Rolling Thunder is one of the premier motorcycle events in the United States. The ride through Washington, DC to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a demonstration to pay respects to the service men and women who have given their lives for the freedom we enjoy every day and for the full accounting of all POW/MIA. The ride draws 10's of thousand bikers from all over the US and other countries.
Day 1 - Whites Ferry
I've participated in several Rolling Thunders but this year my wife and I decided to function as spectators and support the riders. Normally I travel through the Eastern Shore of Maryland (MD 213 and US 50) to get to the Washington, DC area. This year I planned a new route that integrated Whites Ferry and covered some back roads in Maryland.
For purposes of this narrative we begin at Camp Hill, PA on US 15 south. While in the area we stopped to have lunch at Hoss's Restaurant, a regional chain which is one of our favorite eateries. 15 down to Frederick, MD is a very good 4-lane divided highway where you can make good time and enjoy some nice scenery, especially in Maryland. South of the Frederick area, US 15 becomes a 2-lane highway with moderate traffic and scenery provided by well-kept farms.
Just north of Leesburg, VA you pick-up VA 655 to proceed to Whites Ferry which crosses the Potomac River between Virginia and Maryland. The last time I took the ferry I was driving a 1970 Honda CB350 on a ride to the Skyline Drive and Blueridge Parkway. It appears that the ferry has not changed much in all these years.
While waiting our turn to board the ferry, a group of bikers disembarked. The last rider in the group was a petite young woman on her 250cc Honda Rebel. She had a big grin on her face and it was obvious she was enjoying every minute of the ride. A good example of the emotion and sense of freedom motorcycle riding provides! After the ferry ride we stopped by the General Store for a drink and relaxed in the shade while we watched the ferry operations and took photos. A little bit out of the way, Whites Ferry provides a rewarding experience that makes it worth one's time.
From the ferry we took several back roads to include Whites Ferry, Edwards Ferry, Offutt, Mt Nebo, and River Roads. Whites Ferry Road is the only road to-from the ferry on the Maryland side. Edwards Ferry, Offutt, and Mt. Nebo Roads were unique. Traffic was almost non-existent and the roadway was very narrow. The area was populated with huge estates and horse farms that provided distinct scenery. Traffic picked up on River Road, whose name is perplexing. You never get a glimpse of the Potomac.
River Road becomes MD 190, which takes you to the Capitol Beltway (I-495). Rather then take the 'Superslab' I proceeded on Cabin John Parkway for a short distance in order to link up to the Clara Barton Parkway. On a Saturday the Clara Barton was a nice drive along the river and historic Chesapeake & Ohio Canal. During the workweek the parkway becomes a commuter route and is one-way at peak rush hours. Keep this in mind if you plan on riding the Clara Barton.
Once in DC it was a right turn on the Key Bridge into Virginia and a few blocks to our motel.
Overall this route provided some wonderful memories and a good look at rural Maryland horse country. A treat that I suspect many bikers have not experienced.
Total distance for the day was 242 miles.
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Day 2 - Rolling Thunder's Ride to the Wall
It was a short ride from our motel to 'The National Mall' in DC. Upon arrival we proceeded to the Vietnam War Memorial where we paid our respects to all those who gave up their lives during that war. Our next stop was 'Thunder Alley' a vendor area which is part of the Memorial Day weekend festivities.
We then found a shady spot on Constitution Avenue to watch the Ride to the Wall. The ride started promptly at noon and it took over 3 hours for all the bikers to pass. All types, makes, and models of bikes were on the ride and some that were very unusual. Quite a spectacle that will not forgotten. It was a wonderful tribute to all our Veterans, especially those who served in Vietnam.
After the ride we headed back to our motel to relax.For a change I didn't get lost in DC. After several visits, I think I have finally figured out the 'lay of the land'.
Day 3 - Memorial Day
For the ride home we traveled through the Eastern Shore of Maryland on a hot and humid day. (I-95 is a shorter route but it can be a nightmare with its heavy traffic and frequent bottlenecks.) 'Superslabs', consisting of the Capitol Beltway and US 50, were used to get to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Commonly called the Bay Bridge, it was at one time the world's longest continuous over-water steel structure.
Once across the bridge, we took MD 18 and MD 213 up to the Pennsylvania state line. These 2 roads are part of Maryland's Chesapeake Country Scenic Byway. Along the way you'll pass through charming small towns, maritime recreation areas, and spacious farmland. No twisties to get your adrenalin going, but traffic was light to moderate and you move right along.
Entering Pennsylvania we traveled on SR 841, SR 82, and SR 345. These 3 roads combined have all the attributes you expect in a great motorcycle route: numerous curves, varied scenery, light traffic, and smooth asphalt. Alnog the way we stopped at French Creek State Park to take a break and stretch our legs. This was my first visit to the park and was amazed by all the recreation facilities it has.
SR 345 terminates in Birdsboro and from there we proceeded to a family picnic. Honoring our Veterans, riding some terrific motorcycle roads, and spending time with family made this an extraordinary Memorial Day weekend.
Total distance for the day was 244 miles.
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Tuesday, June 1, 2010
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