This report has combined information from Lisbeth Stahel in Switzerland and Kate Campbell who had travelled 2500 km from Scotland.
More than 122 women from Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Holland, England and Italy participated. Italy was supposed to be the venue this year, but the Italians were unable to host it, so Switzerland stepped in and chose Tessin (also known as Ticino), on the border with Italy. The local police were very helpful and tolerant towards this ‘Raduno di donne motocicliste’ (gathering of motorcycling women).
The women, together with children and partners started arriving on the Friday, setting up their tents around the school building. The village fête in Sagno provided a Tessin BBQ and there was a lot of fun, laughter and dancing on the street till late. Sunday, back to the fête – the host provided minestrone con tripa, meat salad and formaggini. Monday started with an easy day to relax or to explore the local area and swim in the lakes.
A few needed to get repairs done on their bikes; there was such a warm welcome locally that some even received free repairs accompanied by coffee and a chat. The official welcome dinner was in Grotto. Osso buco with polenta was served, along with local drinks. In a relaxed and merry atmosphere, old and new friends met up – a promising start to the coming week.
Tuesday was a rally around Lake Maggiore; there was some excitement, when they realised they were crossing the border into Italy along the way, and many didn’t have their passports with them. The route followed twisty roads towards Lake Maggiore via Sesto Calende. Tasks at the various checkpoints included identifying motorbikes from their recorded sounds, answering questions, drawing their own bikes, while some even had a quick dip in the lake en route. Wednesday was a free day to relax and explore the area.
Thursday was a ride over Monte Generoso with questions to be answered along the way. Rain and hail had made the route very challenging; there were a few crashes but nothing major. The final ascent was even steeper, with helpers positioned on the worst stretches, but everyone succeeded and arrived at the top, laughing, sweating, and pleased with having made it. Ellen, ‘WIMA mother’ of the German riders, sped up the hills very fast on her 1000cc BMW and commented drily ‘Why, that wasn’t so special, was it?’. Coffee was at Grotto Eremo with its little chapel San Nicolao, and the route continued via Rovio and Campione, finishing at the Swiss Miniature Museum.
The villagers of Caneggio, having heard about the rally, insisted on bringing forward the start of their festival by a day just for WIMA. Once more everyone sat together under a starry sky enjoying good food and music as they laughed, sang and talked.
The competitions ended with a skill parkour. Two 125cc bikes were provided to tackle the course, dodging around trees and across a dry riverbed. Unfamiliar bikes meant there was a lot of laughter though, with loud encouragement from the spectators, everybody made it.
The final evening, together with a farewell feast, was held at the Hotel Stazione in Mendrisio, where Agnes Kamhuber was declared the overall winner. Generous and numerous sponsors meant a huge array of prizes and gifts from perfume to chain oil, Swatch watch, camera, gloves, boots, helmet, rain gear and a leather jacket. Everyone went home happy.
