Back on the motorcycles for a mini-fled at last! In June we returned to Aberdeen for the 4th time in 4 months, this time on our trusty Moto Guzzi V7s. We had bought tickets for the Simmer Dim Rally on the Shetland Islands, which is held every year over the closest weekend to the Summer Solstice, our wedding anniversary.
The first days ride was lovely – both of us were happy to be back on the road again. We broke the journey at Stirling, staying at a hotel right next to the Wallace Monument.
Sadly our schedule didn’t allow us time to actually visit the monument as we had a 50th Birthday party to get to, so it will have to wait until another time. After a decent nights sleep we packed the bikes up and set off for our second days riding, just as it started to rain.
Gone was the warmth of the previous day – as the rain started to soak through our “waterproofs”, we found ourselves getting colder and colder. I was so very grateful for my heated grips, which I had used on a number of occasions in the past. Tony doesn’t feel the cold as much as I do, so had never used his before. Unfortunately as he tried to turn them on, the control knob broke off in his hand. Bugger.
We were staying with friends about 20 miles North of Aberdeen. Luckily as fellow bikers they anticipated the depth of cold we would be feeling, and greeted us with hot drinks, towels, and a roaring log burner, all of which were very welcome! Once we had defrosted a little we headed over to the 50th party for a few drinks before coming back for a fairly early night.
The following Wednesday we rode back to Aberdeen to catch the ferry to Shetland. It is an overnight crossing so we had treated ourselves to a cabin, as we knew it would be a good idea to stock up on our sleep before the rally.
The ferry port was flooded with motorcycles, all heading to the rally – the lady at the gate said there were only a handful of cars booked for the ferry – I should imagine they were feeling a tad outnumbered!
We settled into our cabins before heading for the bar. Tony commented on how surprisingly quiet it was, considering the ship was full of bikers…
Cue a strolling bunch of biker “minstrels”: a couple of guitar players accompanied by several kazoos. Unusual to say the least, especially as they were playing “Ring of Fire” which is not generally known as a biker favourite. A jolly night of singing ensued before we retired to our cabin for some sleep.
The next morning we awoke bright and early to leave the ferry on arrival in Lerwick, Shetland. The rally site was only about 20 miles from the ferry terminal, which meant that we were there, had the tent up, and were finishing our breakfast by 9.30am.
Now normally we arrive at rallies on Friday afternoon or evening, so once the tent is set up we start socializing over a pint or three, but 9.30 on the Thursday morning was a tad early even for us. The weather was dark and drizzly, so we retreated back to the tent with warming cups of tea and coffee.
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Wallace Monument photo credit: Son of Groucho via photopin cc
Oh, Sarah, I could feel that chill right through to the bones! I’ll keep an eye out for the biker minstrels next time I’m on a ferry for I suspect they create quite an original sound. Loved the photos which really helped me to be right there with you. Happy travelling! Janet
They were definitely a fun bunch, and original is one description of the sound! Glad you enjoyed the photos Janet, great to have you with us.
How fabulous, Sarah, I’ve always wanted to go across to the Shetlands. Your photos are lovely. Thank you for the share. best, Sally
I can highly recommend a visit Sally – the islands really are something special. Thank you, Sarah.
It’s so lovely, joining your travels with you. It’s a wonderful life isn’t it x
It is indeed Jan! Full of ups and downs, but that’s half the fun 🙂 x
Really enjoying the ride Sarah, keep em coming please!
Will do Bianca, so glad you’re enjoying it!
I have never taken my motorcycle on a Ferry, it sounds like a great time. Playing music and riding just has a perfect feel. I do wish I played an instrument but unfortunately do not. Let the ride continue!
Living on a small island means a lot of ferry crossings if you want to travel, though there won’t be quite so many once we reach your fair shores! We’re still trying to work out if we can get us and the bikes on the same boat across the Atlantic… not looking likely at the moment though, which is a shame. In the meantime we continue to ride! Thanks for stopping by.