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.
How is he gonnae do a briefing standing like thatThe chuckle brothersThe search for Jojo at Abington… no one had her in their helmet.Doris the new chapter mascotA JaaaaagAn anderson shelter, sheltering AndersonsSchnel schnel Achtung!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.
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
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.
The ladies in attendanceA wee talk at WCHDA wee talk from Prostate ScotlandClyde Valley in the HouseProstate presentation at WCHDDavie showing support
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.
Brian Donaldson arriving at HGBikes at Hermiston GaitCharlie looking coolPete looking sunnyHermiston briefing by ChrisAt Hermiston GaitChris on Crew dutiesBurnsy tanningChumsThe three monkeysBikes at staging area in DunbarBikes at staging area in DunbarA rare shot of Kenny smilingBikes on the harbourAt WCHDCVH 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.
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
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
This Wednesday we have our regular monthly Meet the Chapter night between 18:00 and 20:00. As a special event , this month we have a representative of Prostate Cancer Scotland coming to collect a cheque which is the proceeds of what was collected at The Gathering in June.
It would be brilliant if we could have as many members present for the presentation, but also it would be great to have members who have been affected by Prostate Cancer either currently or in the past.
The weather is looking promising this week so we are optimistic for a big turn out.
All members and non-members welcome. Come and learn what being a member of Clyde Valley HOG is all about.
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
On Sunday we had a chapter ride out organised by Road Crew Marshal, Andy Burns to the Cairndow Inn, supported by RC Raymond Brodie. Unfortunately, the weather had other ideas and brought in some pretty heavy rain that worsened the further west you went.
As a result the turn out was down on what had been “pre-booked” with Cairndow, which just meant more for everyone that did turn out and it gave them longer to dry their gear out before squeezing into sodden gloves and boots for the ride back.
It wasn’t wet at WCHD…but threateningReady for the off
Reports are it was a bit fairer on the return trip than the outbound (wet) leg…and wet feet, and wet well, everything really…
At the Rest waiting for the lightsLook at the sun glisten on all that chromeListen to the rain battering off all that chromeNot LanzaroteThe bikes at the beach
We have gathered a few photos together from various Social media sources ( Pete Chisholm, Scott Sinclair and Nicole Tanzabel…this means you!!! Thank you! ) to document the day.
Lining up for nose bagmmmm…but wait…those egg sandwiches smell a bit strong….…it’s not egg its Nicole’s socks ( allegedly)
It did look nice for the ride back to Irvine looking at Pete’s shot.
Petes bike on the road home
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
Scott Grove enjoying a wee dram near the end of the rally.
So that is another Gathering successfully completed. The Chapter would like to thank the Committee and Chapter Volunteers for working hard to make it the success it was. A particular shout out is owed to Scott Grove who stepped in to manage the event while Director Stevie Trainor focuses on recovery from health issues. Thanks also to all the staff and management at Hunters Quay for their support and hard work to make the event the success it was….and you lot must have behaved because we are invited back again next year!
The Hitches
We of course had the usual curve balls to deal with, not least the weather which after pretty much 2 months of dry sunny weather decided to become more “unsettled” a couple of weeks prior to our rally.
It could have been much worse ( remember 2022!?) but the only real casualty to the showery outbursts was our much loved 7 Lochs Ride Out which had to be binned. This was on advice from the destination location Lochgoilhead who were putting on a BBQ for us, and multiple weather apps. On the day the weather at the Rally site wasn’t too bad at all really but looking up the Cowal Peninsula you could see the cloud had closed in over the hills. So better safe than sorry. The road crew took a bullet for the team, recce’ing the route the weekend before and let’s just say everyones wet weather gear was thoroughly tested!
A wee bit dreich as we say in Scotland
Also our Sunday night entertainment, The Johnnie Beattie Band had to cancel just before the event so we are ever so grateful to Gordon Seith and Kay for stepping in to help us out. In the event turned out a perfect set for us as we wound down after a full-on weekend. And of course we would be amiss to not mention Eric on the Decks both for keeping the party going all weekend with tunes and the longer session on the Sunday.
Friday
We had probably the majority of arrivals on Day One, big thanks to all that helped with Registrations through Friday and Saturday. It is fair to say few riders arriving managed a run to the site without encountering a heavy cloud burst somewhere en-route but there were lots of smiles on arrival . The Ladies of Harley Prosecco Party got things off to a flying start with Edward Reid coming once again to entertain the ladies. The ladies and he just don’t want the party to end!
