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www.dunedinhog.com

Thunder in the Glens

Aviemore - Friday 27th to Monday 30th August 2010

Watch this space and get your tickets early

Attention traders, your contacts are Ron & Irene

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Thunder in the Glens 2009 - The Emails

We were VIRGINS! And now after our very first HOG rally at Aviemore's 'Thunder in the Glens' rally, we will definitely repeat the experience. My husband now has a Fat Bob after years of riding a sports bike and I have a Custom 1200 (or did!) and herein lies the tale of friendship, camaraderie and the most genuine set of people we have ever met in a long time.....I'm talking about the DUNEDIN CHAPTER and the Scottish people in general. Having set off on Thursday from Burnley up the M6, M74, M73, M9 and the A9 with a stop over at a campsite in Stirling somewhere in the middle, the weather ranged from rain to torrential rain accompanied by strong winds with gusts that seemed determined to make one part company with your bike. After 300 miles of riding and seeing the signs for Aviemore I was so relieved and happy that we were so near to a well deserved pint or two. But then tragedy struck. I came around the bend near to the petrol station, all vehicles and bikes had slammed on (due to car drivers rubber necking at all the gorgeous H-D's, can't blame 'em really). Unfortunately as I braked I slid and hit the back of my husbands bike whereupon my bike went one way and I was catapulted over the bars and got acquainted with the tarmac for about 10 feet! Ouch!! I was patched up by paramedics and local GP at the Medical Centre, remarkably only suffering from cuts bruises and a broken little pinkie, Oh yes and a very bruised ego!! I was very shook up and felt generally weak, fragile and in some pain. At the Registration point I was looked after by a lovely lady rider called June from Nottingham (who years ago fell in love with the Dunedin Chapter and the rest is history), Stuart and John who retrieved my bike from the road and brought it to safety, and with my husband collected all our luggage and carried it into the campsite whilst I was being comforted and given cups of tea plus many more kind and thoughtful people. A BIG THANK YOU to the DUNEDIN CHAPTER you are a great bunch of people, much appreciated for all you help and support. See you next year.

Corrina and Kevin Clark

Burnley, Lancashire

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HIYA GEORGE & ALL THE HARD WORKING DUNEDIN CREW
OH MY GOD, WHIT A WEEKEND. ME AN DAVE ARE SO PROUD TO BE A PART OF THIS AMAZING EVENT EVERY YEAR.
IT JUST GETS BETTER AND BETTER. AND AS FOR SUNDAY. THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT. WHO HAVE YOU GOT FOR NEXT YEAR.
HONESTLY YOU ALL DESERVE A MEDAL. WE KNOW WHAT IT IS LIKE TO ORGANISE A RALLY ALBEIT ON A MUCH SMALLER SCALE, BUT TO DO WHAT YOU GUYS DO AND THE EFFORT & TIME YOU PUT IN IS AMAZING.
WE GOT OUR ROOMS BOOKED FOR NEXT YEAR SO WHEN THE TICKETS ON SALE. 2 FOR US PLEASE.
ALSO THANKS AGAIN TO FLORENCE MCNIGHTINGALE WHO MENDED MY LEG AFTER I BURNT IT ON MY EXHAUST. IT'S HEALING NICELY AND WONT NEED A SKIN GRAFT. THE JACK DANIELS HELPS EASE THE PAIN

LOTSA HOGS N SNOGS

BIG EL & DAVE XXX

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Hi George,

Thank you all so much for the most fantastic weekend!!! We had a great time. Courtney is already wondering what you are going to come up with next year because it can't get much better than this one can it?? A BIG thank you to everybody.

Love from the young ones

Courtney Nina and Colin

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Dear George,

On behalf of my wife and myself I would like to thank you and all your chapter for a fantastic rally, it was our first, but hopefully not our last .I would especially like to thank John from the Italian quarter for sweeping the road so it was nice and safe for Heather to ride. We have already used the BBQ as we have much kinder weather, hope to see you all next year.

