directorcvh

Ask your Mum for money for Ice Cream…. we’re off to Porty!

21/04/2026

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 Coatbridge to head East to Portobello by the sea, on the north east side of Edinburgh.

We had a great run along the A89 all the way to the City Bypass then a quick plod around Edinburgh’s orbital car park took us to Sheriffhall Roundabout where we exited onto the back road down to the coast.

Jigger ( for it was he, leading) had arranged parking for us right beside the wee coffee wagon by Porty Swimming baths and we sat on the promenade wall and enjoyed the view ~~of the beach volleyball~~ of the Firth of Forth and Fife

We had more members join us at the beach, some couldn’t make it across to Glasgow for the start and in the end there were about 30 odd bikes.

We had loads of interest from the locals and it was an exceptionally pleasant way to spend a Springtime Sunday afternoon.

Chapter photo at porty...some folk wandered off!

So thats Ice cream done…next up Chips….a wee chippy run is planned on Wednesday evening as part of our new idea…Bike Nights on Tour! See you at McGonagles, Clydebank!

See all the pictures from this ride out on Flickr

Moffat Rumble

14/04/2026

On Saturday we held our first overnight ride out of the season with a run to the famous biker-friendly hotel, The Buccleuch Arms, Moffat. As we weren’t checking in until around 15:00 we decided to leave a little later than normal from WCHD and we were led down through the scenic winding roads of Ayrshire by Head Road Captain, Davie Fulton. And what a turn out we had! We knew the numbers going were going to be good as the hotel had sold out in the first 10 minutes of offering, but we also had many members overspilling into other hotels and a few came along just for the run as well.

We were just shy of 40 bikes down to Moffat and over 50 members made the weekend.

Davie leading down into Moffat
Here come Clyde Valley HOG
Gillian on her new Pan ST
They just keep coming
Bikes in the rain

It was pretty dry and bright for the first part of the run, but did get pretty cold up on the higher ground as we crossed into South Lanarkshire and headed to Abington Services for a comfort stop. As the weather is prone to do down there, it soon clagged in and turned wet, and the decision was made to take the more direct route down the old A74 road to Moffat and not go over the Devils Beeftub road as originally planned. It was pretty wet on the last 18 mile leg of the trip (does it ever not rain at Beattock?! ) but we arrived safe and sound if not a bit wet, at Moffat and the hotel was ready to greet us.

What a brilliant set up they have there with great covered bike parking, secure anchors for those that want them, and complimentary bike cleaning stuff. The hotel itself is brilliantly appointed and very welcoming with modern stylish rooms and amenities. Definitely not to be missed by any bikers.

All booked in, we were soon ensconced in the warm bar and the usual carry on’s and mischief were underway, up until dinner, then continued late into the night.

A brilliant night away, a lot of laughs, the Director learned what it means to be “Motorboated” ( I guess it beats getting Tea Bagged!) and it’s fair to say everyone had a grand time.

WhatsApp Image 2026-04-11 at 17.31.22 — See all the pic from the Moffat Rumble on our Flickr album

Being Safe and Prepared on Ride Outs

01/04/2026

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 and act on them as quickly as possible. Safety and preparedness has to be at the heart of all we do.

For 2026, all riding members attending chapter ride-outs will be required, as a minimum, to have completed a 4-day full first-aid and field trauma course before joining any ride-out.

Jims Road Crew CVO Para-bike — Jim Ferguson has got wholeheartedly behind our safety drive and had his CVO Pan America re-liveried as he understands how important it is to look the part.

In addition, all riders should be carrying full British Red Cross-recommended, first aid kits and trauma packs, ideally with Nitrous Oxide Cylinders and respirators. We understand getting the Nox gear onto a Lowrider S or Softail Slim can be a challenge so we will give special dispensation to those riders. Pan America riders on the other hand should have no trouble. We recommend those bikes get a wrap or paint livery to advertise their special purpose utility.

Speaking on this new chapter policy which will be adopted today as a chapter by-law, Safety Officer Chris Anderson said;

“Riding motorbikes is dangerous. Very, very dangerous. Too dangerous for most people, and definitely not for old overweight guys in their fifties’s and sixties. In fact, I would recommend just leaving the bike and taking the car. Wear your cut though, cos you still want to identify as a biker. Especially when hanging around the dealership having gone there in a car.”

“And remember, when in the car….wear a seat belt.”

“If you really do want to take to two wheels, though, at least be in a position of being able to competently deal with massive blood loss and open chest heart massage as a minimum. “

Chris Looking Serious — Chris takes being Safety Officer very very seriously and now rarely smiles.

