2019 will be Rolling Thunder's last ride, official says

WASHINGTON - Rolling Thunder -- the motorcycle event that honors military members who are missing in action or prisoners of war -- will ride for the last time in 2019.

Since 1988, hundreds of thousands of motorcycle riders have come to the nations capitol along with other veterans for the Rolling Thunder 'Ride For Freedom.'

Vice President Pete Zaleski cited cost as the major factor for making next year's May 26 rally its last scheduled ride. He noted that it costs $200,000 to hold the event, with the main cost coming from security, porta-potties, and cleanup. He said the huge coordination issue with the Pentagon drives most of the cost.

Zaleski says regional chapters will still hold Rolling Thunder rides, but the national one will no longer meet in D.C.