Rolling Thunder XVII
Rolling Thunder XVII was held on Sunday, May 29, 2004.
An estimated 300,000 bikes and 500,000 people came to Washington, DC to keep the POW/MIA issue before our elected officials.
I rode in with a group of 40 friends from Gaithersburg, MD.
The parade started at noon under cloudy skies and lasted for several hours.
The Secretary for Veterans Affairs, Anthony Principi, led the parade on his new Harley Deuce.
I was invited to join him, several other VA employees, and some VIPs for the parade.
Again this year the parade route was changed.
Due to the World War II memorial activities the bikes were routed onto Constitution Avenue and turned around going the opposite direction on the same road.
The parade ended in Potomac Park where the organizers had set up stages and tents for speeches and entertainment.
This made walking to the Wall difficult, but not impossible.
The barriers that were set up on Constitution Avenue prevented anyone from crossing.
This made it impossible to get to Thunder Alley for food or souvenirs.
After visiting the Wall and listening to the Secretary for Veterans Affairs' speech we made our way to Adams-Morgan and the Asylum.
The Asylum was a welcome sight, as were the many familiar faces in attendance.
After a nice lunch and some refreshments we made our way back home.
Artie Muller, President of Rolling Thunder My Vmax and Steve's Springer near the front of the line
Artie, OCCs Paul Teutul Sr. and me Mike Teutul, me and the POW/MIA bike
Orange County Chopper's POW/MIA bike
OCC's Fire bike
This bike had an incredible paint job
Paul Revere and me VA Secretary Tony Principi and his buds
SECVA Tony's new Deuce Nancy Sinatra's boots are made for riding
Lincoln Memorial The US Capitol
Steve rides by the throngs of humanity That's Paul Revere up on the right with his tri-corner helmet
The Wall
The Asylum was havin' a bikini bike wash ... yahoo!
Jim takes a bite outta Steve Tom lovin' the ride home