifer, the new general manager of the store.
At the banquet that night (Saturday) Artie gave the most passionate speech I have ever heard him give and although I didn't agree with everything he said I was extremely moved by him. In all these years I've never seen him quite so fierce, so thrilling.
The man speaking is known as New York Mike. He lives in California!
The Rolling Thunder photographer's name is Patrick. His shirt says:
pain is weakness leaving the body. I love that.
Staff Sergeant Tim Chambers (I think I have the last name right) honors Rolling Thunder every year by standing at the turn onto Constitution Avenue, at attention, hand salute, for over four hours. I don't think this is humanly possible, but Tim's a US Marine.
This is Tim, the Marine who stands at attention and salutes each biker as he rides toward the Lincoln Memorial. I don't know how he does it for four hours, especially in 90° heat.
The dedication of this group is unlike anything I have ever witnessed anywhere else.
Thunder Alley is filled with stands and kiosks stocked with pins, patches, jackets, helmets, bandannas, all sorts of interesting things brought to DC from various places in the country.
The food there is always great and made fresh on the spot.
This is one of the two bikes donated by the Harley-Davidson store. Buying raffle tickets is always part of the weekend.
This is Craig, obviously proud of his son who is serving in Iraq. This picture was taken in the Pentagon Parking Lot prior to the run.
This bike was the star of the show. Ace rode on it.
Artie and Mike have a moment before the start of the run. Mike already has the whistle at the ready.
Artie's patch says it all.
The start of the Ride to the Wall is timed for exactly 12:00. The flyover is timed precisely as well. You have to keep in mind the sound of it. Can you imagine? The B-52 overhead and tens of thousands of motorcycles revving up to charge? It's thrilling, really.
The riders are lined up waiting for Mike's signal.
Mike waiting for 12:00 sharp.
My POV behind Artie as we leave the parking lot. General Meyers was the lead-off man followed by the Rolling Thunder officers, then Artie and me. Behind us were perhaps a couple of hundred thousand or more who would wind out of the parking lot and through the streets of our capitol city.
Here is a close-up of the firefighters applauding and cheering as we left.
Leaving the Pentagon Parking Lot, meeting up with our Police Escorts, (from various departments,) and takin' it to the street.
The Ride... Notice the colors of the police motorcycles' lights. I wish my camera could have captured them better.
In the last picture General and Mrs. Meyers are on the right at your two o'clock. He is in khaki and she's in blue.
I didn't really see this lovely tableau of a patriot until I downloaded my pictures into the computer. I always carry a good-sized American flag so people behind us will be able to spot Artie and this lady, with her hand over her heart, paid her respects.
When I saw this picture I cried. Each person you meet makes you see the entire thing through different eyes. I wonder what her story is.
An interesting little wrinkle this year was the guard who kept people off the Memorial Bridge which is usually packed with spectators. It seemed so desolate and appropriate in an odd, lonely way.
But on the other side, et voila!
Artie's son, Joe Muller is on the blue bike.
Picture two shows bikers lined up along the way. This confuses me every year because I don't know if they are just viewing the parade or waiting to cut in or what.
This is one of my favorite pictures, not only because I love Old Glory but because it give me hope that Rolling Thunder will continue after we're gone.
People along the way
This sign is fairly self-explanatory.
Dr. John Hasse, the curator of the National Museum of American History hosted a meeting there on Friday and on Sunday, we rode by the Museum again!
A quick shot of the Smithsonian.
In this shot you can see the Smithsonian again but this time on the left with the Washington Monument on the right.
Zooming in on the above picture you can see clearly the colorful lights of the police motorcycles. I just wish you could hear them. There are General Meyers and his wife again on the right.
At the end of the run we park in the Polo Field.
Here is one of the mounted police officers stationed there.
One of the last sights we see before turning onto the polo field is the Potomac River.
Walking to the stage area.
The Reflecting Pool is home to a lot of ducks who probably enjoy the view of the Capital Dome, The Washington Monument and the Smithsonian.
And this little dude wanted a closer view of those ducks!
Speaking of heroes...
Why we were all there in the first place. The people you see are walking from the Mall toward the left and down the path along the Viet Nam Memorial.
This may be a little easier to see.
One more.