Heather & Kelvin Barnett

Rolling Hills

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THANKS FOR THE BEST THUNDER IN THE GLENS RALLY EVER CANT WAIT FOR 2010

Regards
Stephen Polley

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Hi George,

just a quick note to say that, having attended every Dunedin rally that has ever been, including one at Faskally in 1994, and all at Aviemore, this years event for us was the best yet.
The entertainment on Sunday evening (this is the first time I have seen a full house on Sunday) was a brilliant choice and completely enjoyed by any body who was there. Well done to all involved.

cheers.

Richy and Paula Balfour. {Dundee}

Dunedin members.

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George

TITG 2009 was a defining moment for us. We have been overwhelmed by the friendship and support we have had since joining the Chapter and TITG was just brilliant. All of our expectations were surpassed, we had a fabulous weekend. It was so nice to see all the folks and to make some new friends. You have done Dunedin Chapter proud and showed the rest of Europe had to put on a rally. I know nothing happens by accident and the success of TITG comes down to the organisers, so well done and thanks to you and everyone else who helped out. Whilst I may be a willing pair of hands for the future it was nice to just relax, enjoy the rally and take things in, after all, I am still a relative ‘newbie’!! So please accept a sincerely felt big big big thank you from Christine and me.

Ride safe.

Morse

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Hi everyone.
This is just a quick email to thank everyone that was involved with the 2009 rally. It was the first British rally that we had attended and was brilliant. We had ridden up from Barry in south Wales and had a wonderful time. It was so well organised we thought it was much better than the Lake Garda event in 2008, we were made very welcome, facilities were excellent, security was really good, prices .the beer was cheaper than our local. Rideout was excellent, the scenery was stunning and stayed dry. We shall be seeing you next year.
So massive thank you to everyone.
kind regards

two taffies on tour.

John.

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Good Morning George

What can I say, what a brilliant weekend, all the lads who came wanted me to convey our sincere thanks to everyone involved in the organisation of this brilliant rally, and want to know the dates for next year and when the rally tickets go on sale.15 of us came up and I think next year there will be a lot more, we had our club meeting last night and people was asking me to include them next year.

Once again thanks for the great weekend and see you next year

Kindest Regards

Trevor (Wolfruna Chapter)

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Hi George, back home safe and sound. Still buzzing from "THE" rally. Thanks to you and the fantastic crew for making us so welcome. Again, an immense privilege marshalling with you, loved the ride-out and the pipes and drums leading us into Kingussie, and Sunday night, well that's going to be hard act to follow. The wind and rain couldn't blow us away but this years "Thunder" certainly did. See you all at RTTW. Dave and Sandra.

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George,

Just like to say thanks for a great rally weekend, Please pass on our thanks to all at Dunedin Chapter.

Steve & Jackie Thomas

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Hi George,

Just had to let you know how much we enjoyed “Thunder in the Glens” a fantastic rally, one of the best I have ever attended. Far better than any of the Hog rallies I have attended. The fact that the whole Village participated was such a joy, from the local shops restaurants up to the train up the mountain who even gave us a 20% discount. This made us all feel very special and made the event so friendly all round. The entertainment was fantastic, the ride out was phenomenal, some spectacular scenery we will never see anywhere else. You have it cracked, just don’t change the format because it works 100%!! Thank you for a wonderful week end one not to be forgotten, we are already thinking of coming back next year. Please thank everyone who helped with making the rally such a success, I know how much work goes into these events having organised much smaller rallies myself, it is not easy and many people get forgotten along the way.

Thanks and Kind Regards

Sue Sacre

Treasurer III Rivers UK Hog Chapter

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Hi George,

Just a line to thank everyone involved for a great Thunder in the Glens rally. It was the first time for myself and I look forward to the next one. I really enjoyed it and even the ride home to Hampshire in the rain on Monday wasn't so bad, a good event all round. Shame about the slight incident on the ride out and I hope no one was too badly injured I was following the bike that came to grief and could not quite figure out how it happened? If possible could you offer my regards to the poor officer who got struck by the motorcycle as I feel really sorry him, (you don't need that to happen whilst going about your days work) also my thanks to the local police in general for their help in marshalling the ride out and everyone else involved in the rally.

