Category: Ride Out Reports

Director’s Ride Out

17/08/2026

This past weekend saw us do something a wee bit different for the Director’s Ride Out – rather than heading out into the hills, the destination this time was Chapter Director Kenny’s own driveway, for a garage and garden party with a difference!

A cracking turnout saw 30 bikes make the trip, departing from WCHD at the usual 10:00 for 10:30 and heading out via Balloch, taking in some lovely stretches along Loch Lomond before continuing on to Cambusbarron, near Stirling. A few members opted to come along by car too, and whichever way you got there, it was brilliant to see the street filled with Harleys for the day.

Once everyone arrived, it was straight into host mode, with a fabulous BBQ running from 12:30 through till 14:30 – no one left hungry, that’s for sure! A huge thanks to Kenny for opening up the driveway (and the garage), planning a great run through to get us there, and putting on such a great spread – and for keeping the neighbours entertained into the bargain, who by all accounts enjoyed having us around every bit as much as we did!

It’s not every day you get to fill a street with bikes and still leave the place tidy afterwards, but this bunch did exactly that. Everyone tucked in, had a blether, enjoyed the hospitality, and made it home safe and sound.

A cracking day out, brilliant company, and exactly what this Chapter is all about. Thanks to everyone who came along, whether on two wheels or four!

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

Clyde Valley HOG at the Bucchleuch Arms

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.

Ride 365
Shas trying a Fat Boy for size now she has passed her test…well done Shazza!
Lindsay getting help to get dressed!

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

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

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

Loch Doon Shop Ride Out

13/10/2025
Group photo of motorcycle riders in HOG chapter attire at Loch Doon, surrounded by scenic hills and autumn foliage.
Clyde Valley Shop Ride Out | Loch Doon | 11 October 2025

This past Saturday, Clyde Valley enjoyed a fantastic ride out to Loch Doon, deep in the heart of the Galloway Hills. The weather held steady for us, with crisp autumn air and clear views making for ideal riding conditions. The route took us along some brilliant backroads with sweeping bends, quiet stretches, and just the right amount of twisties to keep things interesting. We stopped at the loch to take in the scenery, share a few laughs, and enjoy a well-earned coffee at the Roundhouse Café.

A parking lot filled with various motorcycles, with riders gathered nearby, under a cloudy sky.
Two individuals wearing distinctive high-visibility vests stand outdoors, surrounded by motorcycles and a building, likely preparing for a ride or event.
A group of motorcyclists in leather jackets is gathered outside a venue, listening to a speaker in a reflective vest. The building has large glass windows and an entrance sign.

Loch Doon turned out to be more than just a scenic stop – it’s a place steeped in history and natural significance. Stretching over 9 km in length, the loch sits high in a remote glen and is home to the Arctic charr, a rare cold-water fish species that has survived here since the Ice Age. It’s one of the last places in southwest Scotland where these fish still breed, which is why the loch is designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). While we didn’t get the chance to visit Loch Doon Castle, it’s worth noting that the 13th-century stronghold was once located on an island in the loch but was moved stone by stone to the shore in the 1930s to protect it from rising waters when the loch was dammed. It’s another layer in the rich history of the area, which also includes ancient artefacts and even a World War I aerial gunnery school nearby.

All in all, it was a brilliant day out – great roads, great company, and a destination well worth the ride. If you missed this one, be sure to catch the next.

Bikers gathered outside the Roundhouse Osprey Lounge, dressed in motorcycle jackets, enjoying a break during their ride in the Galloway Hills.
A group of four motorcyclists smiling and interacting inside a café, with menu items and snacks visible.
A collection of motorcycles parked in a gravel lot near a round building, set against a backdrop of rolling hills under a cloudy sky.
Motorcycles parked along a scenic road beside Loch Doon, with hills in the background and autumn foliage in the foreground.
Four motorcycles parked in a gravel area surrounded by trees and autumn foliage.

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

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.
Blackpool in the grey
A woman with shoulder-length hair smiles and walks confidently on stage during a bingo event, while another woman is seen pointing from behind a microphone stand.
Cath doing a runner with the £50
A person wearing a leather motorcycle jacket with a 'Clyde Valley' patch and a red bandana stands in the foreground, while other bikers are gathered in the background.
Clyde Valley
A close-up of a person's hand holding a pen, marking a bingo card on a table with various drinks around.
Bingo

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.
Riding
A historic military aircraft displayed in a hangar, featuring a distinctive yellow and grey camouflage design with a black cross, surrounded by visitors.
Tally Ho!
A group of people socializing around a table in a bar, with drinks in front of them, some engaged in conversation and others on their phones.
A few drinkies
A man with silver hair and a slight smile is sitting in a wooden chair, wearing a black t-shirt with a design on it.
Shas threw a bottle at Jim…she is barred!
A plate of profiteroles drizzled with chocolate sauce, accompanied by a fresh strawberry.
Decent scran
A group of six people posing for a selfie in front of the entrance to a theme park, with the words 'PARK ENTRANCE' visible above them.
The Young crew and Jim
The illuminated exterior of Coral Island amusement arcade in Blackpool, featuring a large pirate skull, colorful lights, and distinctive signage.
A woman in a black raincoat holds several colorful sticks in a wet environment, with a display of items in the background.
Always buy rock at Blackpool, it’s the law
Colorful night scene at Blackpool featuring illuminated structures and attractions.
Illuminated dragon sculpture at Blackpool, glowing in vibrant red against a dark background.

