Septuagenarians ride out again for Thunder In the Glens
Harley-mad couple devote over a quarter century to Aviemore event
As 10 000 spectators make for Aviemore for the 2025 Thunder In The Glens this weekend, it will be a special occasion for two septuagenarian Harley Davidson riders.
Aberdeenshire couple Fred and June Henderson, both 70, have been attending the rally since its infancy, staying each year bar one at a major event hub – the Cairngorm Hotel.
This year’s event will mark over 25 years of ‘Thunder’ for the pair, who are also set to volunteer as part of the organising Dunedin Chapter.
They missed out on one show, only because they were proudly carrying the Scottish flag at the Harley 100thanniversary parade in Milwaukee.
Over the years, they have seen one of the world’s biggest Harley Davidson owners’ rallies evolve and grow and cannot wait to sample another before the event takes a break in 2026.
“We went to our first event back in 1997, staying at the now demolished Red MacGregor Hotel,” recalls Fred. “It’s such a special event and so good for the area.”
“Ever since that we’ve stayed at the Cairngorm Hotel, which has been a great supporter of the event. We know the staff personally. That is why we keep coming back to Thunder In the Glens, for us it is about the people,” added June.
“We have made a lot of friends through it; some of whom we only see once a year at Thunder.”
A highlight for visitors who throng to see the colourful collection of Harley Davidsons and modified bikes, is the spectacle of the mass ride-out which takes place at mid-day on the Saturday.
However, there are an array of attractions over the 3 days, which revs off on Friday.
“The atmosphere is great. There is a lot of live music. The public obviously enjoy the mass ride-out but there are other things happening that are organised by chapters (Harley Davidson clubs) over the three days that maybe the public don’t see,” said Fred, who may attend with a bike shipped over from the States.
“Our own chapter, Dunedin, are the organisers. We have over 400 members from all over Scotland and Europe as well.”
Live music and entertainment is being served up for ‘Thunder’ attendees at the Cairngorm Hotel over 4 days, with a barbecue available each day of the event.
There will also be a beer garden bar and new acts such as Bruach and Clarinish along with ‘Thunder’ favourites such as Sons of the Soil, Davy Holt and Spud The Piper, who will pipe out the event on Sunday evening.
“We are proud to continue our long-running support of Thunder In the Glens, which is a major draw for Aviemore. We have lots of music and entertainment planned over the weekend and we are really looking forward to seeing Fred and June and all the riders who will be taking part,” said Craig Docherty, General Manager, Cairngorm Hotel.