Clyde Valley HOG 9894

Wemyss Bay Fly By

11/05/2026

Great turnout on Saturday for the Wemyss Bay Fly By – a circular ride out from West Coast Harley-Davidson! With plenty of bikes on the road and the Scottish weather keeping things mostly on our side – just a wee bit of drizzle that didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits – it turned out to be a cracking day out.

We rolled out from the shop, heading down to Largs for a quick pitstop at Morrisons, before flying on to Wemyss Bay and along the stunning west coast.

The West Coast Cafe certainly knew we’d arrived – the place was buzzing! Everyone piled in for lunch, coffees, and plenty of good craic. Just the way a ride should end.

A big thanks to Sean for planning and leading the route, and to Jigger and Colin for keeping things tight from the rear. Couldn’t do it without you.

Roll on the next one!

Tri-Chapter Spring Event – Ecclefechan

29/04/2026

What a day! Saturday 25th April saw a magnificent 50-strong Clyde Valley HOG contingent – riders and pillions alike – fire up their engines and head south for the Tri-Chapter Spring Event at the Ecclefechan Hotel, and it did not disappoint!

Clyde Valley HOG were proud to co-host this cracking spring event alongside Dunedin and Red Rose HOG Chapters, bringing together three chapters for an afternoon of live music, great food, and even better craic. But let’s be honest – with 50 of us rolling in together, Clyde Valley well and truly made their presence felt!

The Ride Down

Kickstands up at 11am from West Coast Harley-Davidson, and the Clyde Valley road crew were straight into action! The final leg from Annandale Water Services into Ecclefechan was a masterclass in marshalling – Kevin Copeland nipped ahead to nail the first junction, and a relay of sharp-eyed Clyde Valley marshals guided the full three-chapter convoy through Lockerbie and down the B7076, with Karen Spiers steering everyone perfectly down Ecclefechan main street. Ricky Munro swept, Lairdy held the tail, and not a single bike was lost along the way – well, almost. One member briefly went on their own little solo adventure but we’ll say no more about that! The road crew were outstanding – a real credit to the chapter.

The sunshine was a very welcome bonus – not bad at all for late April in Scotland! And as Clyde Valley’s own Bob Laidlaw put it after clocking an incredible 310 miles on the day alone: “This IS what owning a Harley is all about.” Couldn’t have said it better ourselves, Bob.

At the Venue

The Ecclefechan Hotel was the perfect host. Freshly prepared hot rolls and cold drinks fuelled the troops, and with the sun shining, the beer garden was the place to be – Bare Bonez were playing outside and the atmosphere was absolutely electric. Clyde Valley members were at the heart of it all – mixing, laughing, and making memories with old friends and new. Exactly what the HOG family is all about.

For those who decided the day was simply too good to end, the party carried well on into the evening. With a few drinks flowing and the craic only getting better, it wasn’t long before the karaoke mic came out – and let’s just say Clyde Valley didn’t hold back. Some performances were outstanding, some were… enthusiastic. Either way, a brilliant night was had by all!

A Word of Thanks

A huge thank you to everyone in Clyde Valley HOG who came along and threw themselves into the spirit of the day – you were, as always, an absolute credit to the chapter. Thanks also to our brilliant road crew for keeping everyone safe and on the right road, and to our fellow chapters Dunedin and Red Rose for a great shared event.

Whether you were in the saddle or on the back, day tripper or overnight party animal, you made Clyde Valley proud.

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!

March Breakfast and AGM

02/03/2026

On Sunday 1st March, Clyde Valley HOG members gathered in Cumbernauld for our annual breakfast and Annual General Meeting, taking time to reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to what promises to be an exciting 2026.

The morning began at Stonehouse – Broadwood Farm, where members met for a hearty breakfast before the day’s formal proceedings. With plenty of coffee flowing and a full Scottish breakfast on offer, it was a great opportunity for members to catch up, share a few laughs and ease into the day ahead.

After breakfast, the group made the short journey to Broadwood Stadium for the Clyde Valley HOG Annual General Meeting.

The AGM provided an opportunity for the committee to review the past year’s activities and highlight the many rides, events and achievements that made 2025 another memorable year for the chapter. Members also heard about plans for the coming season, with an exciting calendar of ride-outs, socials and events already taking shape.

