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The WIMA International Rallies
WIMA International Rallies started in 1958 with the inaugural rally at Scheveningen in the Netherlands. A version of the report of this first rally from Das Motorrad was printed in the original WIMA history booklet in 1980, but we’ve gone back to the original, which only came to light recently and…
International WIMA Rallies from 1958 until now
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2025 USA, Maine, 7-13 September
WIMA USA 2025 united 160 women riders from 19 countries at a lakeside Maine camp, blending epic New England rides, inspiring speakers, workshops, games, and global friendship in a joyful 75th‑anniversary celebration.
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2025 Germany, Wilnsdorf, 27 July-2 August
Report coming soon
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2024 Australia, Bacchus Marsh, 29 September – 5 October
WIMA Australia’s 40th anniversary rally brought thrilling rides, a moving Welcome to Country, hilarious games, Nutbush dancing, and generous fundraising – uniting over 50 women riders in unforgettable sisterhood and adventure.
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2024 Romania, Transilvania, 19-24 August
Magic, music and 255 women riders turned a Transylvanian lakeside camp into a week of wild dancing, joyful reunions, epic rides and starlit discos – Romania’s “back to childhood” WIMA rally was pure fun and…
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2023 France, Parc National des Ecrins, 3-7 July
From scenic Hautes-Alpes rides to tastings, Trash Night, and a stunning parade by Lake Orcières, WIMA France 2023 united women bikers in friendship, laughter, and unforgettable Alpine adventure.
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2022 Switzerland, Melchtal, 3-9 July
After a two-year pause, 250 women bikers reunited in Switzerland for Alpine passes, lakeside swims, chocolate-throwing games, and joyful parades – celebrating friendship, skill, and WIMA’s international spirit in stunning scenery.
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2021 The Netherlands, Grolloo, 2-7 August — cancelled
Though the 40th-anniversary WIMA Netherlands rally had to be cancelled, 45 riders from eight countries enjoyed an alternative week of scenic rides, swimming, campfires, music, and camaraderie – proving adventure and friendship endure.
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2020 Germany, Wilnsdorf, 27 July-1 August — cancelled
Germany’s 70th-anniversary WIMA rally promised industrial tours, Alpine-like rides, discos, and parades for 380 bikers – but Covid-19 forced its cancellation, leaving organisers disappointed yet resilient, preserving plans for future adventures.
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2019 England, Castleton, 11-17 August
In Derbyshire’s Peak District, 227 WIMA riders enjoyed scenic Challenge Rides, Chatsworth House parades, expert talks, live music, and camaraderie – capped by a charity auction supporting Derbyshire Air Ambulance and Pikilily.
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2019 Curaçao, Pietermaai, 21-27 April
WIMA’s first Caribbean rally on Curaçao brought 96 riders together for beach rides, parades, salsa dancing, cultural workshops, island tours, and seaside parties – celebrating friendship, fun, and the vibrant spirit of Dushi Korsou.
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2018 Finland, Parainen, 30 July-4 August
WIMA Finland 2018 brought 300 women riders together by a lakeside campsite, with sauna, steamboat trips, treasure hunts, electric bike tests, craft workshops, and a spectacular Helsinki parade – fun under the Arctic sun.
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2017 Estonia, Jäneda, 16 – 22 July
Estonia’s first WIMA international rally united 196 women for tours, folk dancing, BMW test rides, treasure hunts, and a parade to Rakvere Castle – celebrating motorcycling, culture, and camaraderie in a week of adventure.
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2016 Hungary, Esztergom, 10-16 July
WIMA Hungary saw 250 women riders explore Esztergom and Budapest, enjoying scenic rides, sizzling meals, pub soccer, charity auctions, and lively discos – blending culture, adventure, and friendship along the Danube.
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2015 Australia, Phillip Island, 19-25 October
At Phillip Island, 83 WIMAs from 13 countries marvelled at wildlife, rode scenic twisty roads, marshalled MotoGP races, enjoyed cultural performances, and paraded through Cowes – blending adventure, camaraderie, and charity.
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2015 Sweden, Sundet, 20-25 July
In Sweden’s Småland, around 200 WIMAs embraced a “back to basics” camping rally with scenic rides, silly games, discos, parades, and charity fundraising – celebrating adventure, camaraderie, and international sisterhood.
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2014 Poland, Zakopane, 4-8 August
WIMA Poland’s first rally in Zakopane drew 249 riders from 15 countries for mountain parades, treasure hunts, cable-car rides, talent contests, traditional dance, and rainy-day adventures – fun, friendship, and Alpine excitement.
