This report on the Swedish rally on Gålö peninsular, south of Stockholm is based on a report from Anita Paulsson and Åsa Öhqvist from WIMA Sweden, a report from a German newspaper and additional information from Sheonagh Ravensdale from WIMA GB.
About 75 women from six countries – Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, UK and Netherlands participated.
The welcome pack contained maps and info leaflets, ginger biscuits, perfume, a dala-horse, rally food coupons and a wooden brick for your side-stand.
The campsite was wonderful, beside a lake fringed with fir trees, though the toilet was rustic and the only source of water (which was fresh and icy cold) came from a hand pump. The campsite was half a mile down a steep, loose gravel track which made for interesting navigation riding the bikes in and out each day. The Swedes, led by President Berry Keller, offered a varied programme of activities including a slow race and rides that showed off the best of their beautiful country with great success. It was a bit rainy at times but off-set by lovely sunshine in between.
Monday: A Walking Quiz answering questions about Sweden and in the evening sampling Swedish specialities, renklämma – flatbread with smoked reindeer and lingonberry juice to drink. Every evening, the group gathered around a campfire singing in different languages watching the spectacular sunset over the lake – lasting until 11.00 p.m.
Tuesday: Visit to Stockholm, travelling on a bus where the women had the opportunity to explore and visit the sights. In the afternoon they went to see the famous warship Vasa, which sank 300 years ago on its maiden voyage and was raised in 1961. Next on the programme was a visit to the theme park Gröna Lund with its thrilling rides. In the evening, the group icks played, and their performance was highly appreciated by the foreign members who danced on the tables until they were told off by the security guards! It was almost midnight when the bus took them back to the campsite.
Wednesday was the day of the rally ride, approximately 120 km predominantly on small B roads through pleasant countryside. On the way they had to do an obstacle course and had to find letters which would spell out a Swedish word, the coastal town of Nynäshamn, where a picnic lunch was provided for all.
Thursday: Castle Drottningholm, the home of Sweden’s monarch was the destination for a ride out accompanied by the police and a TV crew who filmed them.
Friday was an excursion by ferry to Åland island. During the crossing they had the opportunity to eat, sunbathe, enjoy the pool and sauna or spend time in the bar and on the dance floor. Åland is a group of islands under Finnish sovereignty though the people speak Swedish. It was hot and sunny, and making the most of the beautiful weather, they explored the island, visited the waterfront of Mariehamn and admired the ‘Pommern’ a four-masted ship. On the return ferry they enjoyed an excellent smörgåsbord and the rally finale, prizegiving, speeches and the video of their splendid procession through Stockholm on the bikes. This year’s WIMA Woman was Margith Hostehler from Switzerland. Rita Liesenfeld from Germany was the runner up and Anita Korevaar from The Netherlands came third.
The only two participants from WIMA GB, Sheonagh and Janet, wondered if they could have an award for their journey of 3580 km in mostly inclement weather on two-stroke bikes, a Suzuki T500 and Yamaha RD400.
Programme
