Month: August 2025

Culross Chapter Ride Out

31/08/2025
Group photo of members from the Clyde Valley Chapter, standing together outdoors, holding a chapter flag.
0% precipitation, 100% participation.

Today we went to Culross (say “COO-riss”) – a postcard-perfect wee village on the north shore of the Firth of Forth. Once a booming 16-17th century hub, Culross made its name under local entrepreneur Sir George Bruce: think salt pans on the shore, coal coming up from his daring “Moat Pit” under the sea, and ships at the pier. A huge storm in 1625 flooded the mine, the industry ebbed, and the place froze in time – whitewashed cottages, cobbles, and the ochre-walled “palace” (a grand merchant’s house) that you see today.

We set off from the Showcase Cinema in Coatbridge, settled into formation, and headed east for Grangemouth, tipping our lids to the Spitfire memorial as we cruised past. From there we threaded through Newton, then swept over the Queensferry Crossing with cracking views of the Forth bridges, before picking up the coast road (A985) into Fife and peeling off into Culross.

A picturesque view of Culross, Scotland, featuring a cobblestone street lined with historic buildings, including a tall clock tower and colorful cottages under a clear blue sky.
Colorful ochre-walled historical building in Culross with a tent set up in front on a sunny day.
A blue historical plaque detailing the history of The Red Lion Inn in Culross, Scotland, with information about its origins, ownership, and significance in the local community.
Sign for the Red Lion Inn, a historic pub in Culross, Scotland, showcasing traditional craftsmanship with a vintage design.

We travelled to the Red Lion Inn and parked up the bikes before heading in. Lunch was straightforward – homemade soup, a well-filled wrap, and cold drinks – with friendly, efficient service. Afterwards we gathered outside beside the bikes to catch up, swapping stories from the morning’s run, comparing notes on the route, and sharing a few laughs and good-natured jokes.

A group of friends gathered at a table in a cozy pub, enjoying drinks and each other's company, with warm lighting and decorations in the background.
The boss feeding the troops
A row of parked motorcycles in a scenic location, with a stone wall and lush greenery in the background.
Proof we can park in a straight line
Three motorcyclists in leather vests pose together outside, holding badges and smiling.
0% chance of rain
100% chance of badges
A group of motorcycle riders wearing leather vests with various patches, standing outdoors with greenery in the background.
Discussing the theoretical possibility of moisture
Culross Chapter Ride Out

Read more of what we have been up to in the items below

Clyde Valley at Stronalachar

Stronalchar ride out

04/08/2025

It was a fine, warm and sunny start to the day when Clyde Valley took a ride out through what has to be the most scenic areas of Scotland, through Kinlochard to Stronalachar on the far side of Loch Katrine.

This route has been a rather neglected strip of pothole riven road for quite a while. You would be forgiven for thinking it was used as a target for artillery practice, but it seems much of it has been replaced with fresh, proper new tarmac in recent times. Only the first section heading out from Aberfoyle, and the last wee bit around the top of Loch Achry were a wee bit bumpy in places.

Fraz wearing an orange and black outfit rides along a scenic road beside a lake, surrounded by lush greenery and a clear blue sky.
Frazer leading
Stewart ona black Street Glide along a scenic road by a body of water, gesturing with a thumbs up. Lush greenery and hills are visible in the background on a sunny day.
Stewart on the Street Glide
Davie and Cath on a scenic road by a lake, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
Davie and Cath on the Heritage

We have a number of chapter members partaking of Irish hospitality this weekend at Hog n Bog but we still managed a creditable 16 bikes with a further 2 latecomers plus Chapter mascot Doris, just as most were preparing to leave to head back to base.

Tom in a leather jacket sitting at a table with a cup of coffee and a plate of food, smiling at the camera.
Tom tucking in to the Scones
A view of the Stronalachar Pier building with a mountain backdrop, featuring people seated near the water and bicycles parked in the foreground.
Stronalachar
Doris wearing a pink helmet and sunglasses sitting comfortably in a carrier on a motorcycle, with people in motorcycle gear in the background.
Doris

One casualty of the road, with one bike having a rear pulley issue on the road out and having to abandon the ride. Hope that’s sorted quickly for you Robert.

Stronalachar ride out

Read more of what we have been up to in the items below