Police Scotland ask Thunder in the Glen rally organisers to issue advice to bikers following cancellation of 2020 event
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The organisers of the Thunder in the Glens rally have issued guidelines to Harley Davidson riders still intending to travel to Aviemore following this year’s cancellation of the official event due to Covid-19.
George ‘Mad Dog’ McGuire, of the Dunedin Chapter Scotland and TITG rally co-ordinator, said that they had been asked by Police Scotland to do so.
He said: “This is the time when we would all normally be getting prepared to descend upon Aviemore for the annual Thunder in the Glens rally.
“Unfortunately due to the unprecedented and challenging times that we currently live in this will not be the case this year.
“As organisers of TITG we are as deeply disappointed as anyone that we cannot congregate and celebrate as normal this year.
“Like all events the decision to cancel this year’s rally was taken for the benefit and safety of everyone.”
“We would not want anything happening that would tarnish the excellent relationship that bikers and TITG have built up with Aviemore over the last 23 years.” - George McGuire
Mr McGuire said the police wanted them to highlight that:
* all Government guidance on social distancing must be adhered to at all times;
* mass gatherings of people must not take place;
* there will be no music or entertainment on offer in any of the bars or restaurants throughout Aviemore; and
* restaurant bookings have to be made in advance in accordance with Government guidelines.
Mr McGuire urged any Harley bikers heading on the A9 to respect the safety and well being of the workers, residents and inhabitants of Aviemore and surrounding area.
He said: “We would not want anything happening that would tarnish the excellent relationship that bikers and TITG have built up with Aviemore over the last 23 years.”
The rally held over the Bank Holiday weekend at the end of August has become a huge event with thousands of bikers and their friends and families descending on Aviemore for the biggest event of its kind in the UK.
The gathering is a big money earner for the local economy as well as charities in the strath who benefit from the generosity of the two-wheeled visitors who come from across the UK for the three day festival.
