WIMA International Presidents Report – Austria 2012
Over my last five years I have seen huge changes with women and motorcycling. The number of women riding is forever increasing all over the world. Today women ride for many reasons and have particularly developed a new love of motorcycling and sense of freedom it brings. This has brought many changes to the motorcycling industry and today we are seeing more women being incorporated and heard about what they see is important for women in motorcycling.
WIMA as an organisation like many organisations that has gone through rough times and down times but it seems we are entering exciting phase with the progression of new countries joining and becoming members. We have seen a few countries sadly leave WIMA; the question is how long for before we see them back with us? We are delighted to have had 4 new countries – Korea, Hungry, India and Curacao join and a possible 5th with Malaysia to be decided at this National Presidents meeting in Austria.
With growing electronic technology we now have the ability to connect through email, Skype, Face Book, LinkedIn, Utube and countless blogs and whatever other new mediums those are just around the corner. We now have the ability to get things done in a matter of hours, compared to the pass, where it could take days or months. This new technology means we can more readily connect to other women who ride motorcycles; however it isn’t the only means. The most powerful means still remains through WIMA members travelling, riding and linking with other WIMA members who have friends of friends. It is WIMA members worldwide, who are the emissaries, ambassadors or champions connecting with women who ride and who potentially could become members of Women’s International Motorcycle Association.
Whilst the progress in technology has seen much more connectivity, it is important to remember not everyone is on their computer or phones 24 hours a day. We have work, family, partners, health and other interests occupying our day to day lives. As an organisation it is vital that we understand and support each other by creating a balance in our lives, after all, balancing on two wheels is what we do the best, ever though for some it feels like three. So, whilst all of us in WIMA are passionate about motorcycling and riding we must practice the ideals this organisation was founded on, friendship and the freedom to ride.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the committee members who over the last five years who have served faithfully on WIMA International Committee, they include Floh Petit, Suvi Tahvonen, Lynn Haag, Sheila Wittingham , Satu Hourula, Alice Sexton, Claudia Fehrer, Jan Duke, Maura Raniecka, Sanna Seppanen, Pirjo Kivimaki and Anne Schrijvers. Their individual integral roles have continued to build and progress the profile of WIMA International for a bigger and brighter future. They have been a vital link by dedicating their time and passion in maintaining their official day to day roles and meeting the challenges and working with the ever changing needs of WIMA.
I would like to thank the current Vice President Claudia Fehrer, who has worked tirelessly over the last 12 months to coordinate issues that have arisen and has welcomed new groups into the growing WIMA Community.
I wish you all a great time at the WIMA Austria Rally. Enjoy the rides and welcome to the new International President in her new position and please contact me if you need support. I also recommend you to speak to the previous International Presidents Rita Koopmanschap and Sheonagh Ravensdale, their advice and council will prove invaluable.
Have a wonderful time in Austria and I look forward to seeing you all in the near future and most of all coming to Australia in 2015.
Angela Trevaskis
International President WIMA