RIVERSIDE, CALIFORNIA — Registration is now open for the 2026 West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride, returning to Riverside on Monday, May 25, 2026, as thousands of riders and supporters gather once again to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to the United States.
Each Memorial Day, West Coast Thunder brings together riders from across California and beyond in one of the nation’s largest motorcycle rides, creating a powerful and respectful tribute to fallen service members while raising funds to support Riverside National Cemetery.
“Memorial Day is about remembrance, and West Coast Thunder provides a way for the community to come together in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Jackson Dodd, Executive Director of West Coast Thunder Foundation. “Every motorcycle in the procession represents gratitude, unity, and respect. We invite riders and the public to join us again in 2026 as we continue this important tradition.”
The 2026 ride begins at Riverside Harley-Davidson, where thousands of motorcycles stage before departing in a police-escorted procession through Riverside. The route passes Riverside National Cemetery, allowing participants and spectators alike to reflect on the significance of Memorial Day, before the ride concludes in Downtown Riverside with a post-ride concert, Vendor Village, Food Trucks, and more.
Additional event details, including route information, concert announcements, and weekend activities, will be released as planning and municipal approvals are finalized.
All registration is available at https://westcoastthunder.com/ride.
Funds raised through the ride and associated events support monument construction and services that enhance Riverside National Cemetery for veterans, families, and visitors.
About West Coast Thunder Foundation
West Coast Thunder Foundation is a tax-exempt nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization raising funds through community outreach efforts, including organizing the nation’s largest Memorial Day motorcycle ride. Event proceeds benefit monument construction and services supporting Riverside National Cemetery through the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.
Since 2000, the foundation has been the major contributor of funds supporting Riverside National Cemetery, the largest cemetery in the National Cemetery Administration system. Current projects include funding construction of the American Indian Veterans Memorial, which broke ground in 2020. Past efforts include construction of the National POW/MIA Memorial, repairs to the Medal of Honor Memorial, and support of the Riverside National Cemetery Memorial Honor Detail.
About Riverside National Cemetery
Spanning more than 1,250 acres, Riverside National Cemetery is the largest and busiest cemetery managed by the VA’s National Cemetery Administration. Established in 1976 through the transfer of land from March Air Force Base, the cemetery opened for burials on November 11, 1978.
About Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee
The Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing Riverside National Cemetery through community activities, monument fundraising, equipment purchases, and services benefiting veterans, families, visitors, and cemetery staff.
Photo Caption: Motorcycles depart Riverside Harley-Davidson as part of the West Coast Thunder Memorial Day Motorcycle Ride in Riverside, California. (Photo courtesy of West Coast Thunder Foundation)
Media Contact
West Coast Thunder Foundation
media@westcoastthunder.com