WOMEN`S INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
WIMA International – President`s Report 2015
Enclosed with AGENDA
Nuremberg, Germany, 09th of September 2015
Dear Ladies,
“After a WIMA Rally is before a WIMA Rally” – This is particular to the point in 2015.
The motorcycling season in the northern hemisphere had a late start this spring. Usually I start riding with the first days of March. This year I had to suffer and be patient `till April! Although I found that skiing can also be satisfying in a way…at least beyond motorcycling season…
I had the great pleasure of joining the skiing weekend in Elm, organised annually by WIMA Switzerland. Elm is a popular holiday region in the Swiss Alps, a mountain range located in the eastern part of Switzerland (Liechtenstein is not too far), in the “Glarus” canton. The Swiss WIMA Ladies are very active throughout the year. The Ladies are organised in regional groups called “Stamm”.
The Elm-Skiing-Weekend is just one of those multitudinous activities. This event is organised annually by WIMA Member Elsbeth, from Stamm Glarus. The event was a great success, we had plenty of fun and even the occasional work-out: downhill skiing, tobogganing, funny games or just having a chill-out in the sunshine, to name a few of the great activities.
So the time to wait for the motorcycle season to start was not too hard.
My report on behalf of WIMA International begins with summer 2014:
From 4th to 8th August 2014 the WIMA International Rally took place. The Rally was arranged in a wonderful Hotel in Koscielisko, a village located next to Zakopane, surrounded by the Tatra Mountains in Poland. I had the great pleasure to meet with 247 WIMA Members and friends from 15 WIMA Nations. The Rally ended by being called the “Thunder and Lightning Rally” as, almost every day and even sometimes more than once a day, we had a thunderstorm. This didn`t matter at all and didn’t prevent us from having a great time together. I would like to make special mention of the fact that the whole event was organised by just 4 (!) WIMA Members; with endless power and energy, patience and always a smile on their face…
I would like to thank them all once more.
During the Rally Week we also had an effective National President`s Meeting Making some good decisions for the coming WIMA year and years.
For example: our International WIMA Government welcomed Miss Birgit SCHREMSER from WIMA Austria as successor to Miss Zara STRANGE from WIMA GB to take over the duties of WIMA International Merchandise Officer.
Due to the activities and presence of many of our WIMA Divisions under the lead of National Presidents and due to far-ranging WIMA Members’ efforts, it is also great to see future WIMA Rallies up to the year 2020, maybe even 2021 are so far guaranteed.
During the closing evening we arranged the Ellen Pfeiffer Award (EPA) Ceremony. The ceremony was made particularly special since one of the last year`s EPA Winners (2013) was present. The Medal and the Certificate was awarded to Miss Brigitte DÖHLER, a long
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WOMEN`S INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
term member of WIMA Germany. Verena REINDL, National President of WIMA Germany made the honorary speech and I had the honour of handing over the Award – to rapturous applause.
During 2014 no nominations were received, but we received a nomination for the year 2015.
Other significant occasions and future developments will be covered at a later point in my Report, along with the “Minutes 2014”, published in the “Members Only” section of our International Website
All this and a lot more to tell you about what happened during the year after the Rally in 2014 and this is before we get to 2015 and its two WIMA Rallies.
The European Rally in Sweden already seems some time ago and now the International Rally is pretty near, only a couple of weeks to go. The Rally is scheduled in October 2015 and hosted by WIMA Australia.
At this particular moment I would like to express, that the Rally in Sweden was another highlight of the WIMA Year and a great success.
The European Rally took place in the week 20th to 24th July 2015 in Sundet, in the southern part of Sweden. Our Rally Site was located next to a lake, surrounded by beautiful landscape. Altogether 224 WIMA Members and friends from 13 WIMA World Nations enjoyed great times together. This Rally also fashioned its own motto within the first few days. People called it “The Grass Mess Rally”, as the landlord of the camp site had been delayed with preparations and left the cut grass on site. But soon I could see some diligent Ladies. I would call this a classical win-win situation as in the end everyone was pleased.
Attending WIMA Officials met up for an informal get-together on Friday in order to have an exchange of National and International matters in advance of the National Presidents` Meeting scheduled on 23rd of October during the International Rally in Australia.
