Thunder in the Glens

"The biggest and best chapter run event in Europe"
Aviemore - Friday 26th to Monday 29th August 2011
Attention traders, your contacts are Ron & Irene
Thunder in the Glens. Due to high demand all the hotel accommodation at Macdonald’s Highland Resort, Aviemore has now SOLD OUT. As far the rally organisers are aware all other accommodation within the village of Aviemore is also fully booked and only late cancellations may now be available. Alternatively we have now arranged the following preferential rates at other hotels in the area:
Garth Hotel, Grantown B&B £45 per person per night Tel. 01479 872836
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown B&B £60 per person per night Tel. 0800 0438585
Duke of Gordon Hotel, Kingussie, B&B £45 per person per night Tel. 01540 661302
Please quote: “Thunder in the Glens” when making your reservation.
Further options can be found at www.visitaviemore.co.uk or www.visitgrantown.com where you will find details of hotels and B&Bs in the nearby villages and towns around Aviemore. Camping is still available on the rally site with full catering, fully serviced toilet and hot shower facilities. THE RALLY ITSELF IS NOT SOLD OUT AND TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE
The 15th, Thunder in the Glens 2011 rally is now open for pre-registration. The registration form can be downloaded HERE
Regrettably due to the increase in VAT charges we have had to increase the rally fee to meet the rise in our operating costs in putting the rally on. However I am sure you will agree that at £33 (pre-registered) and £45 (on the gate) this still represents phenomenal value for money for what is a fantastic weekend of entertainment and fun. Interest in attending the rally has been very high and I would encourage you to pre-register as soon as possible particularly if you want to secure a hotel room on site as it is anticipated these will be snapped up very quickly. For the more hardy of us there will be the usual excellent camping facilities.
If you have any questions regarding the rally please do not hesitate to contact me at Director@Dunedinhog.com I look forward to seeing you in Aviemore. Ride Safe. Mad Dog

This year we have created the third in the series of the Limited Edition badges. We have changed the design somewhat to create a unique Harley-Davidson collectible product with a brazen pink background. We have gone for a pink version this year as we will make a donation to a local cancer charity from your purchase.
All the income from these pins has gone to projects in Grantown on Spey. Last years investment was again on path replacement, signs within the Community owned Anagach Woods, Grantown. We also donated to the Rails to Grantown Appeal, and the Craig McLean Leisure Centre to help local school children. This year we will be pleased to split our donations as described above.
The Pin Badges are the same price as last year, which is £2 each, plus post & packing, and they will be delivered to your door in double quick time! To get yours, you can either click the Buy Now button below, or order through the website at http://www.visitgrantown.co.uk/tig Harley Davidson Thunder in the Glens Pin. £2 each plus p & p. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you at the event in August!! Thanks, Chris Hirst. www.visitgrantown.co.uk
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Thunder in the Glens 2010 - The Emails
Hi Stuart, Just a note from The Ballroom Gitz to say thanks for a great night at Thunder in the Glens. What a fantastic night. The stage, sound, and lights were amazing .... and the people were just awesome, we all really enjoyed the whole occasion. The accommodation you laid on was first class, and we stayed up till dawn revelling in it. If anyone has pictures or videos of the show, please ask them to send them to band@ballroomgitz.com, and we'll put them on our website. We picked up a few notes of interest about other rallies, and if anyone has any enquiries about the band, just point them at myself or the website. Hope you guys enjoyed your weekend, and we hope to see you all again. Please pass this on to the Chapter. Thanks once again, Ricky Tripod (Rick Steele) The Ballroom Gitz
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The day in Grantown was fantastic for us in the town - what a spectacle it was yet again!! Even the rain held off. We sold all the badges on the day, and along with your contribution, we have been able to donate funds to the local museum, community groups and charity. Thank you very much. We have since the day discovered that we still have 48 of the pin badges left available. I wish I had known this on the day as we could have sold the whole lot several times over. If you know anyone who wants a pin, we do just have these few left, please direct them to www.visitgrantown.co.uk/tig, where they can get them while they are left. The sale of these badges really makes a difference to local groups. Thanks, Anne & Chris Hirst
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Dear
George, Dear Members of Dunedin Chapter, We came from Belgium and France to
participate for the first time to the TITG! It was really an amazing Rally. Also
coming from Newcastle by boat, we had a fantastic ride up to Aviemore passing
wonderful places with nice sunshine all the way up. I would very much like to
thank George, his Officers and Chapter Members for their availability and
Friendship during the Rally. We'll definitely be back. Many thanks and again,
congratulations for this wonderful events.
Marc, Director - Southern Hills Chapter
My 1st time at TITG but I have to say a big thanks to all of you who organised and helped to make your rally the best that I and my friends have been to. See you next year, from Carl, Phil, Jill, Glen and Debbie of the Sherwood chapter.
