This was the first Rally where participation of two WIMA members from the former East Germany was possible, because it took part in the Eastern Block – they were not allowed to attend meetings in West Germany or Western Europe.
The following report is by Ellen Pfeiffer and was provided by Brigitte Döhler. The rally was organized by Czech rider Lida Abrahamova who also wrote a report for WIMA News. Participants: Ellen Pfeiffer – Continental Captain, Brigitte Döhler (née Walther), Erhart Krumpholz (a famous racer) and Helga Heinrich-Steudel from East Germany, Jo Johnen from Übach- Palenberg, Susie Stockl from Traunstein, Traudl Schuster, Traudl Koller from Austria, three Finnish and two French ladies, Lida Abrahamova.
Once again, the girls from all over the world came together for a performance test and a special kind of motorcycle show. ČZ (Jawa model), MZ, Csepel (Hungarian motorcycle), Honda and BMW riders found their way to South Bohemia to the Orlek Reservoir near Červená.
The Orlik Lake is the largest artificial lake in Czechoslovakia with a length of 70 kilometres. There are numerous campsites and manor houses on its banks. We stayed in one of them on the slopes where Červená once flooded. The reception was very warm, I would almost say enthusiastic. They came from Budapest, Prague, Vienna, East and West Germany and brought a little variety to the monotonous Jawa traffic with their motorcycles. Nothing against Jawa, on the contrary. Perhaps only this model can withstand the road conditions in the long run. Unfortunately, you don’t see such a large number of motorcyclists in Czechoslovakia.
The first day was all about laziness. We had time for swimming, boating and getting to know each other. We took a little trip to Písek and in the evening, Erhart Krumpholz showed us some MZ-films from various Six-Day Trials in England, Erfurt and Sweden. Then there was a skills ride on the programme, with seesaw, board, slalom, water ditch and a circuit that had to be ridden twice on a ČZ, which was available to everyone. The winner was Traudel from Vienna.
Next we accepted an invitation to the ČZ plant in Strakonice. It became a bigger affair, with a reception by the director, a factory tour, a demonstration of the motocross machines and a large banquet. We were allowed to ride the motocross machines after the demonstration and made great use of them. At first with mixed feelings, as it was a completely new riding experience, but then it was difficult to get the girls to stop. The mayor of Volyně finally succeeded, by coming with a box of trophies and thus laying his admiration at our feet. The motocross terrain is in his district and he is an avid motorcyclist himself.
The next day brought an excursion to the Hluboká Castle and to České Budějovice (Budweis), the metropolis of South Bohemia, with its historic town centre from the Middle Ages. Here we had to fight our way through swarms of spectators, and Honda-Susie was besieged by autograph hunters. We were happy when we could crawl into an inn to enjoy the typical Bohemian food and the world-famous Budwar beer. But even there, the peace lasted only until the chair collapsed under Jo. Still nobody can tell, was it the wobbly chair or the breakfast garlic?
Finally, a stroll through Prague was planned like an underwater battle. But as soon as we arrived at the parking lot, bright sunshine came out and a wonderful day awaited us in Prague. Under the expert guidance of Lida, we got to know some of the sights of the hundred-towered city. We spent the last evening with ČZ-film screenings, board games and funny songs to Lotte’s guitar.
All too quickly it was time to say goodbye. Before the journey home, all the loose screws and lamps were tightened, and then everyone blew away like the wind towards home. Helga and Brigitte, the racing riders, were already thinking about their next race, Traudl about the upcoming wedding, Christel about the broken frame, Bom about the motorboat and the others tried out the newly collected recipes of the Czech and Hungarian cuisine in their fantasy.
