From the Director
It is a gorgeous sunny day as I look out the window but the autumn colours of the falling leaves tell me that summer time and the riding season is once more, all very quickly, over. Strange how the days seem to be sunnier now than they were throughout the summer months. But that didn’t stop us getting out and about on our beloved motorcycles.
2009 has been a resounding success all round for Dunedin Chapter. Our membership now stands at an all time high of 330. This was reflected in attendances at our monthly meetings where more than 100 were in attendance at every meeting. Our ride outs took us to a number of new places and none were more spectacular than the trip to Kenmore where over 150 members turned out on a glorious sunny day.
Once again throughout the year Chapter members scoured the globe in search of some new and some old adventures. Closer to home the event Thunder in Meikle Wattle proved a great success raising over £2,500 for Multiple Sclerosis. Another roaring success was the Hog n’ the Byre with record numbers attending this event. The Chapter ride to the “Ride to the Wall 2009” saw more than 50 members making the trip. This included 2 serving members Colour Sergeant McGhee and Sergeant Thomson of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland who we were proud to sponsor to make the trip with us.
Highlight of the year was undoubtedly Thunder in the Glens rally. With almost 3,000 registering for the rally it is now officially the largest H-D and Chapter rally in the UK. To say we were stunned by the attendance is an understatement. But having said that attendees were rewarded with a fantastic programme of events which was topped off with the sensational Sunday night show that was “Route 66”. If you haven’t been to TITG then you have to add it to your “must do” list. With your help we also managed to raise £4,000 for the Scottish War Blinded during this years rally.
All the events that took place throughout the year could not have taken place without the help and support of Chapter members. I thank all of those who have given of their time to help make this a hugely successful year for Dunedin Chapter.
Now it is time to relax a bit before thinking about what’s next. Yes the new riding season will be here soon. If you have any ideas or suggestions for Chapter events in 2010 please let us know. In the meantime get polishing.
George “Mad Dog” McGuire
Director, Dunedin Chapter Scotland