During the meeting, we also welcomed our new committee members who will help guide the chapter through the year ahead. At the same time, sincere thanks were given to those stepping down from their committee roles for the time, effort and dedication they have given to Clyde Valley HOG. The work done behind the scenes by volunteers is what keeps the chapter running and allows the club to continue growing and thriving.

With the meeting concluded and the plans for the year beginning to take shape, there was a real sense of enthusiasm among members as the riding season draws closer.

Thank you to everyone who attended the breakfast and AGM and for your continued support of the chapter.

It’s shaping up to be a great year – roll on spring and the miles ahead for Clyde Valley HOG.

February Social

28/02/2026

Clyde Valley HOG kicked off the 2026 social calendar in style on Friday 27th February, with 50 members gathering for a fantastic evening at the iconic Ferry in Glasgow.

Moored on the River Clyde, The Ferry provided a brilliant setting for our first social of the year. Members arrived from across the region, many making the most of the sunshine earlier in the day before heading into the city for the evening.

The night began with a delicious 2-course dinner, giving everyone the chance to catch up after the winter break and enjoy some great company before the entertainment began. As always, it was wonderful to see so many members and partners together again, sharing stories, laughter and looking forward to the season ahead.

Entertainment for the evening came from Them & Us, a superb 9-piece tribute band bringing together the legendary music of Fleetwood Mac and Pink Floyd. From the moment they started playing, the atmosphere in the room lifted and the dance floor soon filled up.

The band delivered a fantastic performance, recreating some of the most iconic songs from both bands and keeping everyone entertained throughout the night. With great music, good food and plenty of familiar faces, the evening had everything that makes a Clyde Valley HOG social so special.

It was clear from the many messages and photos shared afterwards that the night had been thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. Events like this are a great reminder that Clyde Valley HOG is not just about the bikes – it’s about the friendships, the community and the shared experiences that bring us all together.

A huge thank you goes to Vikki Love for organising another excellent event, and to everyone who came along and helped make the evening such a success.

With the first social of the year now behind us, there is a real sense of excitement building for the riding season ahead. If this night is anything to go by, 2026 is shaping up to be a fantastic year for Clyde Valley HOG.

Presentation to Stephen Trainor

17/11/2025

On Saturday 15th November, we had the pleasure of welcoming back former Director Stephen Trainor for a heartfelt presentation celebrating his incredible 11 years of service with the Clyde Valley Chapter.

Stevie was presented with a beautifully engraved crystal decanter, a wee dram to fill it, and – most importantly – honorary life membership of the Chapter. A well-deserved recognition for his dedication and leadership over the years.

We also took the opportunity to show our appreciation for Brian Fitzsimmons, who served as Merchandise Officer, and Chris Kelly, our former Head Road Captain and, before that, Secretary. Both received gifts in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the Chapter.

To round off the occasion, Don Rutherford presented a special award, adding an extra highlight to an already memorable day.

A fantastic gathering filled with gratitude, stories, and good company.

Photos courtesy of Jordan O’Hare at West Coast Harley Davidson

LoH Strawberry Tea at Harleyween

26/10/2025

A group photo featuring members of the Ladies of Harley and supporters holding large charity cheques for the Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, outdoors on a sunny day.

Close-up of Halloween-themed cupcakes topped with orange frosting, spider and pumpkin decorations, and 'Trick or Treat' signs.

Four women posing at a table filled with various cakes and treats, promoting a Breast Cancer Now fundraising event. A motorcycle is visible in the background.

Afternoon all!

A huge thank you to everyone who baked cakes for the Strawberry Tea and to everyone who came along, donated, and supported the event on Saturday.

We’re thrilled to share that we raised an incredible £1,135.56 in aid of Breast Cancer Now!

Our Ladies of Harley once again outdid themselves, serving up amazing cakes and treats – all for a great cause.

We were delighted to welcome guests from the British Red Cross and the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, who joined us to receive cheques from the Chapter.

A special shout-out and heartfelt thanks to the members from other chapters and the various bike clubs who came along – your support and camaraderie made the day even more special.

Raising money for Breast Cancer Now helps fund life-saving research, support patients and families, and improve care for everyone affected. Every donation brings us closer to better treatments, earlier detection, and a future where no one dies from breast cancer.

Thank you all for your generosity, enthusiasm, and support – you’ve truly helped make a difference!

See you all at the next Chapter event!