The Run

Important Ride Information

Before signing up or departing for this year’s Run to the Wall demonstration ride, please take a few moments to review the important information listed below. It will tell you everything you need to know about our route, helmet laws and other important information that is vital to the safety and success of this journey.

Schedule of Events

The  Run to the Wall will depart from Milwaukee, WI on the Thursday before Memorial Day Weekend and arrive in Washington D.C. on Friday. The schedule of events for Memorial Day Weekend is as follows:

Friday 

    • National Washington Cathedral “Blessing of the Bikes” on Massachusetts & Wisconsin Ave., Washington, D.C. 5pm.
  • Candlelight vigil at the Vietnam Memorial Wall, led by the Flame of Freedom. This ceremony leads the Gold Star mothers to honor and remember those who gave their lives in service to their country, and those who are still missing or held prisoner. 9 pm.

Saturday 

    • Harley Davidson of Washington, D.C. – 9407 Livingston Road, Port Washington, MD. – free barbeque from 10am-4pm.
  • U.S. Navy Memorial wreath presentation – 701 Pennsylvania Ave., Northwest Washington, D.C. (on the Plaza) at 11am.

Sunday 

    • Rolling Thunder® Inc. Demonstration leaves the Pentagon North parking lot at noon.
  • Program of speakers and musical tribute to Veterans at the stage in front of the Reflecting Pool, facing the Lincoln Memorial from 1:30–5pm.

Run to the Wall Route

As in past years, this year’s ride will begin in Milwaukee, WI and end in Washington D.C. The actual ride is split into two days, covering 900 miles and 7 states, with numerous stops along the way. This year’s route is as follows:

Starting at the Harley Davidson Museum we will be staging riders in the following order. There will be signage indicating the group/bike type assignments.

  1. Rolling Thunder Members
  2. Road Guards
  3. Two wheel Non-Member Riders
  4. Tri-Glide and Trike Riders
  5. Road Guard Space
  6. Rolling Thunder/Run To The Wall chase vehicles.

Day 1

  • Depart from the Milwaukee Harley Davidson Museum
  • STOP #1 at the Illinois Oasis (Mobil)
  • STOP #2 at Exit 220 in Fair Oaks, IN (HWY 14) (BP)
  • LUNCH at Exit 130 in Whitestown, IN (HWY 334) (TA Travel Centers)
  • STOP #4 at Exit 10 in Greenville, OH (Pilot Station)
  • REST at Exit 126 OR 129 in Buckeye Lake, OH

HOTELS:  In the area of the overnight stop.  Please call and make your reservations early.

Lake Inn, Buckeye                                                   Red Roof Inn, Hebron

                                                                                           740-467-7663

Day 2

  • Depart from motels at 7am EST
  • STOP #6 at Exit 11 in Dallas Pike, WV (Marathon, Exxon)
  • STOP #7 at Exit 4 in Friendsville, MD (Marathon)
  • STOP #8 at Exit 42 in Myersville, MD (Exxon, Sunoco)
  • REST at Exit 7, South to Allentown Rd. and left to lodging (Motel 6)

HOTEL:  Our Hotel in DC. Please fill out attached form for the Motel 6 accommodations we have set up.

MOTEL 6

5701 Allentown Rd.

Camp Springs, MD 20746

Phone (301) 702-1061

Fax      (301) 899-3478

Hotel Reservation Form (click to print):

2019 Motel 6 Camp Springs

Helmet Law Information

Because this ride will travel through several states, it’s critically important that all riders and passengers take note of and abide by each state’s individual helmet laws.

  • Illinois (IL): No helmet required.
  • Indiana (IN): Helmets required by law under age 18 and for instructional permit holders.
  • Ohio (OH): Helmets required by law for novice riders, those under age 18 and for any passenger when the operator is required to wear a helmet.
  • Pennsylvania (PA): Helmet optional for persons 21 years of age or older, who either have been licensed to operate a motorcycle for not less than two full calendar years or have completed a motorcycle rider safety course approved by the department or the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The passenger of a person exempt under this subsection, if the passenger is 21 years of age or older.
  • West Virginia (WV): Helmets required by law and reflectorizing required.
  • Virginia (VA): Helmets required by law.
  • Maryland (MD): Helmets required by law.

General Rider Information

Safety is always the most important part of any ride. We encourage all riders to have their bikes serviced before embarking on this long-distance run, to prevent mechanical issues from arising on-route. We also recommend carrying a map and the emergency numbers of ride organizers, in case you’re separated from the group or require assistance out on the road.

  • Tim Thompson, 414-405-5757