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2013 Switzerland, Val-de-Travers, 14 – 20 July
In Val-de-Travers, Switzerland, WIMAs enjoyed sunny rides, a flag-decorated parade, delicious meals, poolside relaxation, and evening entertainment – celebrating friendship, motorcycles, and unforgettable Alpine adventures.
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2012 Austria, Reingers, 29 July-4 August
In Reingers, Austria, WIMA riders explored scenic routes, tackled skill challenges, enjoyed folk music and dances, visited Vienna, and celebrated with a lively farewell – blending adventure, culture, and camaraderie.
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2011 England, Lancaster, 25-30 July
On the University of Cumbria Campus, WIMA riders embraced a playful ‘Back to School’ theme, explored castles and coastlines, competed in classic games, danced, and enjoyed music, camaraderie, and unforgettable adventures on two wheels.
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2010 The Netherlands, Markelo, 2-7 August
In Twente, WIMAs embraced the mystical ‘Witte Wiev’n’ theme with broomstick antics, rain-soaked rides, archery, music, dancing, creative performances, and laughter, celebrating mythology, friendship, and unforgettable adventures together.
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2010 Japan, Fujinomiya-city, 27 April-3 May
In Fujinomiya, WIMAs rode, explored, and embraced Japanese culture with tea ceremonies, taiko drumming, Koto music, quiz rides, pre-rally tours, a parade, and a ‘Love the Earth’ environmental event.
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2009 USA, Keystone, Colorado, 18-22 August
In 2009, WIMA USA hosted the first official International Rally outside Europe, partnering with the AMA Women’s Conference to provide workshops, demo rides, seminars, and a global networking experience for women motorcyclists.
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2009 Italy, Lignano, 19-25 July
‘WIMA al Mare’ in Lignano Sabbiadoro, Italy, drew 333 participants from nine countries, featuring a Mafia theme, rides to Venice and Slovenia, pool games, cultural visits, and a dramatic helicopter finale.
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2008 Finland, Historic Saimaa in Ristiina, 4-9 August
WIMA Finland hosted a vibrant week in Ristiina with 200 participants, featuring medieval-themed events, motorcycle orienteering, beach and sauna fun, a fantasy party, a parade, games, and a festive farewell.
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2007 Germany, Thuringia, 29 July-4 August
The 2007 WIMA Germany rally in Thuringia hosted 327 participants from 13 countries, featuring a parade to Schleizer Dreieck, gymkhana, cultural tours, games, music, campfires, discos, and a festive farewell with fireworks.
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2006 Switzerland, Hoch-Ybrig, 14-19 August
The WIMA Alpina rally in Hoch-Ybrig, Switzerland, hosted 270 participants, featuring mountain pass challenges, gymkhana, scenic tours, a Heidi-themed treasure hunt, a bike blessing at Einsiedeln, discos, and cultural entertainment.
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2005 New Zealand, Taupo, 18-24 November
The WIMA 2005 Taupo rally in New Zealand hosted 120 participants from multiple countries, featuring cultural activities, rides through mountains, thermal pools, sheep-shearing, games, fundraising auctions, and a traditional Kiwi barbecue.
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2005 Sweden, Skåne, 1-5 August
The 47th European WIMA rally hosted 300 participants from 19 countries, featuring rides, Swedish games, archery, discos, live music, fire-art, a police-led parade, cake buffets, and a farewell dinner with roasted pig.
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2004 The Netherlands, Borculo, 1-7 August
The 2004 Borculo rally hosted 275 participants from 15 countries, featuring gymkhana games, folk performances, museum visits, a parade, tours, a women’s band, and a farewell dinner amid hot summer weather.
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2003 England, Dorset, 20-26 July
The 2003 Dorset rally hosted 300 participants from 11 countries, featuring camping, local attractions, treasure hunts, Morris dancing, a ceilidh, quizzes, rides, cultural presentations, games, and lively evening entertainment despite rainy weather.
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2002 Czech Republic, Rožmitál pod Třemšínem, 29 July-4 August
Over 300 WIMAs gathered in Rožmitál pod Třemšínem, camping amid scenic forests, enjoying thrilling rides, a 100 km adventure tour, Holy Mountain visit, Prague excursion, lively nightly discos, fun challenges, and a festive farewell with cream…
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2001 Spain, Castellar, 22-28 July
100 women from nine countries conquered Gibraltar’s runway, visited Morocco, tackled treasure hunts, danced flamenco, raced gymkhanas, and soaked in pool games—capping a sizzling, action-packed rally at Campamento Jarandilla!