It was a very effective meeting and we were able to elaborate on a number of issues, consider amendments, ideas or suggestions. All relevant aspects have been noted and will be included in the final release of the Agenda. An abbreviated version of the Agenda will be available for review on our “Members Only” section of the International Website, six weeks prior to the Meeting, as usual.
The Parade Day, already a key highlight of any Rally, took us to a local Bike Meet at Tydinge. Every Thursday Bikers catch up there, for chatting, enjoying local foods and having good times. But there is a great story behind the regular meetings.
Every single bike is counted at the gateway and for every single counted bike the event management gives 1 SEK to the Chernobyl Fund. The goal therefore was to top the historic number of bikes, which at the time stood at 890. The arrival of WIMA Ladies was advertised in the local press prior to the event and we really broke the record with the number of 1,121 bikes!
Later the organisers told us they had not been able to arrange enough staff to count all the bikes arriving within such a short time, but guessed there had been approximately 1,500 to 1,600 bikes altogether. All in all, it was a great surprise and a lot of fun and I’m glad we could contribute a little bit for the Charity.
Once more I would like to say “Tack” WIMA Sweden Ladies for making all this happen.
The time after the Rally in Poland and until spring 2015 (before the Rally in Sweden took place) was especially productive in organising administrative issues. These are necessary and important functions in running a worldwide association if we are to attract motorcycling
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WOMEN`S INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
Ladies to join in, enjoy, support and enhance what WIMA has to offer. We want to present WIMA as being dedicated to Motorcycling Women around the World, with a History of more than 65 years and with a view into the future.
Because most of these activities are happening in the background and not visible to the general membership, I would like to highlight and mention at least a few.
First, I would like to focus on WIMA International on the internet and social media.
WIMA International has its own Website and also runs a Facebook Group.
Additionally, it is worth mentioning that almost all WIMA Divisions run their own National Websites and FB Groups. WIMA Facebook pages are very popular and it is great to follow all the events of WIMA World, almost like a live stream. It is also great to see all of the countries’ activities or to see the exchange of individual WIMA Members and friends of friends about their adventures and experience.
During autumn and wintertime, this is the time I can concentrate more on administrative background issues and needs. The first challenge was to find a volunteer with skills and enough time and energy to update our Website. Additionally Sanna mentioned, due to circumstances, she cannot provide services in the manner it would be required and requested we look for a successor as she will retire at the end of term.
Following talks at the Poland Rally and several e-mail exchanges later I was able to run an Electronic Voting system. At this point I would like to thank all those WIMA Members and WIMA Officials who helped with their suggestions and ideas. Special thanks goes to Asa ÖHQVIST, to Sanna SEPPÄNEN, to Manuela MARTI, and finally to Christopher Harry CALVERT, our approved Volunteering Webmaster for the time being.
Equipped with the Guidelines (a Manual developed by Sanna) he immediately went into the details, in the deep secrets of Web design and Web development. I would like to mention some of the most significant tasks that Christopher completed out of the wide range of necessities. Additionally he worked in all those contributions provided by several Ladies. We also arranged to implement a few changes on the Web design of WIMA WORLD, update basic information and add several pictures to “give WIMA a face”. We could open several new sections and upload them with appropriate material. We started to publish Rally Reports, added Newspaper-Reports and arranged first steps for a Newsletter exchange. WIMA History is now more visible and the Members-Only section has been completed with the latest information. It takes a lot of time to do this work and I would really like to send my respect and special thanks to Sanna, as she did a lot of work, not just to set the basics for the Website over the past years.
By virtue of being an International acting Association, WIMA has the opportunity to be mentioned in the “Yearbook of International Organizations” edited by the UIA, the Union of International Associations. Further info can be found at: http://www.uia.org . From time to time our Profile will require an update, and has been completed for the coming edition of the Yearbook 2016/2017.
WIMA is also connected with FEMA, the Federation of European Motorcyclist`s Associations. As their mission is to promote riders’ interests and defend riders’ rights throughout Europe and globally, WIMA is supporting their work with an annual Donation. Further info can be found at: http://www.fema-online.eu
Miss Anna Zee, a long term Member of WIMA GB took over Presidency of FEMA in 2015.
