Our great run with the weather held again today, with the day dawning clear with a few patches of cloud. There was either a heavy mist or very light rain early over the bikes, but that cleared away by the time we were ready to roll to our destination of Aviemore and Thunder in the Glens.

Our first stretch was a beautiful 28 miles of twisty country road, following along another of Scotland's picturesque Lochs. Half way in we had our first encounter with livestock - a sheep and lamb who had managed to escape their paddock and were wandering along the road. The sound of 18 roaring Harley's was a bit too much for them and although we slowed to a crawl, the sheep kept running in the same direction as us and at the same speed. Finally the impasse was broken by an oncoming car and we managed to squeeze our group past with riders, car and sheep intact!

The early mist had left the roads a little slick in places, but our new riders - Grainne and Kirsty - who only passed their full licence test the day before the ride started, handled them like pros. The views of the Loch, rolling hills and farmland were incredible, with the road diving in and out of green tunnels of trees.

By the time we reached our first ride stop we were right on schedule, despite leaving the hotel half an hour late - a testament to how well the group is riding!

Then we headed out on to the A9, a more major road, and started climbing well up into the hills - dramatic craggy peaks, dusted with purple heather,

and fresh spring water rushing over rocky creek beds. The sun peeked in

and out of the clouds, warming us up every now and then as the temperatures dropped with the elevation.

Coming around one bend we saw a beautiful rainbow stretching right across our path - stunning until we met up with the associated cloud and rode through our first rain shower. After another long run of 28 miles or so, we ducked back off the main road onto another beautiful little country lane and through the pass of Killicrankie.

A few more miles and we met up with our escort from the local Dunedin HOG Chapter - 20 bikes and road marshals ready to escort us into Aviemore. It is so amazing to see so many beautiful Harley's here in the heart of Scotland. Our lead marshals were a hardy breed, riding in cool weather in bare arms and kilts!

We headed out behind our new guides, who had huge Scotland flags streaming behind their bikes. With our solid patrol formation behind them, the view from front and back was both inspiring and emotional.

They led us into the heart of Aviemore and the Thunder in the Glens HOG rally, organized by the Dunedin Chapter and the largest rally in the country, and one of the best in Europe. Not only did they escort us in, but positioned us to lead the 1,500 Harleys in the rally on the Ride Out that day to Granton on Spey.

Our van drivers were quickly kitted out with helmets and jackets, and were offered rides on the back of the marshals bikes so we would all be together.

As we took off through Aviemore, riding in formation with the marshals in front of us, and 1,500 bikes behind, hundreds of people came out and lined the streets, waving and cheering as we went by.

All along the road to Granton on Spey, about 15 miles, people were stopped in their cars, or waving from in front of their houses. The looks of wonder and dropped jaws on the kids were fantastic!

We had expected to end our ride in Granton on Spey, but instead we rode through, again through cheering crowds, and then we were led on the most amazing ride on a tiny one way lane into the middle of the hills, and around another small Loch where the only building was a ruined castle on a small island in the centre. With barely another living soul in sight, we stretched all the way around the Loch and looking back you could see the stretch of headlights from all the 1,500 bikes for miles. Incredible.

Then it was back to Granton on Spey, again through the crowds, and a prime parking position in the main street, which within about 20 minutes was parked Harleys as far as the eye could see. We met up again with our van drivers over lunch and they couldn't get the grins off their faces from the ride of their lives!

After lunch and some time soaking up the atmosphere, we were given another escort back to Aviemore and our digs for the night - the local youth hostel.

With the unexpected extra ride out of Granton on Spey, our total mileage for the day was 160 miles - more than we have ever ridden in a single day on any Amazon Heart ride - some practice run!

Aviemore was rocking with bands at the pubs, and the official rally site with vendor stands, food, and entertainment. The local Chapter invited us all to their big party that night, and most of us made it there despite the long day - with Margaret cutting up the dance floor!

At the end of the evening a celtic band of drummers and pipers led us outside and gave a blood stirring performance, before the night sky was lit up by a huge fireworks display. It may just have been me, but I'm sure they got a few of those fireworks sets to look just like Tartan ; )

Tomorrow is the official launch of the ride here in Aviemore, with another send off and escort from the local Harley riders planned. What a day!