Bikers continue run of brilliant rallies

The 34th Simmer Dim Motorcycle Rally was another roaring success with hundreds of bikers converging on the new campsite at Ollaberry hall for the latest gathering of old and young motorbike enthusiasts.

Only three bikers have been to every rally, with locals Stuart Fraser and Steven Henry joined once more by John Hinkley, making the long run from Watford. The general consensus was that the rally remains the best organised and friendliest convergence of bikers around, with enough fun and games to satisfy the young turks and a laid back atmosphere the old hands feel comfortable with.

As heads were clearing on Saturday afternoon after three or more nights of partying, it was time to do it all again with games kicking off in the marquee, with sounds once more provided by Stevie and Amanda.

The Ollaberry venue and campsite might be more crubit than what the rally has experienced at previous venues, but if anything this added to the sense of cameraderie and communal experience.

The event was, as usual, a sell out, though tickets were perhaps slower to shift than in recent years, according to one of the organisers.

Some of the die hards might be ageing, but there is every indication the Simmer Dim Rally will remain one of the most popular and well loved events for the biker community both in Britain and abroad.

For more on the Simmer Dim Rally, see this week’s Shetland Times.