Regards.

Steve Eckton.

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Hi George,

I just want to thank you all for taken the time out to do a miniature ride out through the village of Kincraig on Sunday at noon you made my weekend/year although I'm "quite" young I am unable to make it through to Aviemore to watch the Big ride out on the Saturday and did feel left out when my Husband took my toddler to see you on the Saturday!!!

So the minute I heard that Rumble my legs carried me to the fence to watch you all go by and it brought a lump to my throat as you all put your horns/music on and lights and everyone started waving it was beautiful, and there I stood unbrushed hair and cup of tea in hand but I wouldn't have changed it for the world..

Thank you so much see you all next year

Love & Peace Lollie and the clan

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Thunder in the Glens 2008 - The Emails

George,

I was about to book tickets for the Autumn Blitz then I realized that they were asking £50 a head for camping!!! When I queried the morality of ripping people off like this - especially given that to get from Scotland to just about anywhere costs an arm and a leg - I was told that there were cabins left if I wanted one of them! I think they missed the point somewhat. (And I've always enjoyed New Forest events in the past).

I replied and cited the cost of camping at Thunder in the Glens, pointing out that we got t-shirts (very NICE t-shirts and the ladies ones actually fit ladies) as well as other bits and bobs. Having sent that, I realised that handing out complaints is all well and good but I hadn't sent a compliment to balance it.

So - A BIG well done for having organised the best rally in Britain this year. (HOG should take note cos the WORST I have attended was definitely Minehead!) I think the numbers speak for themselves. The people of Aviemore have to take some of the credit but the bands were excellent - better to have several venues too. There was even atmosphere in the hangar of the Osprey which I think has been missing in the past. I actually prefer small rallies (which HOG don't appreciate) but this was an exceptional weekend.

(Incidentally I have never camped at this rally before but cost has had to be considered this year)

Thanks to you and all your crew for a job very well done. (Don't go and put the price up now) ;-)

From Trish

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Hi just want to let you know that as it was our first HOG rally we were amazed, the friendly atmosphere, the way it was organised security wise, and the location was brilliant, the entertainment and all. But most importantly was the ride out on Sat. I was dumbstruck by the amount of bikes on the road, it was awesome and people along the way waving, never experienced anything like it so a big thank you for all your hard work in organising such an event.
The ride home was not so brill over 300 miles in the rain ha! With best wishes from Bev and Rolo, Northamptonshire England

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Our first time at your Rally and it was amazing. Everything appeared to have been planned meticulously - you must be very proud of the Chapter. Looking forward to TITG 2009.

Ian & Gill Foster

Nene Valley Chapter

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Dear George & Dunedin Crew
Well you did it again. What a fantastic weekend, the weather was fantastic, the music was great, and the people, well what can I say, everyone put their all into it. Dave hardly saw me all Friday what with all the catching up I had to do, well I do like a wee gossip. This is by far the best & biggest rally in Britain and I am ready for next year.
Thanks again George & the Dunedin Chapter. You did us proud.
BIG EL XXX

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Hi George
I just had to email you to say a big thank you and the Dunedin chapter for the great weekend at thunder in the glens and for you organizing the hotel so we could renew our wedding vows, the whole weekend was electric, in no small way to you, and we managed to get on the ride out too, how good does it get!!!!!!! Cant wait for thunder 09' anyway thanks George fantastic job, thanks

Ps
can you let me know when we can book 09' if at all possible

Mike Coleman

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THANKS FOR A GREAT RALLY IT WAS THE BEST YET FROM ALL AT PROVINCEWIDE N IRELAND

Regards
Stephen Polley

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Hi George.

