The 2019 Vermont Thunder Ride to honor Vermont’s veterans from all wars is Sunday, May 26th. The ride raises money for veterans and their families.

The ride begins staging at 9 a.m. at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the Sharon rest area on Interstate-89 northbound. There will be a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial at 11 a.m. The ride leaves the rest area at 11:30 and travels via Interstate 89 to Richmond, where a second group of riders stages.

The Richmond staging area is at Hutchins Landscaping, off River Road (behind the Richmond Recycling Center). There will be signs on River Road to direct you to the staging area. The ride leaves Richmond at 1:45 p.m.

The ride is approximately 125 miles, from Sharon to Enosburg VT. Over 1,000 riders from around the Northeast participate. The ride ends in Veterans Park in Enosburg Falls, where there will be a brief ceremony on the green, followed by lunch at the American Legion.

There is no cost to participate in the ride. Vermont Thunder patches, pins and flags are sold before the ride to raise money. All donations and funds raised go to veterans and their families. If you cannot attend the ride, but would like to send a donation, send a check to: Vermont Thunder Inc. 9 Bushey St, Swanton, VT 05488.

All types of bikes are welcome. Families and spectators are encouraged.

For official information and updates, see the Vermont Thunder web site and the group's Facebook group. Also see the site for rides leaving your area to the Sharon and Richmond staging areas.