Nicole hosted the LoH PartyuNIn full swingEdward survived the eventProsecco!
But end it did and the rally was entertained by the superb Splendid Gentlemen who I think might be making another appearance at some future event judging by the reaction!
The Splendid Gentlemen on Friday Night
Saturday
Obviously we had no ride out due to the weather, but as locally it wasn’t too bad, many attendees took the opportunity to visit the local town on Dunoon. This will be much welcomed by the community. We did have our Chapter Games in the afternoon which were designed to cope with whatever the weather threw at us and that turned out a right laugh of games most won’t have played since their youth!
Too slow Gilly!
Saturday nights entertainment was provided by Emily J Clark and her band who performed her “Stupid Girl: Pink Tribute” and followed up with a rocking second half. The hall was packed and the Emily went down very well with everyone. What a show!
Emily J Clark perfoming for the Rally on Saturday night including her Pink Tribute Act, Stupid Girl.
Sunday
A busy schedule on the last day of The Gathering with a modified ride out after a morning Custom show.
Mark worked well getting the bikes organised.Getting the bikes shinyLovely wee sportster bobberCustom show
Usually we take a ride to Inverary on the Sunday but with the prior days weather issues we headed to Lochgoilhead but using the more direct route. The Lochgoilhead Community turned out to greet and support us with a BBQ and we had over 60 bikes on the ride, with a few others making their way to the destination independently. The weather stayed fine for the majority of the ride with a wee shower catching the bikes on the last few miles to Hunters Quay.
Pictures from the Sunday Ride out
No sooner were we back than it was Loudest Pipes time…that gorgeous Road King ( now with extra bling) of Keith Milne’s was once again unassailable!
After the ear drum assault that is Loudest pipes a dram was required, then we were entertained by Gordon Seith and Kay.
Then it was Whisky tasting helping to lubricate proceedings before the evening entertainment with Gordon Seith and Kay (that rendition of Paradise By The Dashboard Light though….was that not epic?) followed by Eric on the decks.
….And rest…..
The rally raised over £2500 for Prostate Cancer. We had I believe 16 Chapters represented, coming from locations as diverse as Northern Ireland, Suffolk and Northern Norway in the Arctic Circle! Dunedin Chapter, our Scottish brothers and sisters from the East of Scotland walked away with another Best Attending Chapter award, and Jorund Tingvand was the furthest travelled joining us all the way from Artic Chapter Norway!
Jorund joined our ride in from WCHD on Friday and was greeted by Scott
Thanks to all that attended making it such a memorable event and we look forward to welcoming you once again to Hunters Quay on the 5th June 2026. Tickets will go on sale later in the year.
Some of the Chapters ( and pseudo chapters!) represented at the Rally
In case you have not got bored with looking at the photos published via fB, all those shots ( KH) plus others as yet unseen are now on our Flickr site under the Gathering 2025 Album.
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
On Sunday Raymond led a relatively small turn out due in no small part to the changeable weather ( unusual this year so far!) , which appeared to put some off, at least first thing. A lot seemed to do with where you were located, further west seemed to have seen it blow through earlier than other areas.
At Bute yardClyde Valley HOG flag
Bikes on the boat
The ride out went from WCHD, taking the ferry over to Dunoon and riding around the Cowal Peninsula to Colintraive. From there it was onto the Isle of Bute where the ride out headed for Bute Yard for a wee snackette. The final leg saw the ride heading for the ferry back to the mainland at Wemyss Bay.
Chapter ride around Bute
There were a few showers but nothing to dampen spirits for the hardy bunch that made it out.
Nicole at the ferry slip
Chapter Ride Around Bute: the moist version
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
Last Saturday’s ride out led by Kenny looked during the recce, that there might be a few hold ups leaving the city. In the event the expected holdup’s never materialised and I guess we were lulled into a false sense of security….home free…open roads await.
Then fate dealt a losing hand. As we passed Asda at Bearsden, we couldn’t help notice the Kirkintilloch Road was closed. No worries we weren’t going that way anyway. Then as we entered Bearsden main street it all ground to a halt. There was a broken down car slap bang in the middle of the road. Whatever was wrong with it, it was going no where and some guy was doing his best to direct cars past it, first in one direction then the other. One of those things.