Thanks again for an outstanding weekend at Aviemore. The organisation was excellent and it was certainly the Harley highlight of the year. Already looking forward to 2009.

Regards

Alex & Isobel Kinghorn
Provincewide Chapter

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Thunder in the Glens 2007 - The Emails

George/Richard

Transcript of reply to my letter of thanks from Bear Scotland.

Dear Mr McGregor

DUNEDIN HARLEY OWNERS GROUP - THUNDER IN THE GLENS 2007 Hog Rally

Thank you for your letter regarding the above.

The well organised and social aspect of the rally has attracted comments from our client Transport Scotland, and BEAR Scotland has been happy to play its small role in the event. The positive comments expressed by your group have been well received within our organisation, as you can imagine we do not get many letters of thanks. The letter has been circulated to all those who helped keep the network as clear as possible and this will continue for next year's Rally.

Once again BEAR Scotland would like to wish you and Dunedin Harley Owners Group many more years of Thunder in the Glen.

Yours faithfully

For BEAR Scotland Ltd

Colin Heggie

Traffic Officer

From the above I think BEAR Scotland are up for it next year!!!

Regards

Frank (Lonerider)

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Dear George,

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back in touch, but what a turnout eh?!!! Once again you all did us so proud with your phenomenal support for this event. On behalf of everyone I'd just like to thank you all for making this another resounding success. I cannot believe with the Summer we've had, we managed a dry day yet again (someone was looking down on us!). I don't think we had an exact count of machines, but I'm reliably informed that there were over 120; that is around 70% up on last year - incredible. It was another great afternoon, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves (and the bar was well and truly drank dry!!).

I hope that the Thunder in the Glens was another great success for Dunedin Chapter HOG. I believe numbers were up once again on last year. It deserves to be with all the hard work and effort you guys put into it. This year as a token of our thanks and appreciation for your support for HOG in the BOG, we would like to split the funds we raised with your nominated Charity ref: Thunder in the Glens. I think it's Maggies, but George I wonder if you could confirm this and let me know to whom the Cheque has to be made out to and where to send it etc. I think it's the very least we can do for you, as you've certainly helped us over the last 3 years.

With the numbers attending our event this year, it's quite obvious that our grounds are now not big enough to accommodate everyone (we thought this would happen eventually). So there will be a change of Venue next year; most likely it will be moved to the New Community Hall where there is much more space for parking in the grounds and the Hall can hold a lot more people. The big advantage is that if the weather isn't so kind then everyone can go indoors. It's fully equipped and saves a lot of messing around with gazebos and portaloos etc! The Hall had officially opened the weekend before our event, but with so many delays leading up to it, we decided to play safe and keep it at Granlea. At least you'll be able to see it for yourselves next year (and also what funds raised have been put towards). Anyway, there's plenty of time till next year, so will keep in touch to let you know the changes. Oh, just want to confirm your Rally dates for '08. I've provisionally got 22nd - 24th August; making a prov. date for HOG in the BOG as Sunday 24th August - perhaps you can let me know.

Well, I'm starting to get about a bit more and getting a bit stronger. I'm hoping to be able to discard the crutches and be given the green light to drive again on 1st October (when I see the Surgeon). I feel like a caged animal stuck here all day. Glen's now fully back to work and we've closed early this year. I'm told I'll be out of action for 6 months, so definitely no riding for me till next season. I got a swift payout for the bike and have promptly ordered my new one - a brand new '07 Fireblade (won't be reg'd till march '08). Well at least I'll be able to sit on it in time and it gives me something to look forward to for next year!! Hopefully I should be getting it delivered next week, so I'm really looking forward to that. Then it'll be a trip to the NEC at end Nov to replace my kit (still waiting for the payout for that!). Might not make it to the Scottish Bike show next year as we'll be in Daytona for the 1st 2 weeks in March (depends on the dates).

Well George I'll sign off for now and look forward to hearing back from you. Thanks once again for all your help and support.

