There is nothing like the rumble of a Harley. It is a sound that resonates in your soul and twelve years on from America’s darkest day, in the searing September sun, it was a sound that reverberated through the nation’s capitol.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
The “2 Million Bikers” event was intended to be a counter protest to The American Muslim Political Action Committee’s (AMPAC) “Million Muslim March” to be held in Washington, D.C. on the anniversary of 9/11.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
Bikers across the nation vowed to counterprotest what they saw as an extremely insensitive gesture on what has become one of America’s most sacred days when three thousand people were killed in the wold’s worst terrorist attack.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
There were many references to the symbolism of the day, with emergency services rigs cheered loudly by the crowd and serenaded by a cacophony of Milwaukee V-twins.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
They came from New Jersey and Texas, from New York and from Montana. Bike clubs from across the nation were represented, their chrome horses bedecked in all manner of patriotic livery.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
For a while, downtown D.C. looked more like Sturgis to the bemusement of the locals.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
Outside of the White House, a group from Steel Crazy Iron Art had erected their memorial to 9/11.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
Upon arrival, they promptly began handing out free barbecue and bottles of water to the parked bikers.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
Rob Coles, who had ridden all the way from Butte Montana, added to the soundtrack by blasting “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
Since the city council denied them a permit for their counter protest, organizers and participants took to the streets in rolling convoys and parked where ever they could find a space.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
Those who didn’t or couldn’t ride lined Constitution Avenue, waving flags and thanking the bikers for coming out.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller
One biker while riding past the White House stood up on his pegs and raised a finger to the White House. “Because fuck him,” he yelled to the crowd as he turned.
Grae Stafford/Daily Caller