Tri-Chapter Spring Event – Ecclefechan

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.