Full trauma courses can be booked online via the following link, and should cost little more than £1000, so about the cost of a Harley service. Well within financial reach of our average member and a great investment in skills and people, we are sure you will agree.

Many of you will be aware that we are to be supporting Scottish Charity Air Ambulance at The Gathering 2026, alongside our regular charity Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity. So, with the help of SCAA, Road Crew members and other members interested in Advanced skills will be taught how to abseil with trauma packs from helicopters.

Lindsay Gilbertson recently attended abseil training as a guinea pig for the chapter and came away mildly traumatised, but less traumatised than Head Road Captain Davie Fulton was when he heard Lindsay would soon be leading rides.

SCAA Air Ambulance — Lindsay learning to abseil recently with SCAA

Every week will be a Mystery ride.

Apparently.

The Seven Lochs ride out at lochgoilhead

Bike Nights are Changing

25/03/2026

For 2026 we are giving the weekly Bike Nights a shake-up. We would have liked to continue at Springfield Quay, as we finished up last Summer but with Firepit and Kiln closing down somewhat suddenly, we have been using our winter haunt of The Harvester at Hillington over the winter months.

But Spring and Summer now beckon and we are giving Bike Nights a makeover and learning from the success of our off-season Sunday Big breakfasts and by moving these Bike Nights around, hopefully it opens up these casual nights to more of the membership, even if only once a month.

There is a simple rota to the new Bike Nights, starting on 1st April.

1st Wednesday of the month: Broadwood Farm, Cumbernauld*
2nd Wednesday of the month: Lord of the Isles, Braehead
3rd Wednesday of the month: The Cotton Mill, Kilmarnock
The Wednesday immediately prior to a Glasgow Bike Night: The Harvester, Hillington
Last Thursday of the Month: Meet the Chapter @ Glasgow Bike Night, WCHD
On months where there are five Wednesday’s, the spare night will now be a Chippy Run.

Bike Nights 2026- check master for updates ( see link)

You can access the complete rota here.

The spare Wednesday can fall in different places but as there are only three in 2026 it’s not too hard to work out where we will be. Normally the 4th Wednesday of the month will be a Chippy Run except where the extra Wednesday falls AFTER a Glasgow Bike Night ( September is the only month in 2026).

Kilmarnock

As Hillington can also be a stretch for those in the further flung corners of Ayrshire and the Clyde Coast, we are offering the option of a monthly Kilmarnock meet-up, which might suit those more local and will be a place to head for those from further afield looking for a run out on a sunny summer evening….they do happen! If the take-up of this option isn’t happening, we may revisit this date and offer it as another Chippy run. We shall wait and see!

Glasgow Bike Nights and Meet the Chapter

For 2026, Meet the Chapter Nights are now being integrated into the Glasgow Bike Nights at WCHD on the last Thursday of the month from April to September. As our key night on those weeks will now be Glasgow Bike Night, the option to go to The Harvester at Hillington on the Wednesday may suit those who are fairly local to both venues.

Chippy Runs

We will publicise what Chippy we intend to head to, plan on being there sometime between 19:00 and 19:30. You can ride there yourself or arrange with mates to meet up and ride there as a mates ride. These are informal events and the chapter is merely providing a destination to meet at.

Bike Nights generally

Bike Nights are informal and we don’t care what bike you come along on. We even let Denis bring his Triumph! Apparently the HRC rides a Buell and a Kwak in his spare time….We would love you to get a few miles in on your Harley to help us with Ride365 but equally, we want to see some of those other bikes you might be hiding away in the garage as projects or as a bike on the side. And if you have friends or mates who might be interested in joining Clyde Valley HOG, bring them along as well, everyone is welcome.

*Broadwood Farm: PLEASE NOTE the car park is operated by a car park management firm and it is important that you register your registration at the terminal inside the door of the Pub/Restaurant on arrival to prevent getting a ticket in the post!

Clyde Valley with Ian Fyfe from Red Rose

HOGPool 2025

26/09/2025

A number of the Chapter took the 200 odd mile run to Blackpool last weekend for another HOGPool weekend.

Heavy rain didn't stop play on the way south — Heavy rain didn’t stop play on the way south

The ride down was pretty steady with a few notable holdups that resulted in much filtering to make progress….roadworks and a breakdown appeared to be the cause. We also had a pretty torrential cloud burst just as we crossed the border at Gretna. But everyone arrived safe and reasonably dry by the time we got to the hotel.

