Simmer Dim Rally

Simmer Dim - the night-long twilight found in the Northern Isles around midsummer and if you're lucky enough to score an invite you can celebrate it on Shetland at the Simmer Dim Rally. The rally has run every year since 1982, except for 2001 due to a foot & mouth outbreak in the UK.
Steve, Gaynor and myself set off a few days early to spend a night in Edinburgh and two nights in Cromarty (with a great day out circling Loch Ness) before heading over for the twelve hour ferry ride from Aberdeen. At the ferry terminal we met up with Andy and John and a few guys from the Sheffield Bikers Forum for a few beers at the Quaterdeck before boarding.
Arriving at Lerwick on Thursday morning, things looked a bit grim with a steady rain and mist covering the Shetlands. Being no stranger to boggy rallies this was no problem though and with an air of excitement we joined our fellow rallygoers on the ride up to the site at Vidlin.
Once pitched we crossed the road to the checkpoint in Vidlin Hall to check in and collect rally badges and beer tokens. Then after stocking up on snacks at the village shop it was off to the beer tent to put the beer tokens to good use.
Thursday afternoon the first of various silly games over the weekend starts with the Boot Party. Participants drink from a large glass boot, you puke - you're out, last man drinking is the winner. A great way to get things started.
After a couple of trips to the bar and chatting to a few folk it soon became apparent that one beer token didn't just get you a pint, they will fill up any receptacle you take to the bar (within reason). We soon saw people with steins, buckets, watering cans and Santa with his big horn (ooh er missus). Five excellent ales are supplied by the local Valhalla brewery, my favourites being Old Scatness and Sjolmet Stout. Lager also on tap and a selection of cans and spirits.
As early evening comes around food is served in the hall, a hot meal each day is included in the price of the ticket. Breakfast and suppers are also available at reasonable prices. Free tea and coffee is on tap all day and night. Queueing for grub offered more opportunities to chat with folk and by the time we got back to the beer tent a great atmosphere had built up that lasted all weekend. No attitude or assholes welcome here, just a bunch of like minded people there to kick back and party in a fantastic location with no hassles.
As well as DJ, musical entertainment was provided by two bands each night. I was particularly impressed with the Revellers on Thursday but all the bands did a damn fine job of keeping us rocking 'til late into the night, well what little night you get anyhow.. I've got to admit it plays with you head a little to stagger out of the beer tent in the wee hours to find it's daylight.
We had been told not to expect much in the way of good weather but from Friday morning onwards it could not have been better. During the daytime we took off exploring the islands, including the northernmost point on Unst and an afternoon around western Shetland via the village of Twatt (well you've just got to haven't you?). The roads are fantastic with plenty of single tracks and some breathtaking scenery. The Shetlanders are are warm friendly people, often happy to stop, chat and ask if you're enjoying yourself etc.
All good things come to an end and as we left the site I'd be lying if I didn't say was a little sad to be leaving. My thoughts at the time were that this is one of the best rallies I've done (and I've done a few). After a few days preparing this article and sorting out the pictures I've come to realise I was wrong. The Simmer Dim is THE BEST rally I have ever done. Very much a proper 'old school' rally where you feel at home in the company of old and new friends alike.
I would like to give a huge thanks to Aimee Sutherland and the Committee for all their hard work, we had a fantastic time and will be coming back again.