Rolling Thunder XII 1999

Rolling Thunder XII was held on Sunday, May 30, 1999.  An estimated 300,000+ bikes came to DC and help keep the POW/MIA issue before our elected officials.  I rode from Battley Cycles/Rockville Harley in Gaithersburg, MD.  Our group consisted of several hundred bikes and left around 10am after consuming large quantities of coffee and doughnuts.  A police escort got us to the Pentagon parking lot quickly and safely in about 25 minutes.  The police closed several of the main freeways from Maryland thru Virginia to the Pentagon.  Any vehicle that approached the bikes was either stopped or quickly escorted away by the cops on their Harleys.  

The parade started at noon and lasted several hours.  The heat was the main problem and some air cooled engines experienced meltdowns and quit.  The most desired amenities were shade and cool water.  The lingering memory I will always recall is the sound of the bikes as they circuited through the city and the vibration that you felt through your feet.  It is truly awesome and I hope all who love their country, and ride, can participate in one Rolling Thunder.