Friday was just a few drinks, a bit of a wander to get the bearings and some bingo!. Russell managed to win the prize for first line and Cath won the full house, so a clean sweep by Clyde Valley….living life on the wild side…

Three motorcyclists in high-visibility vests standing outside a Harley-Davidson rental shop, with motorcycles visible in the background. — Your Road Crew

A cloudy view of Blackpool, featuring the iconic Blackpool Tower and a Ferris wheel on the promenade, with people walking along the grassy area. — Your Road Crew

Saturday started grey and drizzly and soon turned into torrential rain. The young un’s with tickets to the Pleasure Beach managed to get their white knuckle rides in early before it got too wet, but by early afternoon you were soaked if you so much as stepped outside. The crusties headed off to the Spitfire Museum which was well worth the visit. Listening to the rain hammering down on the roof though was a sign of what was to come.

A vintage Spitfire aircraft displayed in a museum hangar, showcasing its detailed features and green livery amidst various aviation artifacts. — Spitire!

Two men laughing while riding a vintage-style carousel horse indoors, captured in a playful moment. — Spitire!

After a soggy afternoon, another decent dinner was laid on by the hotel, the food was great both days.

Don needs heated grips....wonder who would sell him those? — Don needs to get some Heated Grips

Motorcyclists preparing for a ride in a parking lot, surrounded by several parked motorcycles under a clear blue sky. — Don needs to get some Heated Grips

And just like that overnight the rain stopped and Sunday you wouldn’t have beleived the change in the weather in a mere 12 hours…wall to wall sunshine. Ian Fyfe from Red Rose came over to meet us and lead us through the town and out to the motorway before a “fresh” ride up to Southwaite where we all headed our separate ways. A group from Geordie Chapter passed us on the way up as well, hi guys!

Group of motorbike enthusiasts from Clyde Valley and Red Rose Chapters posing with their flags on a sunny day. — Clyde Valley and Ian Fyfe from Red Rose

HOGPool 2025 — All the photos from HOGPool

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. — Frazer leading

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. — Tom tucking in to the Scones

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.

Aberfeldy and the Sma’ Glen….smokin’

29/07/2025

Sunday started a bit on the wet and dismal side so it was pleasing to still see sixteen bikes turn out at the Maccy’ D’s at Showcase for a ride out up to Perthshire to Aberfeldy via the Sma’ Glen.

While we like to avoid motorways wherever possible, sometimes they become a means to an end and the first leg of the ride once we rode up the back road to Gartcosh, was onto the M73/M80/M9 and thence onto the A9 dual carriageway. There was a lot of surface spray about rather than actual rain but the more we went north the drier road became.

A group of motorcyclists in safety vests gathered outside a McDonald's at Showcase Leisure Park, discussing their upcoming ride, with several motorcycles parked in the foreground. — Briefing

A group of motorcyclists gathered outside with their bikes, some wearing high-visibility jackets, during a wet day. They appear to be discussing their ride route and preparations. — Briefing

It became brighter by the time we reached a wee stop an hour out at Crieff Visitor Centre.

Thats when those of us at the front learned that we had lost a bike and two members, Colin and Lynne, when it seems the Regulator on their Ultra Limited decided to self immolate.

Pic from Colin with the fire brigade in attendance

Ben riding at the rear said he had noticed a “funky smell” as we left the Showcase and we had not travelled far before smoke was visible from Colin’s bike. Colin had called the fire brigade and the actual flames were safely and quickly extinguished with hopefully no serious damage done.

We were fortunate the roadside camera’s were actually able to capture this moment and share it with us all.

Colin's motorcycle with flames emerging from the regulator, driving on a road with a fire truck in the background. — Like a Bat Out of Hell…..

Back with the group after a short stop we carried on through Crieff high street and then out to pick up the road through the Sma’ Glen. The Sma’ Glen starts about 4 miles out from the Gilmerton Junction, and ends roughly at a sharp right turn over a small narrow bridge a few miles further on. After that we rode up through the ever drier and brighter Perthshire countryside and reached Aberfeldy after a great ride on dry roads at the town square which was conveniently empty for us….almost like we had planned it.

A group of motorcycle riders, members of the Clyde Valley Chapter, gathered for a photo outside a stone building with multiple windows and a tourist information sign. — The Chapter at Aberfeldy

Close-up view of parked motorcycles in front of the Aberfeldy Information Centre, with a historic stone building in the background. — The Chapter at Aberfeldy

Tea/coffee/food was consumed and those that were heading back the quick way, departed via Dunkeld and the A9, a few decided to ride back down the Sma’ Glen as it was “that” good and the rest who’s eyes were bigger than their bellies… headed for ice cream with wasps on the side at Kenmore, before the final run down Loch Tay, then down to Lochearnhead, Strathyre and Callander.

*Thanks to Chris for taking a few snaps at Showcase- Appreciated.