Safe riding ( I can talk!!), Jackie

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Hi George, just a quick and very BIG thanks to you and the Dunedin crew for such a great time over the weekend. Arrived home safely,1,301miles in all. But worth every little ache and pain. Thanks again for inviting us to shepherd in the "Amazon" girls and become Dunedin "marshalls" for the ride-out. An honour indeed. I've ordered some stabiliser wheels for Richard by the way (eh? I don't remember falling off?). See you next year, Dave and Sandra (Meridian)

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Hi George, Once again you and the chapter have put on an excellent rally. Thunder in the Glens 2007 was brilliant and we enjoyed it so much. It is the best rally in the Hog calendar by far and we always look forward to coming up for it each year. We will be back next year and we are already making plans. We are proud to be members of the Dunedin Chapter even though we can’t be more fully involved living so far away but if there is anything we can do to help please do not hesitate to ask. Thank you all for your hard work and effort and for making us feel so welcome. Best wishes, Ken, Sue and Jimi Hilton

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Dear George and Co, A Thank You from Amazon Heart. I write to thank you all for your continued support for the Amazon Heart Thunder riders, and particularly for the welcome you gave us during our time in Aviemore. As you’ll know, the ride, in addition to raising awareness and funds, is intended to be a life affirming experience for the women taking on the challenge. Whilst the ride organisers can arrange the route and accommodation, it is support from people such as yourselves that raises the event into an unforgettable experience for the participants. Being invited to launch our ride at your rally, and particularly being given an honoured place at the head of your ride-out was a real privilege and an incredible experience: one you can be assured the women appreciated – you’ll have seen the smiles on their faces - and one they will always remember. Already we’re getting feedback from the participants about what the ride has meant to them, how it’s changed them and their view of how they can live with cancer. You were part of achieving that. Thank you. Yours sincerely, Heather Chapple. Chair, Amazon Heart Trust UK

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Hey there Mad Dog!! Just wanted to say a H-UGE THANK YOU to you and to the chapter for the wonderful reception you gave us. It was an incredible honour to be included in the massive ride-out - even bigger honour to be at the front! The sight of all those bikes behind us snaking through the glen was humbling and I spent a fair amount of time blubbering like a baby in the privacy of my Caberg.

All of the wonderful people we met at the Rally were so kind and so generous. What a magnificent way to start our ride. Please, please pass on our thanks to all who gave so generously of their time and their expertise in making us so welcome and so well looked after. You are quite simply the best!

Karina Gallagher

Changing Gears 2005 Rider

Amazon Heart Thunder 2006/2007 Rider

PS - one of my lasting memories will be of you shooting past us with your kilt blowing in the wind and the sight of an expanse of male thigh almost causing me to crash!!

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Hi George, I have been asked to send you an e-mail saying " thank you very much " from our club members who came for the first time to your show at Aviemore. They haven't been to anything like it before , only having done car shows previously. They were so made up with the ride out it was unbelievable to think that something like that made them so happy. They couldn't take in the amount of bikes that took part. Hopefully many of them will be back next year as so will Tam & Myself along with the other scottish lads. Once again many thanks for the t-shirts. As you said, the show gets better year on year. See you in August 2008. Keep well and ride safe. Kalie xx

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Hi George, Reference Thunder in The Glens, just to say thank you to you and all those involved in the organisation for a fantastic rally. Mary and I thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the rideout, 1242 bikes, awesome. We have already reserved the date in our calendar for 2008, assuming it will be the same weekend. We are always stimulated to be in the Highlands and look forward to travelling from the flat lands of Norfolk to see you in 2008. Ride safe and ride Free. Trev the Rebel and Mary

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THANK YOU MARSHALS

To those who marshalled the 2007 'Thunder in the Glens' Saturday Ride-Out I would like to extend my and Sandy's thanks on behalf of the Chapter for your good work. Without your help the Ride-Out would not have been the great success it was.

Thank You all

Frank (Lonerider)

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