Motorcyclists To Roar Through Riverside
Thousands of motorcyclists will saddle up and roll through Riverside on Monday for a Memorial Day tribute ride that concludes with a service honoring veterans, followed by a concert.
The 12th annual West Coast Thunder ceremony is set to get under way Monday morning at Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson, 7688 Indiana Ave.
Last year’s event drew more than 7,500 riders, according to organizers.
Funds from entrance fees go to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, which uses the donations to build monuments and make other improvements at the cemetery, where more than 155,000 military veterans are laid to rest.
Since 1999, about $350,000 in donations have been made, according to Skip Fordyce, which sponsors West Coast Thunder.
At 8 a.m., riders will assemble outside the dealership, between Adams and Winstrom streets, where the “Star Spangled Banner” will be sung and remarks offered by Riverside Mayor Ron Loveridge and a former general.
An hour later, the motorcyclists, many of them veterans, will head out on the 10-mile trek to the cemetery, with the Inland Empire Harley Owners-West Coast Thunder Honor Guard leading the procession.
The route runs east on Indiana to Arlington Avenue, turns south on Alessandro Boulevard and continues to Trautwein Road, then goes east on Van Burn Boulevard until reaching the cemetery.
Riverside police escorts will accompany the riders, temporarily closing side streets along the way.
A veterans salute is planned at 10 a.m. in the cemetery amphitheater. Afterward, riders will proceed, with California Highway Patrol escorts, to the Soboba Casino in San Jacinto for food and musical entertainment provided by Aaron Lewis and the Marshall Tucker Band.
Riders will take part in the “National Moment of Remembrance” at 3 p.m., during which there will be 60 seconds of silence to pay homage to fallen members of the U.S. armed services.