Arriving at BuchlyvieChapter photoTwins
Then no sooner had we cleared that than as we turned up past Bearsden Rugby Club it all stopped again. This time it was worse. Sometimes we barely moved a car length at a time. The problem was extra traffic that couldn’t use the Kirky road cutting up here then hanging a hard right on the traffic lights but as there was no filter….you wouldn’t ordinarily make this sort of turn, it was taking forever to get through. Being on a ride out, filtering was a non starter so it was sit and wait it out in the sun. It must have taken 20 minutes I reckon?
Anyway once clear of that chaos, it was indeed pretty clear roads all the way. A ( known) road closure meant we had to skip the road down the side of Lake of Menteith and carry on to Thornhill before passing Flanders Moss and then picking up the A811 back to Buchlyvie and a well earned break.
On board video from Raymond
Burnsy was gasping.
A nice wee run for the dozen or so bikes that participated and dry roads.
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
Director of Clyde Valley HOG, Stevie Trainor, standing down after 11 years at the helm
Clyde Valley’s HOG’s Chapter Director, Stevie Trainor has, after 11 years leading the chapter, decided to stand down. Stevie announced to the membership following discussions with Don Rutherford at West Coast HD earlier this week.
Stevie will manage the chapter up until a replacement has been decided upon and will be fully involved with organisation of the 2025 Gathering at the start of June. As most know Stevie is dealing with some health challenges and understandably wishes to focus on these.
Stevie’s announcement to the chapter reads:
Happy Easter everyone. I wanted to let you know I will be stepping down as Director of Clyde Valley HOG. As some of you will know I am facing some health issues and need to focus on beating this challenge I face. I have been Director for 11 years and to say I have had a blast is an understatement! I have made so many friends over the years who will remain friends for life. You are a great group of people and it’s been a privilege looking after the chapter for the last 11 years. Don will start the process of selecting a new Director and I am sure you will give them the support to help take the chapter forward. I’m not going away and will see you all on the road at some point. I wish you and your families all the best for future. Take care and ride safe. All the best Stephen
Stevie has led the chapter out of a poor financial situation, which was inherited back in 2014. He navigated the challenges of COVID in 2020-2022. Today, the chapter goes from strength to strength, backed by the top dealership in the UK.
Everyone at Clyde Valley HOG; Members past and present, friends and committee members as well as everyone at West Coast HD, and I am sure in the wider HOG family, thanks Stevie for his leadership, and wishes Stevie and Lesley, and his family all our love and best wishes for the future. We know you have got this beat Stevie!
Stevie will be staying with Clyde Valley HOG both at the helm until a replacement and handover is settled upon and as a member going forward, so we will look forward to seeing him out on the road.
….and I know Stevie will want me to take this opportunity ( he is still the Gaffer after all!), to ask you to make sure you have your tickets for The Gathering, if not follow the link below!
Get your Gathering 2025 Tickets NOW!
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
Ride with us as we take to the City Streets of Glasgow to do a Ride by for opening night of Bat Out of Hell the musical at the Kings, playing until the 19th April.
The ride out for Bat out Of HellBat Out of Hell cast member on Kennys Road King SpecialBurnsy and Shiela
I think it’s fair to say we woke the city up on a glorious Monday night. Video is a mix of Scott Sinclair‘s on bike footage and Kenny’s lead bike, and all Audio courtesy of Scott.
Get your tickets for the rally before it’s too late!
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
A run in the vein of ; dry on the way out….need to dry out on the way back.
With a nasty wet and unsettled period forecast for Saturday afternoon an intrepid group led by Raymond and crewed by Fraz and Paddy, headed for Dumfries House which isn’t in Dumfries.
A great run was had by all, at least going there, and any weather related chills were dispelled by a plate of hot soup at the cafeteria of Dumfries House before the return journey through the increasingly unsettled weather and Ayrshire countryside.
Pics by Fraz.
Hands up who thinks that Skoda is coolNae cool shades for Sean.Paddy before the near miss with Fraz’s pipesDo not pass go, do not collect £200 ( chance would be a fine thing)Paddy enjoys a nice hot plate of CokeAnswers on a post card what this conversation was
A ride out wouldn’t be a ride out without something happening requiring the need for access to power tools for Fraz’s bike. Last year it was angle grinders at Gretna ( allegedly) this time round it was welders at West Coast to put back the section of Fraz’s exhaust that nearly decapitated Paddy.
They maybe forgot the flag again…..
Read more of what we have been up to in the items below
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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… Read more: Wemyss Bay Fly By
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.
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… Read more: Director’s 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
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!
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.