The Federation Internationale de Motorcyclisme (FIM) got in touch with us for to discuss any form of future cooperation. FIM is committed to improve the presence and visibility of women in motorcycling sports and women riders’ presence in touring events all around the world.
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WOMEN`S INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
Some of us might know them via FB. This will be one of many agenda items for our next National President`s Meeting, scheduled during our International Rally in Australia.
I would also like to mention, that WIMA received an invitation to “The First Indonesian Women Bike Week” (14th to 16th of May 2015 at Lombok Islands, Indonesia) organised by the Women on Wheels Indonesia (WOWI).
Approved information was published within WIMA FB Site and Group. We had e-mail exchange and any form of future cooperation will also be on the Agenda as we all share the same interest in supporting Women in Motorcycling Worldwide and increasing Networking.
I generally divide the year into the time period before a Rally and after a Rally: so much more has happened I would like to report about.
Also during this WIMA year I have had the great opportunity to meet motorcycling Ladies on the road or while attending WIMA and non-WIMA events, e.g. several National Events of WIMA Switzerland and WIMA Finland and various other events arranged by WIMA Members or also by other Women Motorcycle Clubs.
Furthermore WIMA International has been in touch with Individual Lady Bikers or various Organisations, Clubs or Groups. We had a lot of e-mail exchanged or just first contacts with Lady Bikers from the US, with a Women Riders Group of Bangladesh, with Lady Bikers in Romania. We also tried again to make contact with Italy in order to organise a ”Revival” and also with India. WIMA India sadly was not able to remain part of WIMA World due to the lack of contact. That said, with the help of Sheonagh RAVENSDALE and Pat THOMPSON, who are from time to time Volunteering Ambassadors for WIMA during their countless World Travels, we got in touch again. As a result of the new activities from the Indian Women Bikers, I have the great pleasure to announce one Indian Lady will attend the Rally in Australia. So we will seize this chance to meet face to face maybe with the goal to succeed in another “Revival”.
At this point I take the opportunity to express my deep gratitude and thanks on behalf of WIMA and personally for Sho`s and Pat`s tireless and continuous efforts.
Also we had requests or contacts with Slovakia, the “Slovak Women Motoriders”, with Canada (my research work showed, WIMA Canada was with WIMA International at least in 2005), and lately with a Women Riders Club in Denmark. They explained that they recently became acquainted with WIMA via WIMA Sweden and we invited them to attend the Rally in Sweden, since the Rally Site was located so near…
Unfortunately not all contacts or exchanges succeed in achieving a new WIMA Division, but it is great to see that Women Motorcycling is getting more and more popular in the world. It is always a great pleasure to get in touch and have an exchange with Women Riders from all around the globe. It takes a lot of time during the year, but the opportunity to catch a little view inside of other Female Motorcycle Associations and to have good conversations with individual riders encourages us to keep trying – and of course we try to promote “Ours”, at least to support this growth and development to encourage Women in Motorcycling Worldwide.
However, sometimes our Mission does succeed.
In May 2015 we welcomed Bulgaria as new WIMA Division and partner of WIMA World. Welcome once more WIMA BULGARIA!
It was a big surprise for all of us, that Violeta IVANOVA, brand new on duty to carry the National Presidency, decided spontaneously and courageously to come up all the way, riding alone, from Bulgaria to Sweden to attend for the first time our WIMA Rally. Hats off!
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WOMEN`S INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
We spoke a lot in Sweden and I’m sure Violeta will not mind me saying, she additionally offered to be WIMA`s Ambassador to support our Mission to attract new WIMA Members and to establish new WIMA Divisions in Eastern Europe. This is very timely since the WIMA Rally 2016 will take place in Hungary, not too far from Bulgaria…
And just a few hours ago, just while I am finalising my Report, more fabulous news arrives! I`m happy and proud to announce on behalf of WIMA International, we can celebrate the WIMA France Revival! Let`s send out our warm welcome to Miss Genevieve HERBILLON. She plucked up courage to take over National Presidency as a successor of Sophie VIGNON. Welcome back WIMA FRANCE!
Up to now WIMA consists of 21 WIMA Divisions with approximately 1.250 Members worldwide.
