Highland Fling 2022

Friday dawned a bit dull but warm in Ayrshire but a quick check on Met Office suggested dry, warmish weather with sunny spells for Drumnadrochit and surrounding areas.
The roar of Ducatis arriving in Drumnadrochit started in the afternoon and continued well into the evening until everyone had arrived. They came from as far south as Grimsby and as far north as Dingwall with all areas of Scotland represented.

On Saturday morning three groups set out for various destinations.
The largest group headed for Ullapool, returning via Achnasheen and Loch Carron.

Another group rode an extended loop of Loch Ness  via the A833 to Beauly then on to Inverness and round the south side of the loch, through Dores, Foyers and Fort Augustus. Stopping for lunch at Aberchalder with Steve Mackenzie and his partner Donna. From there down to Invergarry for a fuel stop before heading up the A87 by Loch Garry and back down the A887 to Invermoriston and finally back to the hostel at Drumnadrochit.  A nice few run with some stunning scenery.

The smallest group sauntered up lesser known roads to the hills above Dingwall to admire the amazing views over the Cromarty Firth across to the Black Isle. This was followed by a fantastic lunch then back to Drum via even more stunning roads.

In the evening everyone got together round the fire pit, supplied by Steven, including enough wood to keep it going all night. We were then treated to fresh , made to order pizzas courtesy of Liz and Robbie. Needless to say there were quite a few return orders.
A huge thanks to Steven, Liz and Robbie.
Later on, following a few refreshments, Neil produced his Bluetooth speaker and took requests. Who knew we could form an SDC choir complete with dancers!
The sun shone on us during the day and we were treated to a rainbow just before we set off. Following a beautiful sunset the merriment continued well into the evening with the banter improving like a fine wine. Friends old and new talked, sang and danced round the firepit and the laughter rang out as the stories were told..

Fling ’22  –  an ode to the Highland Fling by “Petrol Burns”

It was in the month of May,
On a grey and stormy day,
Cheerful hordes from far and near,
Climbed into sexy textile gear

After two years of trials and tribulation,
SDC was smashing days of isolation,
Destination Drumnadrochit,
The weather forecast: fell and maukit

Friday night with well kent faces,
Ducatis filled the parking spaces,
Drinks were quaffed and stories told,
Of Flings and Mashers in days of old.

Saturday, brand new with sun,
Scottish Ducatis on the run,
North and South, West and East,
All back safe for a pizza feast!

And so tae bed? Aw naw!
The drinks were poured, the fire braw
Stories told and songs were sung,
Drones and dancin’ in the setting sun.

Sunday saw the safe return
After all the beer and bikes and fun.
Hang on, it’ll soon be the Masher,
Bound to be another smasher!

Another Scottish Ducati Club Highland Fling to be remembered with a smile.
See you all at the Masher!