Thursday, 29th of May 2025
06:50, Germany (505):
It's been 10 years since my last Outline party. A way too long period of missing out the positive vibe emitted by this regular spring event.
This time I am trying to provide a live report instead of a past-event summary. So there may be smaller updates by different contributors flying in right on this page, just as they happen (or not). Let's see how this turns out!
8:00, Berlin, Germany (505):
Switching trains. Interestingly, this platform seems to be the demoscene train hub. Shortly before my Atari-express to Netherlands, another train is leaving for Saarbrücken. And in the same moment I spotted this lovely reinstallation of a potential Sommarhack express (Berlin-Stockholm via Malmö) just in front of me. So one year Sommarhack by train? Sounds tempting!
Somewhere around the same time:
The UK scene department is on a cycling trip, teaming up with more and more people from different directions, with a major meeting point in Utrecht today. Approximately half of the UK Atariscene will be making their outline entrance on bicycle.
Grazey and gwEm...
08:09: Paddock, UK (Tronic):
Tronic preparing for the Tour de Outline, leaving his home place near Paddock Wood, England. An adventure spanning many Dutch towns by road and bike, to arrive at Outline on Saturday 😁
10:44, Utrecht, Netherlands (Dma-Sc):
While the UKers are putting demands on their physical bodies, the French delegation knows how to live. After a "soundy bustrip" from Paris Dma-Sc is following LamerDeluxe's (Discord) recommendation of pastry bakery in Utrecht.
10:44, Utrecht (gwEm):
Before taking a bite of his tasty looking breakfast, gwEm is overwhelmed by the humanitarian situation and states:
"There is some drizzle this morning. I have stopped at my favourite breakfast spot. Concerned about Mathieu and Grazey all alone in this strange country. Clearly they need saving."
10:14 (Tronic):
Awaiting to board the Eurostar train to Amsterdam. Usual mayhem, and overcrowding. Having my passport stamped to enter the EU was a sad moment. Next stop Amsterdam ❤️
11:46, The Netherlands (Tinker):
Dusting off and check these lovely machines. If all checks out, (one of) these can be used for any ym live sets at outline.
11:51 (gwEm):
on the train to meet Dma in Utrecht
(PHF would never take the train by the way - AI generated picture, you can tell because I look a lot younger and slimmer IRL)
12:56 (Tronic)
News flash... Tronic has shot through the tunnel in France, losing an hour of his life, escaping "The Island" . Next stop Amsterdam ❤️
13:25 (505)
Switching trains in Hengelo.
But wait, what's this? Where is the sun and the blue sky? It's May, It's Netherlands, It's Outline! I feel betrayed!
13:53 (gwEm):
I had a delightful tea and cake with Dma. We discussed trackers and music (big surprise!) Now he is going to the party and I am going to save Grazey! My fellow PHF member needs me!
Meanwhile the UK cyclists Mission continues...
14:45 (gwEm):
getting closer to Grazey
14:46 (Tronic):
Reinforcements on their way!
A Saga of its own... it's reported that unexpected obstacles are preventing Grazey and gwEm being reunited as one PHF.
while comfortably train riding Dma-Sc recommends: "Hard Drivin approach or chickening".
15:30, the Dutch wastelands (Oldschool narrators voice):
Hours and hours of struggle, the harsh wet wind of reality blowing in the face of the contestants, but yet none of them achieved the goal. No Outline location in sight, no finished race, no reunited scener hearts so far.
lnstead, trains delays, tricky bridges, misty meadows and thus, the hope to actually once arrive at the legendary Outline party bastion to celebrate the fellowship once more is undeniably fading.
Is it all over?
Of course not. Pictures say more than words.
2/3 of the cyclists found their way. And first sceners made it to pitoresque Ommen, with the partyplace in walking distance. A place to come back to later.
please note the 4-channel music combo
Dutch food for Dummies in Ommen harbour cafe
16:36 (Tronic):
The start of the Effect / PHF reunion is in spitting distance.
17:20 (gwEm, Grazey, Tronic)
The brits unite!
21:09 (505):
Yes, the rumours were true, the party still exists! After quite a lengthy but enjoyable walk, I reached the nice farmhouse like location in the middle of green fields, as traditional for outline.
Just as it always was, it was good to walk in this lovely location, have a few chats and proceed with the registration process.
Lovely little name batches have been prepared and it all is an instant feel good atmosphere all around.
Lots of tables are already crowded with a comforting mix of old and new, in fact there is quite some productivity and stuff to have a closer look at the following days. In this place all looks and feels just right :-)
A few familiar Atari related faces like Dma-Sc, Havoc, Beetle or Gasman but also various familiar people from other scenes have been spotted. Right at the start I even walked into Superogue and Blossom by coincidence who I never met before personally. They are offering a little hiking walk around the surrounding nature Friday and Saturday morning around 11 AM which I consider a great idea.
This table gathers what I call a proper Atari cast.
From Left to Right: Dma-Sc, 505 (not visible, as I am doing the photo;) Beetle, 42Bastian, Prodatron (CPC, but a Fujijama party resident, almost Atari) and Nodepond (we are working on converting him towards Atari).
After some refreshment I had the first round of dinner which is served hot for those who ordered. I liked the different kind of potato stew (mixed with various vegetables and fallafel). The party is taking off, relaxed chats and activity, the organizers busy setting up the big screen. The renowned Outline vibe is instantly there and I can say, I am very happy I am here again! :-)
21:29, somewhere else in .NL (Tronic, gwEm)
PHF and Tronic enjoying a feast at Alexandros, the local Greek restaurant, talking Timers and VBLs, putting the world to rights. Amazing!
With Grazey's gravity defying floor surfing, whilst saving his wineage.
(this was shortly after Grazey was so astonished by a buxom young lady he fell of his stool. kept his wine glass perfectly upright through out. Still managed to charm Adriana here into having a photo with us. Definitely skills that make him a worthy leader of the PHF… for now)
🔗 Outline live reportage (part 1)
🔗 Outline live reportage (part 2)
🔗 Outline live reportage (part 3)
🔗 Outline live reportage (part 4)
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