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.
Final farewells from a great weekend

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

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

Barony Castle Shop Ride Out

08/09/2025
A group of bikers from the Clyde Valley Harley Owners Group standing together outside a building, holding a flag with their logo. The group includes men and women in motorcycle vests, some making playful gestures, and a small dog in a blue vest.

On Saturday we rode to Barony Castle to visit the Great Polish Map of Scotland. This large three-dimensional terrain model is the biggest of its kind in the world, measuring around 50 by 40 metres. It was created in the 1970s by a team of Polish engineers, supported by General Maczek, a former commander of the Polish 1st Armoured Division who settled in Scotland after the Second World War. The map was intended as a gesture of gratitude from the Polish community to Scotland. After falling into neglect for many years, it has since been restored and today stands as an important cultural and historical landmark, representing both Scotland’s geography and the enduring ties between Scotland and Poland.

A bearded man wearing a black vest adorned with motorcycle patches stands next to a motorcycle. He has a checkered red and black shirt underneath, and a motorcycle helmet is on the bike beside him. In the background are signs for authorized Harley-Davidson services and rentals.
Two women smiling and posing together in a casual setting, wearing motorcycle-themed clothing, with a warm and friendly atmosphere in the background.
A man with a long beard wearing a leather jacket stands next to a woman with blonde hair, both smiling outside a dealership with parked cars in the background.
Two motorcyclists chatting and smiling in a parking area with vehicles in the background.
A man in a black leather jacket is bending down to greet a small dog wearing a denim vest with patches. The scene is set in an urban area, with a trash can visible in the background.

Our chapter mascot, Doris, was spoiled with plenty of treats from Lairdy’s pocket and, judging by her enthusiasm, she seemed to enjoy the run every bit as much as the rest of us. It turned out to be a fantastic day’s riding, made even better by the great company along the way. A big thanks goes to Lairdy and Tommy for sweeping and tailing, to Janice for keeping a watchful eye on proceedings, and to Frazer not only for capturing the day with some brilliant photographs but also for leading us as Road Captain.

Two people in motorcycle jackets playfully posing on a road, with greenery and vehicles in the background.
Close-up of a dog's face resting on a backpack, in a green outdoor setting.
Motorcycle riders gathered in a parking area, wearing leather jackets and helmets, with various motorcycles parked around them, set against a backdrop of trees and hills.
A group of motorcyclists interacting in a parking area, with three people standing and one crouching to pet a small dog wearing a denim vest, surrounded by several parked motorcycles.

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

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

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.
“try not to go on fire”
A group of motorcyclists gathered at a parking area, with various types of bikes lined up. Some riders are chatting while others are preparing for their ride.
The bikes that made it to Crieff.
Two men smiling outdoors, one gives a thumbs-up gesture, with greenery in the background.
Chris wasn’t riding but turned out to cheer us all up witth is bant’s

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
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.
Bikes in the square
A group of motorcycle riders, wearing leather vests and patches, walking on the street near The Four in Crieff, Scotland, with some sitting outside a café in the background.
Leaving the pub…
A woman wearing a leather motorcycle jacket and sunglasses is holding an ice cream cone, standing in front of a wooden structure decorated with flowers.
Ice Cream
A wasp resting on a wooden surface.
wasps

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.

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Flickr Gallery of the Aberfeldy Ride Out

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

The chapter photo at Dumfries

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.
The chuckle brothers
Group of motorcyclists preparing their bikes in a parking area, wearing safety vests and motorcycle gear, with lush greenery in the background.
The search for Jojo at Abington… no one had her in their helmet.
A small dog wearing a bright pink helmet and goggles, resting inside a motorcycle bag.
Doris the new chapter mascot
An indoor display of an old military aircraft, with workers maintaining it and equipment in the background.
A Jaaaaag
Two men in motorcycle gear sitting in a doorway of a green metal structure, with one man smiling and the other looking at the camera.
An anderson shelter, sheltering Andersons
A man in military uniform fires a weapon, with a flame visible from the muzzle, while another armed soldier stands in the background near tents.
Schnel schnel Achtung!
Close-up view of a motorcycle's rear wheel and chassis, showcasing the brake disc, footpeg, and a prominent Harley-Davidson logo.
A not-a-Harley, probably

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.

Dumfries Aviation Museum 2025

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

Presenting the cheque to Prostate Scotland

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
A wee talk at WCHD
Prostate Scotland representative talk
A wee talk from Prostate Scotland
Clyde Valley members listening in
Clyde Valley in the House
Prostate presentation at WCHD
Prostate presentation at WCHD
Davie showing support

Get tested boys!

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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.

Brian Donaldson arriving at HG
Brian Donaldson arriving at HG
Bikes at Hermiston Gait
Bikes at Hermiston Gait
Charlie looking cool
Charlie looking cool
Pete looking sunny
Pete looking sunny
Hermiston briefing by Chris
Hermiston briefing by Chris
At Hermiston Gait
At Hermiston Gait
Chris on Crew duties
Chris on Crew duties
Burnsy tanning
Burnsy tanning
Chums
Chums
The three monkeys
The three monkeys
Bikes at staging area in Dunbar
Bikes at staging area in Dunbar
Bikes at staging area in Dunbar
Bikes at staging area in Dunbar
A rare shot of Kenny smiling
A rare shot of Kenny smiling
Bikes on the harbour
Bikes on the harbour
At WCHD
At WCHD
CVH with a group of Scooterists
CVH with a group of Scooterists

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

DSC_9872

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.

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