The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Thunder expected to hold up motorists at weekend Event: Thousands of bikers due in Highlands
Police Scotland has issued travel advice as thousands of bikers prepare to descend on Aviemore for Thunder in the Glens 2018 this weekend.
The annual rally – considered one of Europe’s biggest gatherings of Harley Davidson owners – attracts thousands, with organisers delighted by what is already a sold-out event.
Thunder includes the now-famous ride-outs that will see some closures
“This is a well-established and popular event”
and diversions in place. The return of the longestablished gathering, which runs from Friday to Sunday, has seen officers working with the organisers to minimise disruption to road users.
But motorists have been warned to expect delays and to plan ahead so they are not inconvenienced – particularly during the ride outs.
The peak periods will be between 11am and 4pm on Saturday for the main ride out from Aviemore along the shores of Lochindorb, through Grantown-onSpey. The bikers will then turn down through Boat of Garten on their way to Nethy Bridge and back to Grantown-on-Spey to park up before making their way to Aviemore again.
On Sunday between 11am and 4pm a second a ride out will take place from Aviemore through Glenmore to the Cairngorm Mountain ski centre and then back the same route.
Inspector Mike Middlehurst said: “There will be delays for motorists and we ask that you are patient and do not try to overtake and pass the large groups of motorcycles.
“During the ride out on Saturday the main A9 Granish junction will be closed for north and south bound traffic between 11.30am and 1pm.
“Diversions will be in place for non-rally traffic to enter Aviemore via the south junction on the A9 at Lynwilg.”
He added: “On Sunday the ride out to Cairngorm will cause delays for traffic in the Cairngorm and Loch Morlich area.
“This is a wellestablished and popular event – we simply ask that motorists leave a little extra time for their journeys and respect the motorcycles.
“Parking will be at a premium and spectators arriving for the mass ride out on Saturday are asked to arrive early and respect the no parking along Grampian Road.
“We look forward to a successful and enjoyable event for event attenders, spectators and local residents.”