Flickr Gallery of the Aberfeldy Ride Out

Wolfruna Chapter Iron Butt Challenge

25/07/2025

This weekend our brothers and sisters at Wolfruna Chapter HOG are undertaking a mammoth 24 hour Iron Butt Challenge in aid of the The Chloe Smail Foundation. The team are riding from John O’Groats to Lands End in 24 hours via Newcastle, where I understand they plan to pay tribute to the Chloe . This is not an insignificant ride of over 1000 miles in 24 hours.

Help Wolfruna Raise Money for the Chloe Smail Foundation Here

Wolfruna HOG Chapter are attempting an Iron Butt Challenge for the Chloe Smail Foundation, please support them here.

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At short notice Clyde Valley were able to pull together a wee welcoming party to meet them as they came through West Coast Harley Davidson as they head north to their start point on Saturday.

After a visit and chat with everyone at the dealership Clyde Valley were delighted to escort the group out to Dunbarton where they were stopping overnight before tackling the last leg north today ( Friday).

Two motorcycle enthusiasts chatting at a dealership, with various motorcycle gear and accessories visible in the background.

Two women in black leather jackets with floral designs on the back walking in a parking lot.

Dumfries Aviation Museum and Military show

25/07/2025

Last Saturday we rode down to Dumfries led by a (supervised) Road marshall, in the form of Frazer. The weather was forecast to be a bit on the wet side in the afternoon the further North and East you went. We hoped, and were largely satisfied in our wish, for acceptable weather and though most had donned waterproofs on the run down, they just kept the moderate dampness off the riders.

We had about 14 bikes and a pleasant run down to Abington Services for a Burnsy Fag Stoap, before heading through the always scenic Dalveen Pass and down to Dumfries.

A person dressed in a high-visibility jacket poses playfully near parked motorcycles, with cars in the background. — How is he gonnae do a briefing standing like that

Two motorcycle riders pose playfully together outside a building with a 'West Coast Moto' sign, showcasing their leather jackets and expressions of camaraderie. — How is he gonnae do a briefing standing like that

The museum has a number of old aircraft mostly dated from the post war period ( GE Lightning, Hawker Hunter, Jaguar etc) but also is home to the Loch Doon Spitfire which was fished out from the Loch some years ago and restored to museum showpiece condition.

There was also a military vehicles show of mostly wartime kit, with some re-enactment society members giving a demonstration of old German weaponry ( firing blanks of course), and a talk on the Spitfire Story.

The ride back depending where you were headed was anything from soaking to utterly drookit, though some riders heading more eastward seemed to be lucky and stayed dry.

A great wee day out.

Charitable Doings

14/07/2025

Meet the Chapter Night

On Wednesday we had our monthly “Meet the Chapter night” at West Coast HD. It was a bit of a special occasion this one, with a good turnout of members as we had a wee presentation of the sum of £3000 to Prostate Scotland.

The money was collected from donations and fundraising activities at this year’s Gathering and rounded up from chapter charity funds to the final total.

After a wee talk of the activities of the charity the presentation of the cheque was made by our standing down Director Stevie Trainor.

LOH with the Chapter flag — The ladies in attendance

A wee talk at WCHD — The ladies in attendance

Get tested boys!

Dunbar RNLI Gala Day

Moving on to Saturday and we had our annual outing supporting our friends at Dunedin HOG who participate in the RNLI Gala Day procession at Dunbar. Could we have had a better day for it? Doubtful. The bulk of the Clyde Valley bikes rode to Hermiston Gait on the west edge of Edinburgh where we met up with more CVH and Dunedin riders and we rode as a group to Dunbar in blistering sunshine.

Bikes at Hermiston Gait — Brian Donaldson arriving at HG

There were I beleive 49 bikes in total and we joined the procession through the town and parked up along the harbour wall.

This looked like the biggest gala Day at Dunbar so far, with lots of stands and activities taking place. It was thankfully a little cooler at the harbour with the sea breezes. The ride back across East Lothian and beyond was done in continental heat with the air warm and the heat radiating off the road. A brilliant day out.

Author: directorcvh

Ask your Mum for money for Ice Cream…. we’re off to Porty!

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

Being Safe and Prepared on Ride Outs

Bike Nights are Changing

Kilmarnock

Glasgow Bike Nights and Meet the Chapter

Chippy Runs

Bike Nights generally

HOGPool 2025

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

Stronalchar ride out

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

Aberfeldy and the Sma’ Glen….smokin’

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

Wolfruna Chapter Iron Butt Challenge

Help Wolfruna Raise Money for the Chloe Smail Foundation Here

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

Dumfries Aviation Museum and Military show

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

Charitable Doings

Meet the Chapter Night

Dunbar RNLI Gala Day

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