Frequently Asked Questions
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Do I have to ride a Harley to participate?
No. This event is open to all makes of motorcycles. While most of the participants are
on Harleys, all other makes are represented. All are welcome.
Who can volunteer to help out?
Any member in good standing of the Fairfax VA Chapter, Harley Owners Group.
How do I sign up as a volunteer?
Easy! Just click here.
Do I have to be a City of Fairfax or Fairfax County resident to participate?
No. This event is open to all riders. As the reputation of the ride has grown,
riders from neighboring States as well as groups from all over the USA have joined us.
All are welcome.
Do I have to be a Fairfax H.O.G. member to participate?
No. This event is open to all riders. We are pleased to have members of other
riding groups as well as independent riders join us. We hope you will take a minute to
introduce yourself to a Fairfax H.O.G. member.
What time do I really have to be there to get in line for the ride?
Staging begins at 6:30 a.m. The ride kicks off at 9:05 a.m. and bikes arriving as late
as 9:30 a.m. can join the ride. Arriving after 8:00 a.m. limits ability to share in the
Parade and Opening Ceremony. Those arriving after 9:15 a.m. will not spend much
time in the staging lines and will most likely join a moving line.
Where do I park or stage my bike for this event?
Staging will be along the eastbound lane of Fairfax Boulevard (Lee Highway)(see
Staging Basics). Bikes will be staged four
abreast. Just pull up behind the last bike in any one of the lanes and follow the
directions of the staging coordinators. This is a good time to ask any questions that
you might have.
Will someone be there to show us where and how to stage our bikes?
Yes. Staging Coordinators will direct the staging of all bikes and will be advising all
riders on all pertinent details (see
Staging
Basics).
If I have a question or problem once I’m in line, who can I ask?
There will be Fairfax H.O.G members selling pins and or directing parking and staging. They
will answer your question of direct you to someone who can.
Can I leave my bike on the street to go get breakfast?
Yes. We recommend that you secure your bike before leaving it, but you should feel
comfortable to leave your bike to get breakfast, visit the dealer or participate in the
Opening Ceremony. Be sure you allow sufficient time to get breakfast and get back
to your bike by 9:00 a.m.
How can I insure that my friend and I won’t get separated?
The best approach is to line up right behind your friend in the same line. As the
four lanes are merged into two, it is likely that another bike will be sequenced or merged
between you as you leave for the Pentagon. You will certainly be close enough to
reestablish contact when you get to the Pentagon.
Will there be restroom facilities available to those waiting in line?
Yes. Port-a-Jons will be located in the dealer parking lot and at three locations
along Fairfax Boulevard (Lee Highway) where bikes will be staged (see
Diagram).
The later you arrive, the less opportunity there will be to get food, beverages or use
restroom facilities. If you do arrive late, there are plenty of restroom facilities
at the Pentagon Parking Lot. Depending on actual parking lot location, a moderate walk
may be involved.
Will the dealer, Patriot H-D, be open that morning?
Yes. Patriot H-D will be open at 7:00 a.m. Merchandise will be available and
service personnel will be available to provide immediate repairs to enable you to safely
participate in the ride. They will not be available to put on new pipes or perform
scheduled services.
Will there be any vendors?
No. Merchandise pertaining to the Ride of the Patriots will be available from Fairfax H.O.G.
members. H-D merchandise will be available from the dealer.
Will the Ride of the Patriots be escorted?
Yes. Fairfax County , City of Fairfax, Fairfax County Sheriff, and other local police motor
squad members will escort the Ride of the Patriots from the staging area on Fairfax Boulevard
(Lee Highway) to the Pentagon. Please see other sections of the web site for details on the
ride and what to expect.
Will we be riding side by side during the escorted ride?
No. Even though the ride is police escorted and the pace will be slow and steady the ride
will be in a column of twos and staggered. It is essential that extra care be exercised to
avoid mishap.
Will helmets be required?
Yes. Virginia and the District of Columbia have mandatory helmet laws. Rolling Thunder
also requires helmets. This is not optional. Wear your helmet.
Where will the Opening Ceremonies be held?
Opening Ceremonies will be held in the Patriot H-D Parking Lot. The Opening Ceremony
(see the schedule) will be preceded by a short Community Parade
down Fairfax Boulevard (Lee Highway).
When does the Opening Ceremony start?
The Opening Ceremony commences at 8:05 a.m. The Community Parade steps off at 7:30 a.m.
and proceeds down Fairfax Boulevard (Lee Highway).
Who will be the keynote speaker and other honored guests?
See the schedule here.
What will be our route to the Pentagon?
We will travel to the Pentagon via Fairfax Boulevard (Lee Highway), Nutley Road and then
Eastbound on I-66 and Route 110. Specific route information will be provided to each
rider when they stage their bike. Please refer to the card to confirm the final route.
Will I be able to break away of the Patriots to avoid entering the Pentagon parking area?
No. There is no Exit Point (Bailout) for those who do not wish to enter the Pentagon parking lot for Rolling
Thunder®. If you do not wish to stage at the Pentagon, follow the group into the entrance for the parking lot,
but stay on N. Boundary Road. Indicate to the Rolling Thunder staff that you do not wish to park, but want to depart.
PLEASE DO NOT EXIT ALONG THE WAY, this causes a very dangerous and confusing situation.
Is it possible that bikes will be separated in the Pentagon parking area?
Yes. Official parking personnel will be directing thousands of bikes as they arrive.
It is possible that our group might be flagged into different lines at several points.
You will have plenty of time to locate separated units and make plans for reuniting after
Rolling Thunder. Take the opportunity to get to know some new riders.
Can I leave the Pentagon parking area early?
No. Once you are in the parking lot, you are in line and will not be able to leave until your
line is directed to begin moving out of the parking area and on to Rolling Thunder.
Are lavatory, food and vendor facilities available at the Pentagon?
These facilities are available in the main Pentagon Parking Lot. If we happen to be directed
to and staged in one of the adjacent parking lots, lavatories and beverages may not be
available without a moderate walk to the main parking lot. Changes in Pentagon parking and
growth of Rolling Thunder will likely continue to challenge organizers. It is essential that
all riders be prepared for a long wait in the middle of a warm parking lot without all
amenities. At a minimum, pack water.
Is Rolling To Remember a worthy event?
Rolling Thunder is an awesome event and worth all the effort and any minor
inconveniences. Visit the official Rolling Thunder
website.
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