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2000 Finland, Iisalmi, 30 July-5 August
200 women motorcyclists roared through Iisalmi in dazzling Finnish summer sun, conquering gymkhanas, parades, sauna marathons, epic rides, folk dances, and 50th Anniversary celebrations in a thrilling, unforgettable WIMA rally!
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2000 Australia, Kiama, 9-14 April
WIMA’s 50th Anniversary Down Under roared to life in Kiama – epic rides, rainforest adventures, gymkhanas, bush dances, stunning beaches, and international camaraderie made this inaugural Southern Hemisphere rally unforgettable!
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1999 Austria, Walchsee im Kaiserwinkel, 25-31 July
WIMA FANTASTICA 1999 roared through the Austrian Tyrol – 270 women from 16 nations, thrilling games, alpine rides, treasure hunts, tobogganing, discos, and lakeside camaraderie made this rally a spectacular adventure!
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1998 Switzerland, Les Tuileries-de-Grandson, 27-31 July
In 1998, 337 women from 15 nations converged at Les Tuileries-de-Grandson for a week of epic rides, quirky games, raclette feasts, discos, fireworks, and global camaraderie, blending culture, fun, and fierce motorcycling spirit!
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1997 The Netherlands, Heythuysen, 4-8 August
In 1997, 327 women bikers braved a mini heatwave, in Heythuysen, for a week of castle gardens, wild gymkhanas, obstacle courses, space-hopper races, discos, and nonstop laughter – celebrating speed, skill, and global sisterhood!
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1996 Czech Republic, Lubenec, 21-27 July
About 350 women from 11 countries revved through the Czech Republic for a week of scooters, gymkhanas, castle tours, thrilling demonstrations, awards, and nonstop laughter – celebrating skill, friendship, and international motorcycling spirit!
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1996 Japan tour, formation of WIMA Japan, 31 March-9 April
Twenty-eight WIMA riders from Europe and the USA toured through Japan on motorcycles, Shinkansen, and temple grounds – sampling onsens, sushi, bullet trains, and breathtaking roads – culminating in the birth of WIMA Japan!
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1995 Sweden, Morokulien, 24 – 28 July
At Morokulien, 227 riders from across the globe braved rain, broken bikes, and chilly weather, enjoying forest rallies, games, Swedish feasts, parades, and a spectacular visit to Magnor’s glass workshop.
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1994 Wales, Usk, 24-30 July
260 WIMAs roared into Usk for an epic 1994 rally—cross-country rides, daring obstacle courses, treasure hunts, dancing, music, and unstoppable camaraderie fueled a week of nonstop adventure and laughter!
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1993 Austria, Obervellach, 26-31 July
160 fearless women from Europe and Japan roared through Kärnten—racing tunnels, solving puzzles, conquering obstacle courses, sharing campfires and stories, and celebrating camaraderie in a whirlwind week of speed, skill, and laughter!
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1992 Germany, Berlin, 27-31 July
170 WIMAs conquered Berlin – Gymkhana, treasure hunts, sidecar rides, Marlene Dietrich sightseeing, quizzes, and late-night bar parades – mixing lipstick, helmets, laughter, and horsepower into a week of unstoppable city-fueled fun!
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1991 Switzerland, Steinen, 22-26 July
180 WIMAs and kids took over Lake Lauerz—swimming, pedalo races, crossbow apple shoots, rallies, nighttime parties, and unstoppable fun—family-friendly, fearless, and fiercely celebrating motorcycles, friendship, and unforgettable adventures!
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1990 France, Saint-Pierre, 30 July-3 August
WIMAs from nine countries took over Alsace – wine-route rallies, velo-chopper races, sidecars, children, Strasbourg parades, barbecues, and beer-fueled evenings – sun-soaked fun, friendship, and unstoppable motorcycle energy filled every moment!
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1989 The Netherlands, Eiland van Maurik, 24-28 July
WIMAs took over Maurik Island – boisterous barbecues, disco boogies, treasure hunts, tricky photo quizzes, clog-clad Gymkhanas, trials bike chaos, and sun-soaked museum visits – speed, laughter, and friendship fueling every adventure!
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1988 Hungary, Dunaharaszti, 25-29 July
WIMAs tore through Hungary – bikes, Budapest trams, Danube swims, medieval villages, horse-drawn carts, and oxen rides – leather-clad laughs, cheap wine, goulash feasts, and unforgettable adventures behind the Iron Curtain!
