Tag: Aberfeldy

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.

DSC_0129
Flickr Gallery of the Aberfeldy Ride Out

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