A celebrated motorcycle ride through Riverside intended to honor members of the U.S. Armed Services is slated for Memorial Day, featuring a trip through parts of the city, including Riverside National Cemetery, and ending with a concert.

West Coast Thunder is scheduled roar to life on the morning of May 26.

“For over two decades, West Coast Thunder has honored the service and sacrifice of America’s military heroes with a powerful display of unity and patriotism,” West Coast Thunder Foundation Director Jackson Dodd said. “The event will begin with an early morning ceremony conducted by the United States Marine Corps (color guard). After departure, riders will embark on an escorted parade through Riverside.”

Riverside Harley-Davidson always hosts the events, which began in 2000, when the dealership belonged to Skip Fordyce and operated under that banner.

More than 7,500 motorcycle enthusiasts are expected to take part in this year’s ride.

The event returned in May 2023 following a three-year hiatus, initially stemming from the COVID lockdowns, then ongoing concerns that led to further cancellations.

This year’s event will get underway in front of the dealership at 7688 Indiana Ave., with motorcyclists bearing American flags and other ensigns starting to assemble about 6 a.m. on May 26. They’ll leave the location at 9:11 a.m., under escort by Riverside police officers, sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement personnel, proceeding up Alessandro Boulevard to south Riverside, where residents regularly gather on sidewalks to wave and show support.

The ride will then transition to Van Buren Boulevard, where some participants will peel off to Riverside National Cemetery to pay their respects, while others will continue onto northbound Interstate 215, making a wide sweep on the freeway that leads back into the city, concluding at Riverside Municipal Auditorium downtown.

In previous years, the rides traveled farther east to San Jacinto, or farther south into the Temecula Valley.

“The move to Riverside Municipal Auditorium allows us to provide a more immersive and engaging experience for participants while keeping the focus on our core mission of honoring fallen service members,” Dodd said. “We are excited to host our concert at this iconic venue in the heart of Riverside and continue this cherished tradition.”

Country artist LANCO will be performing at the venue.

A large share of proceeds raised from the rides and musical shows are donated to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee, which relies on contributions to build monuments and make other improvements at the hallowed grounds, where more than 250,000 U.S. military veterans, police officers, firefighters and others are interred.

More than $1 million has been generated over the past two decades, and even when the rides weren’t held, the West Coast Thunder Foundation continued donation drives to support the cemetery.

More information about the rides is available at westcoastthunder.com.