West Coast Thunder 2010
Posted on 01. Jun, 2010 by Coach in Open Road
West coast Thunder for 2010 had a rather auspicious start. In an effort (at least on face value) to provide a bigger event for the participants of West Coast Thunder, Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson made the decision to forgo the traditional ride to the Riverside National Cemetery to honor our fallen veterans, and instead booked an event at the Soboba Casino complete with celebrity vocalists James Otto and Danny Gokey. Oh, but it didn’t end there.
Displeased with the abandoning of the Riverside National Cemetery, veterans began sounding off. Starting as a low roar, just as our Harley’s sound in the distance, their voices became louder and louder until finally Skip Fordyce relented and reinstated the run to the Riverside National Cemetery. But they seemingly did so grudgingly, and maintained the run to the Soboba Casino. That’s where things stood on the morning of May 31, 2010, Memorial Day.
The sky was a beautiful blue, a light crisp breeze was noticeable as I made my way to Panman’s Garage. It was going to be warm today, a fitting day for honoring our nation’s heroes. My bike had been scrubbed the night before, new US and Navy Jack flags were flying from their poles. Kickstands were going up at 7:30, and I knew the others would not be patient with those that were late.
I arrived first (go figure), followed shortly by the rest of our crew. Quick hugs and a few short jokes, and it was time to ride out.
The roar of our Harley’s was a soothing sound, but nothing compared to what was in store for us. We road with anticipation along Lake Mathews towards Indiana Ave and Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson.
As we turned onto Indiana Ave, we were immediately impressed with the number of bikes that were there already, and it was still over an hour before the ride would begin at 9:11 am. We took our places in the line, and stowed our gear as more and more riders came in, taking their places behind us. The sounds of laughter and camaraderie mixed with the sounds of the v-twins rolling into the staging area.
We counted ourselves lucky this morning. In prior years our place in line was several blocks from the Harley dealer showroom, and coffee. Today, we found ourselves just a couple of hundred feet from the showroom. We quickly made our way in search of coffee and fellow riders, friends and family.
The ceremony began sharply with the Posting of 
Colors. The lead Color Guard riders bike’s were adorned with large US, state, and other flags appropriate for this solemn occasion. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited, and God Bless America sang, and it was time to return to our bikes and prepare to depart.
If you have listened in awe as 4 or 5 bikes roar down the highway, imagine what 10,000 bikes sound like. The street seemed to vibrate with the chorus of v-twin muscle humming loudly to all the participants. And then it was 9:11.
The Color Guard set out, following the lead of Riverside Police, and followed closely behind by the 10,000 riders and their steeds. Veterans old and young, young men and women that respect those that have served, proud parents of soldiers that never returned, and patriots, one and all. Today, today we honor those that have served. Those that have given so much for the freedoms that we enjoy. 
We honor those that returned, and those that never will. We honor the sacrifices of those that will give all to defend and protect America and her way of life. And we honor the families that supported us.
The ride is a relatively short one of 15 miles. But what a ride. The street sides are lined with people waving flags and holding signs while flashing peace signs and cheering us on loudly. The police close off the intersections to opposing traffic, making our transition to the Cemetery a full on parade.
As I approached the entrance to the Riverside National Cemetery, I was astounded (and frankly disappointed) at the number of riders that continued on to the casino, completely abandoning the National Cemetery and the presentations and ceremony that would be presented for our enjoyment.
The true impact of just how many riders chose not to honor our veterans on this Memorial Day became evident once I entered into the cemetery grounds. Normally parking would be at a premium, but today there was ample parking right alongside the presentation platform. I truly felt bad for those that worked so hard to put on a meaningful presentation. The Patriot Guard Riders, the Blacksheep, Jr ROTC’s and ROTC’s, and military personnel, and of course the employees and dozens of volunteers of the Riverside National Cemetery worked tirelessly to make sure everything was just right in anticipation of our arrival. A lot of people whose names will never be told worked diligently.
The Marine Band entertained us as we awaited the Presentation of Colors. This was followed by the Presentation of the POW/MIA Flag, the Pledge of allegiance, and the National Anthem. There were a handful of dignitaries present that spoke to us about the Cemetery and those heroes entombed there.
My disappointment with the other riders that had chosen not to attend the ceremonies at the cemetery had not yet waned, when Col. Karl McGregor spoke about the sacrifices that the military man makes, and the result of those sacrifices. He spoke of the freedoms that Americans have gained due to those sacrifices. And that is when it hit me.
Those other riders that chose to run off to the casino and forgo honoring the sacrifices made by so few on their behalf, had the right to do so given to them by those of us that have served. Who am I to complain about the exercise of those freedoms that I, and so many soldiers before and since, have given so much to secure those rights. We have a President that didn’t even attend Arlington National Cemetery and lay the wreath on the tomb of the unknown soldier this Memorial Day. Why should I expect many of my fellow riders to act any differently.
The ones that did show up and pay their respects, the veterans and their
families, the true patriots and supporters of our freedoms, they were there. We all stood shoulder to shoulder and shed a tear when the buglers played Taps, and again when the bagpipes played Amazing Grace.
I am still disappointed by the low turn out at the Riverside national Cemetery, but I feel better with the realization that those people were exercising their rights. There are plenty of other things going on in our country today that disappoint me far more.
In the future, I pray that Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson will put the casino activities after the presentations put on at the Riverside National Cemetery. But either way, I will be here, greeting those that have given some, and honoring those that have given all. Honor, Respect, Remember! Hoo-Yah!!!
2 Responses to “West Coast Thunder 2010”
Leave a Reply
Dee
02. Jun, 2010
There were many reasons why the decision to bypass the cemetery, initially, and then the decision to have just a portion of the bikes go there, was made. Please remember that 10,000 bikes all going to the cemetery would make it impossible for most people to attend the ceremony, and in past years it has become more and more evident that something different had to happen to prevent that. This two-part solution turned out to be the best, as attested to by many of the families of the vets interred at the cemetery, who were pleased at the tribute but also pleased that they were able to be there without the gigantic crowd as in years past.
Please get all the pertinent facts before making a judgement. Don’t ever think these things are done without great thought, especially when it’s an entity that has worked so hard and tirelessly to bring a real Memorial Day event to a town that previously had little.
Jay Dabney
03. Jun, 2010
The piece on West coast Thunder XI had some thought provoking insights, but some information was incorrect. I don’t know who the author’s sources are, however, as the dealer principal of Skip Fordyce Harley-Davidson, I would be more than happy to discuss the history, vision, goals, and decisions made around this year’s event, with the author, or any other person concerned about West Coast Thunder, for that matter. Perhaps I can clarify some misunderstandings or fill in some missing info so that your readers can have a fuller understanding of our event. The bottom line is that West Coast Thunder attempts to do its best to balance all the needs and interests of the motorcyclists who want to honor and pay tribute to the men and women who fought and died for our freedom on Memorial Day. I can assure you that we want to do the right thing for our fallen troops, the living vets, and all our riders and customers and every stakeholder group involved here. Its tough to make everyone happy, but we sincerely try. Thanks to all those who did attend the event this year, and to all the staff and wonderful volunteers that make this huge endeavor happen every year. Jay