The organizers of West Coast Thunder have decided to cancel the annual bike ride for 2021 due to the ongoing pandemic; however, they look forward to bringing West Coast Thunder back on Memorial Day, May 30, 2022.
"Due to the current restrictions surrounding the global pandemic and the time it takes to put this event together, we have made this difficult but necessary decision as the health and safety of our guests, staff, and community is of utmost concern," Jackson Dodd, Executive Director of the West Coast Thunder Foundation, said in a press release.
Those that have tickets for this year's event will be contacted in the coming weeks to be offered a refund. They'll also have the option of transferring their registration to the next event.
"Our commitment to our cause stands resolute. We are still working to honor those servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice," Dodd added. "We will be making a donation to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee in the coming weeks to further our efforts."
The annual event has become a beloved one in the Inland Empire, with over 7500 motorcycles participating each year. Traditionally, the Memorial Day bike ride starts at Riverside Harley Davidson and goes to Riverside National Cemetery before culminating at its final destination. In 2019, West Coast Thunder celebrated its 20th anniversary and first year at Lake Elsinore Diamond "Storm Stadium." Country artists Randy Houser and Tucker Beathard performed in honor of the occasion.
To date, West Coast Thunder has donated over $1.2 million to the Riverside National Cemetery Support Committee.
