Tag: Ride Out

Ride Out related content

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

The Davidson Legacy Cottage Chapter Ride Out

01/10/2025
A group of motorcycle enthusiasts, wearing black vests and holding a flag, pose in front of a rustic stone building against a cloudy sky.

There’s nothing quite like the sound of engines firing up on a Sunday morning as Clyde Valley gathers for another adventure. This month’s ride took us back to our roots with a trip to the Davidson Legacy Cottage – a destination steeped in history and meaning for Harley riders the world over.

A group of motorcycle riders in leather jackets and vests gathered outdoors, attentively listening to a speaker, with bright orange safety vests visible on some members.
Two men in bright orange and black Harley-Davidson vests are standing outside a building with a 'West Coast' sign. One man is talking while the other is listening.
Two motorcyclists smiling together in front of a building with a Corvette sign, wearing leather jackets adorned with patches and pins.

With Burnsy leading the way as Road Captain, we rolled out from West Coast in Glasgow, the bikes gleaming and anticipation running high, before making our first stop at Stirling services to meet up with the rest of the pack. With the group united and the open road ahead, the ride promised to be one to remember.

A group of motorcycles cruising along a winding road, featuring a prominent blue motorcycle in the foreground with riders wearing helmets.
Group of motorcyclists riding on a scenic road, with a focus on the lead rider in an orange vest, surrounded by lush greenery and clear blue skies.
A group of motorcyclists riding along a country road, with a focus on a rider in the foreground on a red motorcycle.

Not long after leaving Stirling services, a few of the crew decided to spice things up by taking the “scenic route” thanks to a wrong exit at the roundabout. It sparked plenty of laughter and set the tone for the day — another classic Clyde Valley story that will no doubt be retold on many rides to come.

Rolling into the Davidson Legacy Cottage, the sight of the old stone building instantly set the mood — a quiet, humble place with a history every Harley rider feels connected to. The Davidson Legacy Cottage in Netherton, Angus, is the childhood home of William C. Davidson, father of the Harley-Davidson founders. The family emigrated from this modest 19th-century cottage to the U.S. in 1857, where the iconic motorcycle company was later born. After falling into disrepair, the cottage was rescued in 2008 by enthusiasts and restored to reflect its original mid-1800s condition. In 2022, a charitable trust was formed to secure its future, and by 2025 the cottage had been brought into community ownership with support from the UK Government and Harley-Davidson. Today it welcomes visitors, hosts events, and stands proudly as both a museum and a symbol of cultural and industrial heritage.

A group of motorcyclists gathered outside a wooden building, engaged in conversation and wearing motorcycle gear, with a clear sky in the background.
A motorcyclist poses proudly on a black Harley-Davidson in front of the historic Davidson Legacy Cottage, a stone building with a slate roof, in a rural setting.
Davidson Cottage visit

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.

DSC_0129
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

Chapter members at a wet Cairndow

Cairndow: A wee bit dreich

24/06/2025

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.

A group of motorcyclists in riding gear gathered outside a motorcycle dealership, engaging in conversation while several motorcycles are parked nearby.
It wasn’t wet at WCHD…but threatening
Motorcyclists preparing for a group ride outside a dealership, with several bikes parked and people in riding gear.
Ready 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…

Motorcyclists riding on a scenic road surrounded by lush greenery, with a speed limit sign in the background.
At the Rest waiting for the lights
Motorcycles parked outside the Stables Restaurant on a rainy day with overcast skies and misty mountains in the background.
Look at the sun glisten on all that chrome
A view of parked motorcycles on a rainy day outside the Cairndow Inn, with a landscape of hills and water in the background.
Listen to the rain battering off all that chrome
Exterior view of the Cairndow Inn with motorcycles parked out front and cloudy skies above.
Not Lanzarote
A lineup of various motorcycles parked near a body of water with overcast skies in the background.
The 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.

Motorcycle riders gathered inside a cozy inn, drying off after a rainy ride. They are dressed in riding gear, chatting and enjoying the indoor atmosphere.
Lining up for nose bag
A table set up with a selection of sandwiches and plates, accompanied by a teapot and cups in a cozy indoor setting.
mmmm…but wait…those egg sandwiches smell a bit strong….
View from inside a building with motorcycle gloves drying on a heater, overlooking a landscape with parked motorcycles and a road.
…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
Petes bike on the road home

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

On the ferry

Sunshine and Showers: Bute Ride Out

29/05/2025

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 yard
At Bute yard
Clyde Valley HOG flag
Clyde Valley HOG flag
Bikes on the boat
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
Nicole at the ferry slip
Chapter Ride Around Bute: the moist version

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Chris turning up for duty

Clearing the Grid Lock : Buchlyvie Ride Out

09/05/2025

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.

Bikes at Buchlyvie
Arriving at Buchlyvie
Chapter photo at Buchlyvie
Chapter photo
The terrible twins
Twins

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