Hundreds of bikers roar down the road for Idaho Patriot Thunder

The sound of hundreds of motorcycle engines ripped through the air in Meridian on Sunday morning as bikers prepared to kick off Idaho Patriot Thunder, a charity motorcycle ride benefiting military veterans.

Around 11 a.m., a swarm of riders, led by local law enforcement on their own motorcycles, left Meridian’s High Desert Harley Davidson for Mountain Home Air Force Base.

The event benefits the Idaho Guard and Reserve Family Support Fund and Mountain Home Air Force Base’s Operation Warmheart. It’s also a commemoration of the anniversary of World War II’s D-Day.

According to a press release, organizers hoped to raise $50,000 for the two charities thanks to this year’s ride. Last year’s fundraiser took in a total of $35,000 in rider and corporate donations.

This story was originally published June 4, 2017 at 1:46 PM with the headline "Hundreds of bikers roar down the road for Idaho Patriot Thunder."