Be Part Of The Historic 2019 Ride For Freedom

It’s been a national tradition every Memorial Day weekend since 1988. Thousands of motorcycle riders from across the country gather in Washington, D.C., for Ride for Freedom, a rally and demonstration hosted by Rolling Thunder, a nonprofit organization that advocates for veterans who are prisoners of war or missing in action (POW/MIA). Riders start from the Pentagon, traverse Arlington Memorial Bridge, and end at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. But this year’s ride on May 26 has extra significance.

The Ride for Freedom, which included more than 50,000 bikers last year, demonstrates to policymakers in our nation’s capital city that veterans who are POWs or MIA are missing but not forgotten, and they need to be accounted for. While the ride is significant every year, the 2019 Ride for Freedom has a special meaning because it will be the last time the Rolling Thunder, the original founders, host the event.

Given the historical importance of the 2019 Ride for Freedom, the motorcycle attorneys in Orlando, FL, with 911 Biker Law hope every rider can take part. Here’s what you need to know about this final Ride for Freedom.

When Is The Ride For Freedom?

The 2019 Ride for Freedom, officially called the Rolling Thunder XXXII First Amendment Demonstration Run, begins at 12 p.m., Sunday, May 26, at the North Pentagon Parking Lot in Arlington, VA, and concludes across the Potomac River at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The Ride for Freedom is the highlight of a full weekend of events. The events begin on Friday, May 24, with the “Blessing of the Bikes” at Washington National Cathedral at 5 p.m., followed by a candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at 9 p.m. On Memorial Day, events include attending the National Memorial Day Parade at 2 p.m. at Constitution Avenue and 7th Street Northwest. A National Moment of Remembrance at 3 p.m. concludes the weekend.

A full events schedule is available on the Rolling Thunder website.

What Is The Ride For Freedom Route?

Starting from the North Pentagon Parking Lot, riders travel north along Washington Boulevard, through Lady Bird Johnson Park, and then head east across Arlington Memorial Bridge. After crossing the Potomac River, they ride north behind the Lincoln Memorial and turn east on Constitution Avenue Northwest, riding along the north side of the National Mall. After a dramatic turn on 3rd Street Northwest in front of the U.S. Capitol, riders head back west on Independence Ave Southwest, turn south at the D.C. War Memorial, then head down Ohio Drive to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

View a detailed map of the riding route on the Rolling Thunder website.

Safety Tips From Our Motorcycle Attorneys

For riders traveling from Orlando, the route to Ride for Freedom is as straightforward as it is scenic. The bulk of the trip involves traveling on I-95 North along the eastern coast. However, the ride one-way is about 850 miles, which is a lot of distance for accidents to happen.

As personal injury attorneys, we know motorcycle accidents can happen anywhere. That’s why it’s essential to be prepared. Schedule a tune-up for your bike before you start the trip, and keep your cell phone fully charged in case you need to call for help or take photos of an accident scene.

Caution should also be exercised while partaking in the Ride for Freedom. With 50,000 bikers surrounding you from every angle, even a slight collision could spell trouble for you and many other riders. Avoid drinking before riding, and wear as much protective equipment as you feel comfortable wearing.

If you need a motorcycle accident attorney in Florida, don’t hesitate to call 911 Biker Law. As riders ourselves, we see cases from our clients’ points of view. In our attorneys, you have allies who will fight aggressively for your rights. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

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