Now it is time to focus on all those people, our WIMA Officials and not to forget all those people who are providing their help and serve WIMA in the background and thank them.
All WIMA International Officials fulfilled their duties to the best of their abilities. Some Ladies even took extra tasks, for example in providing their knowledge and time volunteering in Working Groups in various subjects and fields.
The list of all those to thank would be too long and blow up my Report. So please accept if I highlight a few significant subjects in order to report and thank people in formal posts and volunteers.
I’ll start by thanking Keiko OSAWA, WIMA International Vice President for spending innumerable hours helping with all our needs. Special thanks for her unlimited support, her understanding, her patience and her advice and last but not least for all administrative efforts. Sometimes it seems to me she is up 24/7 and never sleeping. But most of all, I thank her for her friendship.
Unfortunately she will retire from this position with her term ending in October 2015, after 3 year`s serving WIMA International. But Keiko will stay on the WIMA government as she will continue the charge of the National Presidency of WIMA Japan for the coming 3 years.
Also Sanna SEPPÄNEN announced she will step down as WIMA Website Manager. She will leave this position after 4 years serving WIMA International, with her term ending in October 2015. Many, many thanks for all your effort, Sanna. I would like to refer to the chapter prior in my Report, where I tried to give a little view inside of the tasks and efforts regarding WIMA WORLD and the website. Sanna was one of the initiators on the early establishment of the website to give WIMA a Face and she fulfilled the lead as a responsible web-developer in charge of our WIMA International Website.
I also would like to express my thanking to Miss Lili BERNHARD, our International Treasurer for her efforts and patience in all financial tasks during the WIMA year. Sometimes it’s not an easy task to convince people to pay money due and probably an under-appreciated subject.
Many thanks goes to Birgit SCHREMSER, our International Merchandise Officer, elected during the Rally in Poland and already very committed in carrying out the tasks to establish new WIMA Merchandise.
And also many thanks go to our acting WIMA Historian Pirjo KIVIMÄKI taking care of WIMA Archive. She has produced a slide-show of historical WIMA photos and you can usually enjoy them during the Rally week. Maybe we can arrange to show them on our Website soon.
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WOMEN`S INTERNATIONAL MOTORCYCLE ASSOCIATION INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
A big thank you goes to Maura RANIECKA, for her efforts as WIMA International Publicity Officer and for organising together with her Team of 4(!) the International Rally in Poland in 2014.
Thanks to WIMA Committee Members and Officers for another year of effective and constructive team work.
A big thank you goes to Carola PALMQVIST and Team WIMA SWEDEN for hosting the European Rally in Sweden this summer.
At this point I would like to thank in advance Moira STEWART, National President of WIMA Australia and her Team in charge of arranging everything for the International Rally in Australia, we are heading to in big steps.
A second time “Thank You” goes to Maura RANIECKA and Carola PALMQVIST as they were in charge after the Rallies to work in amendments to our WIMA International Rally Document to be released in September 2015. (Soon to be on our Website for review in the “Member`s Only” section – after formal approval by NP`s.)
And last but not least I would like to thank all National Presidents of WIMA for their continuous efforts in leading each WIMA Division through National matters and supporting this Association in International matters during the WIMA Year.
Concluding my Report, it is time to express my gratitude to all WIMA Officials and certainly also to all WIMA Members and supporters of WIMA and friends of friends.
YOU make WIMA WORLD what it is: A big Family carried by the “Spirit” of WIMA.
WIMA WORLD is a multicultural and multilingual community, connecting Women Riders all around the World, with our main goal:
…”to improve and promote activities, advancement, goodwill and friendship amongst women motorcycle enthusiasts from around the world”…
(Article 2, WIMA International Constitution)
…AND to encourage Women in Motorcycling Worldwide.
I believe WIMA WORLD is on a good route, well prepared for all future tasks and upcoming challenges in the near and far future.
Looking forward to meeting YOU at the Rally Site in Australia
or next year in Hungary,
or elsewhere on the Road!
Thank YOU
for your trust and support,
in me and my work,
during the year and for remaining time, YOUR President of WIMA International.
Claudia
CLAUDIA FEHRER International President of WIMA www.wimaworld.com
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