Simmer Dim is a phrase from the northern islands of Scotland and refers to the part of the year around midsummer when thanks to the fact that the Shetland Isles are closer to the Arctic Circle than they are to London you can enjoy 23 hours of daylight every day! This is far from the only thing that makes the Shetland Islands such a special place and now you have a unique opportunity to be among the first to come and ride a competitive motorcycle trial in the northern most part of the United Kingdom.
Getting to Shetland doesn’t take five minutes and having made the effort to get here why not stay for a few days and have a look around? Described as the last untamed corner of the UK there is plenty to see and do for all ages and tastes. Wildlife lovers will savour the chance to see killer whales, porpoises and otters, ornithologists will want to spot the amazing seabirds including Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Fulmars, Kittiwakes and Shags which can all be easily viewed. History lovers will head to Jarlshof, a Norse settlement dating back some 4000 years or maybe Old Scatness, the UK’s largest archaeological excavation. Sports fiends can play golf, go fishing or kayaking. An evening in Lerwick with live traditional music, good food and craft beers can only be the perfect way to round off your stay.
The two-day trial is set on completely unused ground among the stunning coastal scenery on the West and sunny side of Shetland, this is a chance to experience trials riding at its finest. An all off road course of approximately ten miles in length with moors, bogs, hills, rocks, burns (but no trees, so make sure you have a side stand!) and we plan to make use of that extended daylight. With catering and entertainment provided on Saturday evening this is going to be a weekend to remember.
Getting to Shetland will require a bit of commitment on the part of the riders with the only real practical way of getting there being the overnight ferry which leaves once a day from Aberdeen harbour. It can be expensive, but a van can hold many trials bikes and ferry foot passengers are relatively inexpensive. The key to riding this trial is to try to arrange to get together in groups and share transport to spread the cost. If the ferry is starting to look full we may advise you to load just your bike and luggage at Aberdeen and we will arrange transport to get you and your bike to the trial at the Shetland end. Thanks to our generous friends at Northlink Ferries we can offer Simmer Dim trial entrants an additional 30% discount to the regular advertised vehicle and passenger fares which can be found overleaf. This comes in the form of a discount code which will be given to you once you have made a successful trial entry. However, the code does not guarantee you a spot on the ferry and you are advised to book your ferry as soon as possible after getting your code.
To book your ferry crossings telephone 0845 6000 449 during office hours. You cannot use your discount code with the online booking system.
The organisers have reserved camping and motorhome parking at Skeld caravan park,
www.skeldcaravanpark.com for the Saturday night and again this should be booked as soon as possible. Other campsites and accommodation such as hotels, B & B or self-catering options are available, a good starting point can be found at
www.shetlandvisitor.com
On-line and postal entries are available now via our website at
www.bamcc.co.uk We would love to have some English and Welsh riders among our starters on the 29th and 30th June.