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1987 England, Ashbourne, 27-31 July
WIMAs rode the Derbyshire hills – Gymkhanas, treasure hunts, cream teas, matchbox mayhem, Blue John Mines, and barn feasts – torrential rain, wandering ducks, laughter, and friendship turning every day into a rollicking adventure!
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1986 West Germany, Vogelsberg, 28 July-1 August
WIMAs explored the Vogelsberg hills – treasure hunts, rugged trails, campsite chaos, and laughter-filled nights at Falltorhaus – friendship, determination, and adventure shining as WIMAs blazed trails through 1986!
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1985 Sweden, Gålö, 29 July – 3 August
WIMAs took over Gålö – campfire singalongs, reindeer flatbreads, slow races, Stockholm escapades, theme park thrills, ferry sunbathing, and poolside dancing – laughter, adventure, and international friendship fuelling every twist of the handlebars!
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1984 Switzerland, Morbio-Superiore, 23-27 July
Over 122 women from seven countries hit Ticino’s twisty roads, danced under starry skies, shared osso buco, lake dips, and hail-storm heroics. Sisterhood, speed, and pure motorcycle magic.
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1983 The Netherlands, Spaarnwoude, 25-30 July
Tents, thunder, cheese, canals and roaring engines! From bicycle gymkhana giggles to Heineken-fuelled Amsterdam adventures, 144 women bikers turned Holland into high-octane sisterhood. Windmills, wheels and wild memories.
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1982 Scotland, Fort William, 25-30 July
Roaring engines, bikinis under leathers, cabers flying and a kilted singer dodging cheeky cameras – Fort William blazed with sunshine, wild roads, broken bones, and deer-antler victory.
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1981 West Germany, Buseck-Oppenrod, 27 July-1 August
Two soaked French sisters, Italian first-timers, stilt races and sizzling ADAC training – shorts, crop-tops, and poor Arthur asking every girl out. Laughter, fast bikes, and dreams of Scotland ahead.
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1980 Switzerland, Bumbach, 28 July-1 August
Bumbach boomed with 100 riders, convoy WIMAs taking over the motorway, meringues and cream in Gruyères, trials with Swiss legend Godi, bonfires, sausage-roasts and wild Trash Night revelry under Alpine stars.
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1979 Czechoslovakia, Petrovice, 22-28 July
Behind the Iron Curtain, 80 daring women roared into Petrovice – papers seized, boots shabby, sidecar ballasted with cement – yet gymkhanas, Prague adventures and Jawa-fuelled friendship turned restriction into pure rebellious magic.
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1978 Wales, Bwlch 24-29 July
Rain, mud and one shared shower – Wales roared with 77 riders, hill-climbs, mystery bags and pasties galore. Forest blasts, fierce BMWs, and Iris Bach crowned “Madam WIMA” in blazing yellow-and-black glory.
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1977 France, Méribel les Allues, 25-29 July
Méribel mountain madness: puddle-soaked tyres, wobbly seesaws, mystery bags of moto bits, roaring films, rain-soaked trials and soft-landed crashes – laughs, sore muscles, prizes and tearful goodbyes at 1600 metres.
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1976 Switzerland, Yverdon, 19-24 July
Female centaurs of Lake Neuchâtel: rain-soaked trials, ham feasts, wine toasts, musical automatons, wild curves through Swiss hills – arrows astray, daisies crushed, and Mary crowned Madame WIMA ’76 in roaring sisterhood.
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1975 Sweden, Omberg, 24-27 July
Seventy women, pickled herring feasts, sweaty card draws, mosquito-laden bush treks, scavenger hunts, and endless chansons – Sweden’s Omberg echoed with laughter, rivalry, and the crowning of Margit, WIMA woman 1975.
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1974 France, La Petite-Pierre, 22-26 July
Flowers, breakdown hunts, 400m sprints, and Kronenbourg cheers – 24 women-centaurs roared through Alsace, husbands tinkering, kids cheering, and motorcycles lined up for games, bouquets, and a week of roaring camaraderie.
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1973 Finland, Pihtipudas, 22-27 July
Matti’s garden became a roaring Pannonia playground: ten fearless women, berry picking, tours, daily skill challenges, quizzes, and non-stop two-wheeled fun, and the legacy of Finnish grit.
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1972 Czechoslovakia, Červená, 16-22 July
Bikinis, Bohemian Forest, and the Orlík reservoir – motorcycles paused for water fights, campfire sausages, and sun-soaked stories. Fox Hunts and orienteering saw Jana crowned as WIMA’s summer queen.
