Harley Davidsons start arriving in the strath
Police are extending a warm welcome to the thousands of Harley Davidson fans who have just started to descend on the strath.
Thunder in the Glens officially gets under way on Friday with most bikers staying over the Bank Holiday weekend.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are looking forward to supporting the Thunder in the Glens motorcycle rally when it returns to Aviemore this weekend.
"The annual rally brings thousands of motorcyclists to Badenoch and Strathspey for a weekend of ride-outs and social events.
"Our officers have been working with the event organisers to ensure the rally once again runs smoothly and we are urging road users to be aware and plan ahead to keep any disruption to a minimum."
The peak period will be between noon to 4pm on Saturday for the main ride-out from Aviemore to Grantown.
The estimated 2000 to 3000 bikers usually take more than 25 minutes to clear Grampian Road as they are cheered on by many hundreds of spectators lined along Aviemore's main road.
This year the Harley Davidson ride-out follows the A95 and B9153 to Carrbridge, the A938 to Duthil, the B9007 and the unclassified road to Lochindorb and the A939 to Grantown.
The route then continues on the A95 for Boat of Garten, the B970 to Nethy Bridge and then back to the A939 and A95 to return to Grantown.
A road closure is in place on the High Street in Grantown on Spey until 4pm.
The police spokesperson said: "Generally it will take about 30 minutes for the ride out to pass at any point and police officers and marshalls will be at key junctions along the route stopping traffic to allow free passage for the ride out.
"There will be delays for motorists in the area and we ask that you are patient and do not try to overtake and pass the large groups of motorcycles that will be on the road.
"This is a well-established 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 follow instructions
"We look forward to a successful and enjoyable event for those attending the event, spectators and local residents."
