Harley Owners Group (HOG) on a high for silver anniversary in the Highlands
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The Harley Owners Group's mega ride-out today for the 25th anniversary Thunder in the Glens rallied thousands of riders and spectators through Aviemore and on via Lochindorb to Grantown.
The streets were lined with happy observers in both communities with many to be seen along the 'long road' to the Strathspey capital, despite the rain which, as promised – or threatened – never let up.
The precise number of riders is yet to be confirmed but some observers timed the passing of the parade at under last year's 45 minutes and assumed there were not so many on show this year.
Staff at Aviemore Station said that several visitors who had come for this year's big day had 'got back on the train' and gone off to Inverness instead after seeing that the weather forecasters had got it right.
But that didn't dampen the atmosphere for the big ride-out and Aviemore was packed solid for the spectacle, with hotels, pubs and cafes seemingly chock-a-block and doing a roaring trade in good heart.
"We absolutely love this and we wouldn't miss it for the world," said Tracey and Graeme Wharldall, who were only too happy to stop at Aviemore for the big show.
"We've come for years and we don't mind whatever weather we get – and nor do the family!"
The couple had travelled from Cumbria as ever, along with their appropriately-uniformed dogs Goose Top Gunner and Miss Ellie...
"I'm a Dallas fan!" Tracey explained, as Miss Ellie looked up at the Strathy man.
And while both the Wharldalls were fans of the big rally, Graeme admitted he was not actually a Hog - he was in fact the owner, and a very proud one, of a Triumph and a unique one.
"It's had 11 years of total customisation and there's not another one like it in the world – and not a spot of rust on it either."
All the same, they cheered some of the magnificent Harley-Davidsons, Indians and other classics on show during the day.
Further along the parade there were concerns, though, that they were witnessing the last of its kind. One observer, unnamed, told sister paper the Strathy there were real fears that with Macdonalds getting ready to develop the car park area – which for years has served as the perfect HQ for the 'Thunder' – the event would not be possible any more in its present format.
The Strathy will have more on this in due course.
Meanwhile, it's time for everyone to enjoy the 25th anniversary in Aviemore of the world's biggest Harley rally.
Music and charity events are lined up throughout the weekend, with accommodation providers jam-packed for the duration and thousands of visitors camping out or 'improvising' to ensure they make the most of things, despite the weather.
Traffic Scotland's threat of violent thunderstorms did not materialise last night but the rain certainly di.