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1971 West Germany, Kassel, 25-31 July
Kassel roared with slaloms, seesaws, fox hunts, castle tours, Chinese rallies, and 300m sprints. Slides, films, music and dancing into the night crowned Shirley with the WIMA Cup and Otto Pokal.
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1970 France, Col des Croix, 27 July-2 August
Maps, mountain trials, slippery meadows, thunderstorms, wine tastings, engine quizzes, and stories. Finnish finesse, BMW wizardry, and Traudl crowned WIMA Woman of 1970 – laughter, bikes, and friendship all week.
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1970 USA, New York, 11 July-12 September
New York blazed with WIMA cheer: twenty flags, 650-mile rides, 3,000-mile journeys, tiered cake, toasts, and 20 years of roaring motorcycles, friendship, and international sisterhood celebrated in style.
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1969 Austria, Ampflwang, 17-23 August
Alpine lakes, cross-country laps, salt mines, glass-blowing, campfires, and cunning Mini Rallies – Christel and Jana hoarded trophies, Janet rode farthest, and Traudl claimed the coveted last-place prize.
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1968 West Germany, Nürburgring, 23-26 May
Sun-drenched Nürburgring: Mini-Star Rides, treasure hunts, 100 km orientation, slalom triumphs, English finesse on Triumphs, points battles, miniskirts, banquets, and WIMA comedians keeping laughter roaring into the night.
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1967 Czechoslovakia, Červená on Orlik Reservoir, 11-17 June
Červená roared with East-West reunions: Jawa armies, ČZ motocross mayhem, castle tours, Budweis beer, Prague sunshine, seesaws, slaloms, and Traudl, Christel, Helga and friends racing, laughing, and devouring Czech-Hungarian feasts.
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1966 The Netherlands, Aalst, 19-22 May
Dutch roads buzzed with WIMA engines: Orientation Runs, Fox Hunts, motocross mayhem, sidecar antics, rose handkerchiefs, photo searches, trophies, laughter, and Jo’s unstoppable solo triumph through sun, sand, and rain.
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1965 West Germany, Oberreifenberg, 25-31 July
In Oberreifenberg, WIMA members tackled Orientation Runs, trials, Picture Search, and apron auctions, sang with guitars and accordions, explored the Frankfurt Zoo, and celebrated late into the night, ending with a surprise overall victory and…
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1964 West Germany, Wasserkuppe, (around 7 May)
The 1964 WIMA Continental rally at Wasserkuppe, Fulda, featured off-road trials, scenic rides, and friendly gatherings. Kirsten Peschel won overall, and participants, mainly local, skillfully navigated obstacles while enjoying camaraderie, music, and a joyful atmosphere.
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1963 The Netherlands, Scheveningen, 27 July-4 August
The 1963 WIMA rally in Scheveningen, Holland, showcased skill, endurance, and camaraderie. Ellen Pfeiffer dominated competitions, while newcomers Birgit Ericsson and Renée Fierant impressed with long-distance rides and off-road prowess – rising talent in women’s…
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1962 —
Mary Black’s article about the 1961 rally ended with this: “Next gathering of the WIMA is at Easter, 1962; the venue, Switzerland. Make a note of it girls.” However no rally was held due to…
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1961 West Germany, Hockenheimring, 21-22 May
The 1961 WIMA Continental meeting at Hockenheim celebrated camaraderie, skill, and fun. Eight women from across Europe raced solo and sidecars, completed a Fox Hunt, and enjoyed mutual support, embodying pure joy and sporting spirit.
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1960 The Netherlands, Scheveningen, 30 July-7 August
The 1960 WIMA meeting in Holland brought ten women from four countries together for rallies, regularity and speed tests, a Fox Hunt, and sightseeing, blending camaraderie, skill, and local hospitality into a joyful, unforgettable experience.
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1959 West Germany, Nürburgring, end of September
Fog, laughter, and roaring engines – twelve fearless WIMA ladies tore up the Nürburgring! From near-misses to borrowed bikes, scraped knees to shared giggles, one thing was certain: “As long as we have fun!”
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1958 The Netherlands, Scheveningen, 13-20 July
Rain, laughter, roaring engines – nine unstoppable women tore round Zandvoort! Trials, pictogram rides, and slippery slaloms couldn’t slow them. Barbara claimed the trophy, but every lap was pure, unbridled WIMA fun!
