Home   News   Article

WATCH: Harley-Davidson rally draws thousands to Badenoch and Strathspey again





TRI THIS FOR SIZE!
TRI THIS FOR SIZE!

Nobody was counting yesterday afternoon but it’s estimated that more than 2,000 motorbikes joined the spectacular Ride Out to Grantown from Aviemore as the Thunder in the Glens rally got serious.

As ever, crowds lined the streets through the villages and at the Strathspey capital and the atmosphere was celebratory from beginning to end - despite the damp start.

RAIN-OUT 2024: Many in the crowd literally did a countdown to noon, knowing the cloudburst would come right on time as the police escort appeared with the first of riders of the grand procession to Grantown.
RAIN-OUT 2024: Many in the crowd literally did a countdown to noon, knowing the cloudburst would come right on time as the police escort appeared with the first of riders of the grand procession to Grantown.

Some of the crowd laughingly counted down the rain towards noon, knowing that the clouds that had been forming would dump on them right on ‘cue’.

Sure enough, as the police escort brought the awesome snake of bikers into view, the drizzle turned to proper rain and the road went shiny.

GO BABY GO! There were spectators of all ages in Aviemore today
GO BABY GO! There were spectators of all ages in Aviemore today

It spoiled nobody’s fun though as the hundreds and hundreds of participants passed through, most of them waving and laughing - even if relatively few this year had gone so far as to don the fancy dress.

There was Minnie the Minx and a Muppet or too, the occasional Devil and here and there a costume which frankly defied description, but every one of the riders had a beaming grin of their own and didn’t have to rely on any fancy dress.

THE SUN ALSO SHINES: This afternoon saw some cracking moments of sun at the resort HQ
THE SUN ALSO SHINES: This afternoon saw some cracking moments of sun at the resort HQ

By the time the procession had passed through another countdown came from some in the crowd - for the sun, which duly burst through the clouds onto the crowds that were milling through Aviemore and especially on the Macdonald Highland resort which was serving as HQ and general reception for the bikers, some of whom had travelled across Europe and beyond to join in the fun.

IN GOOD HANDS: Looking after the health of the 100 or so volunteers during this year's rally are volunteers Fee and Willie Sykes-Robertson, from the Dunedin Chapter: "It's a brilliant weekend and we just want to keep everyone hydrated and happy. They're a busy lot!"
IN GOOD HANDS: Looking after the health of the 100 or so volunteers during this year's rally are volunteers Fee and Willie Sykes-Robertson, from the Dunedin Chapter: "It's a brilliant weekend and we just want to keep everyone hydrated and happy. They're a busy lot!"

Dozens of stands had been set up to sell everything anybody could want and the music filled the air from all corners of the campus.

MUSIC MAN: Making a music backdrop at the resort was top DJ Kai Logan of KBE: "I'm loving it and the atmosphere here is fantastic."
MUSIC MAN: Making a music backdrop at the resort was top DJ Kai Logan of KBE: "I'm loving it and the atmosphere here is fantastic."

There is a full programme of events for the visitors to enjoy, from different bands to comedians to feature films. Tomorrow there will be the ritual ride out to the Cairngorm Car Park and an afternoon of top local music from both junior and senior Feis Spe virtuosi.

More anon…


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More