Kickstands Up Ride from Brevard Veterans Memorial Center to Erdman Automotive Will Kick Off Rolling Thunder Events May 22-24

By Steve Wilson // May 21, 2026

Multiple Events Planned Over Memorial Day Weekend

The annual Rolling Thunder XXXVIII Nationwide Ride for Freedom officially kicks off on Memorial Day weekend, running from Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The annual Rolling Thunder XXXVIII Nationwide Ride for Freedom officially kicks off on Memorial Day weekend—from Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24.

This serves as a thunderous, living reminder of the nation’s Prisoners of War and those missing in Action.

Under the banner of “Continue the Mission,” this year’s event centers around the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center and its amphitheater located at 400 South Sykes Creek Parkway on Merritt Island.

This special weekend begins on Friday, with an early morning “Kickstands Up” ride from the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center to Erdman Automotive, I-95/S.R. 520 in Cocoa, for Erdman’s annual Memorial Day Ceremony, which starts at 9 a.m.

As Friday afternoon rolls in, riders will gather at local staples Fishlips at Port Canaveral and Sandbar in Cocoa Beach to register for the weekend’s events.

The evening transitions into deep reflection, starting with a complimentary Gold Star Family Dinner, catered by Texas Roadhouse.

Members of Rolling Thunder Florida Chapter 1 are in front of the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center in Merritt Island, Florida.

As darkness falls, the community will gather at 8 p.m. for a moving candlelight vigil at the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center, illuminated by the symbolic “Flame of Freedom.”

On Saturday, May 23, the festival atmosphere takes over “Thunder Alley” at the BVMC Amphitheater, featuring local vendors and morning flag-raising ceremonies.

The day culminates in a powerful rock performance starting at 5:30 p.m. featuring live music from Vintage, The Band, and The SheepDawgs.

The climax of the weekend is Sunday, May 24.

Hundreds of bikes will fill the Brevard Veterans Memorial Center mall parking lot early in the morning. Following a crucial briefing at 10:30 a.m., the main event launches precisely at 11 a.m.

Cut The annual Rolling Thunder XXXVIII Nationwide Ride for Freedom officially kicks off on Memorial Day weekend, running from Friday, May 22, through Sunday, May 24. This serves as a thunderous, living reminder of the nation’s Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action.

As the massive column of motorcycles roars out for the Ride for Freedom, participants and spectators will look to the skies for a breathtaking B-52H flyover.

The powerful aircraft will streak across the Space Coast sky, a fitting tribute to the courage and sacrifices of America’s military heroes.

For those looking to join the ride, registration is available at all weekend events for $20 per bike and $10 for co-riders.

Complete route details and schedules can be monitored directly through the official website at RTFL1.org.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson moved to Brevard County in 1984 and has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events significant to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports and the space industry, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana, and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia. He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 26 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events significant to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.