On Saturday, riders from Clyde Valley HOG went on a shop ride out to Doune Castle (of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, and Outlander fame), with a stop off at Blair Drummond Smiddy for a leg stretch and a bite to eat. Led by Raymond Brodie the route headed up by Balloch and then along the A811 ( the original route was to be somewhat different but road works led to a change out by Balloch and Raymond also had to deal with some other road issues along the route and adapt quickly.
Heading towards Stirling the plan was to then take the link road between the A811 and A84 known locally as Kirk Lane emerging at Blair Drummond and a stop off at the Smiddy. Who knew that in the preceding day they (presumably Stirling Council) had only gone and laid fresh top dressing on the road ( which really was not in bad condition at all previously) resulting in a gravelly, unpleasant stretch of road just before arrival at the Smiddy.
After a wee break at the Smiddy it was off again along a wee back roads loop coming out on the A84 at Deanston and then into the village of Doune and the Castle. In all there were about 16 or 17 bikes…we even had Denis along back on his wee Sportster Iron though he had a few key (lost!) and warning light issues and managed to pick up a puncture….think we will name that bike Christine….
Once at Doune Castle most of the riders went for a walk around the castle grounds with the usual outbursts of “Your mother was a Hamster and your father smelled of Elderberries”.
No one had brought coconut shells unfortunately.
A nice wee run out and it stayed dry and was a pretty pleasant day if a little windy.
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
- Glentrool Ride Out
With the summer holidays in full swing and plenty of folk off on their travels, we still had 12 bikes heading out for Glentrool yesterday… Read more: Glentrool Ride Out - Wemyss Bay Fly ByGreat turnout on Saturday for the Wemyss Bay Fly By – a circular ride out from West Coast Harley-Davidson! With plenty of bikes on the… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
- Tri-Chapter Spring Event – EcclefechanWhat a day! Saturday 25th April saw a magnificent 50-strong Clyde Valley HOG contingent – riders and pillions alike – fire up their engines and… Read more: Tri-Chapter Spring Event – Ecclefechan
- Ask your Mum for money for Ice Cream…. we’re off to Porty!
On Sunday the sun finally shone. It was definitely on the cool side but not cold, and we assembled 27 bikes at the Showcase near… Read more: Ask your Mum for money for Ice Cream…. we’re off to Porty! - Moffat Rumble
On Saturday, we kicked off the riding season with an overnight trip to the Buccleuch Arms in Moffat, attracting nearly 40 Harleys and over 50 members. Despite changing weather, we arrived safely and enjoyed the hotel’s amenities. The night was filled with laughs and mischief, marking a successful start to the season. It was great too, to have both old and new members along for the fun. - Being Safe and Prepared on Ride Outs
With the introduction to the Committee last year, the position of Safety Officer, it is important as a chapter we take on board his recommendations… Read more: Being Safe and Prepared on Ride Outs