Photo by little-wings.

In case you didn’t realize, it’s Rolling Thunder weekend. And considering that the Stars, Stripes, and Spokes Festival is also going down at RFK Stadium over the next few days, it’s really turning into a makeshift Motorcycle Appreciation weekend around these parts.

While local celebrities like Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. and NBC anchor Jim Vance are kicking things off this afternoon with a ride around the District, the biggest fish to hop on the back of a hog this weekend will be former Alaska governor and Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin, who’ll participate in the traditional Rolling Thunder procession around the Mall.

The Post notes that Palin — who is reportedly considering a run for the White House in 2012 — isn’t planning to make “any type of ‘political statement'” during the ride. But you should feel free to make as much fun of Palin’s garish tour bus as you can while she’s in town.