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HI GEORGE WHAT CAN I SAY THIS YEARS RALLY WAS ANOTHER GREAT EVENT. I HAVE ALREADY THE 2011 DATES IN NY DIARY. TAKE CARE SEE YOU ALL SOON RIDE SAFE. STEPHEN POLLEY
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Hello. Just wanted to say that we enjoyed the TITG, coming for the first time from the states after meeting Chris MacPhee at Biketoberfest last fall. You guys have an awesome rally and we feel privileged to have been able to rent a Road King from Dot and John Johnson, they are an exceptional couple and made us feel very welcomed. Scotland and Highlands are a very beautiful place to visit and we will certainly do it again. Thanks, J.R. Payne. Orlando. Florida
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Hi George, Just a big thank you for another wonderful weekend in Aviemore at Thunder in the Glens. Route 66 were also brilliant. Kind regards, John and Margaret White (Chesterfield)
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Hi George, Just a note to tell you how much Isobel & I enjoyed the rally. Again it was the Harley highlight of the year. On the Saturday afternoon when I was looking at the bikes in the bike competition my wife asked me (no choice given) to join her at the fashion show, not usually my thing at all. It was hilarious and while I must agree that some of the clothes were nice, it was the models who stole the show. Thanks again for all of the work put in by you and your team. Your efforts are appreciated. Regards, Alex. Alex & Isobel Kinghorn, Provincewide Chapter
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Hello, firstly a big thank you to all the team at Dunedin Hog for another great weekend, so well organised. This was our 4th trip to Aviemore for Thunder in the Glens and we’d like to say it just gets better and better!! The ride out on Saturday was fantastic, again so emotional, (I personally much preferred that way round.) Also the reception we got at Grantown on Spey was just wonderful. The local folks are so welcoming. Back at the rally site the choice of entertainment is just unbelievable, what a decision on where to go and what to see! I don’t know how you manage it all. The Lost were great, here’s to a long career for the boys. Route 66, well what can I say we were bouncing! FAN TAS TIC! Can’t wait for next year. But how on earth will you top this one?? All the best, James and Margo
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Many thanks to those of you who volunteered to marshal at "Thunder in the Glens" 2010. Sorry we did not use you all but better to have too many than not enough. Again thanks on behalf of Dunedin Chapter HOG for volunteering because without you the Ride Out could not happen. Hopefully see you all at "Thunder in the Glens" 2011. Sandy Scott & Frank McGregor, Head Road Captains, Dunedin Chapter HOG
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George, This was our 2nd TITG but what a weekend! we did not think that 2009 could be bettered-but it was. Cannot thank you and your Team enough for superb organisation and control plus a programme that takes some beating. The Saturday ride out was a a masterstroke -so much better than 2009,especially the final main street parking-brilliant! (Except for one rider who thought he could do his own thing - you nearly had him George-remember?) Accommodation is booked for 2011 and we will register as soon as possible-thanks again Dunedin for a memorable Rally. Tony & Hilary Martin - St Leger Chapter
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Hi, I just thought I'd send you a link to the first clip uploaded to YouTube of the 1st song of the set of 10 from Sunday night. I hope to have the rest of the clips uploaded this week so if you wish you can let your members know! http://www.youtube.com/user/TheLostMusic1#p/a/u/0/qsBJylUAeMg I would like to take the opportunity again to thank you for the big chance you took with these young folk and I can assure you it is something they have not taken for granted. I work in Grantown Grammar and could see it caused a good buzz among the students. On the back of the shows they played over the weekend they have received bookings for further events and have wisely spent the money they made to purchase a PA system and have plans to buy more equipment. Many thanks, Mark Elder
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Thank you so much to you and all the Dunedin boys and girls for putting on such a fantastic rally again. Everyone works so hard to make it happen but it really was worth the effort. We all had a great time and the ride outs and the hospitality were awesome. We look forward to seeing you all again at the rally next year. Thanks again. Every good wish, ride safe, Zoe. Assistant Director, III Rivers UK Chapter
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Hi George, Hope you have enjoyed the rest of your holiday. As usual blown away by the titg weekend. Great rides, entertainment and most of all company. It will never stop amazing me the camaraderie experienced up in Aviemore, we do not see people from one year to the next but when we do its like meeting old friends. Thanks once again, and both you and all your team please take a big pat on the back for a job very well done. Looking forward to next year already, Colin, Nina & Courtney
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Hi George, just to say, ,managed to get to thunder this year, no words can do this event justice, brilliant, really good, don't even come close. Came up on the Friday n had to leave on Sunday due to work. A big thanks to your chapter and all their hard work. Nice to see Harley themselves up supporting you, even the local people welcomed all. The run out on Saturday was unforgettable, sun even popped out at Grantown. Will be back next year and pre book in January once registration is sorted. Many thanks, Brian
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Well Dunedin HOG, what can one say. I think Thunder in the Glens 2010 topped last year and that was a blast. The whole event was excellent from the venues, the bands, the ride out (which has got to be the best in the country) and organisation. Top marks to all concerned and for all the hard work it takes to put this event on. We have already booked accommodation for next year and will pre book ASAP. Thunder has well and truly stamped its mark in the HOG calendar as a premier European event. Cheers Phil Stickings
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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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.
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
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Dear George,
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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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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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