Report written by Keiko Osawa, later President of WIMA Japan, with additional information from Åsa Öhqvist, WIMA Sweden and Sheonagh Ravensdale, WIMA GB.
This rally was held during cherry blossom season at the foot of Mt. Fuji, in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka. 258 members from around the world attended, despite the air traffic turmoil due to the volcanic eruption in Iceland that occurred just before the rally.
The concept of ‘Pre-rally’ was first introduced at this rally and many members participated in the five-day sightseeing bus tour that was offered before the rally. Over 200 had opted to rent a bike and after the pre-rally, they gathered in Yokohama. The bike rental was well organised and, since everyone had been asked to provide all their details beforehand, the delivery of the rental bikes was very smooth. After receiving the bikes, members were grouped with a tour guide from WIMA Japan who made sure that everyone reached the rally site without any problems, despite a cold, damp journey of about 120 km. Fortunately, everybody was staying in warm, heated huts! The first couple of days were very cold and misty, so when the sun finally came out and Mt. Fuji was suddenly revealed in all its glory, the sight was spectacular.
The Japanese WIMA team, (led by Yoshiko Ota and Keiko Osawa, plus numerous volunteers), had made sure there was a full schedule with a wide variety of rides and cultural activities, including of course a Japanese tea ceremony. There were plans for rainy days and sunny days, for riding and resting.
The rally quiz ride was an opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings around Mt. Fuji, and hopefully find some quiz answers. The sites along the route included a tori gate, a Mt. Fuji viewing spot and a motorcycle museum, among others. Members could also visit the lovely Fairy Café, owned by a courageous lady, Reiko Miyoshi (Yamamura), who rode the Dakar Rally in her youth. She came to the rally site to give an inspirational talk one evening.
In the evenings, everyone gathered in the dinner hall for food, all very nicely prepared and delicious. Along with the food there was plenty of Japanese wine, both red and white, as well as sake to sample and further activities to join.
On one evening, a local group of female taiko drummers took to the stage for a mesmerising display, before inviting WIMA members to join them. On another, a female musician gave a demonstration of the Koto, which is a Japanese plucked half- tube zither instrument, and the national instrument of Japan. Participants also joined a discussion about the motorcycle licence requirements in different countries and produced their own often very funny entertainment on the traditional ‘Trash Night’.
The parade consisted of two activities; firstly, the WIMA group took part in a ‘Love the Earth’ event where everyone helped clear litter from a nearby area. This is a regular event for WIMA Japan in which the international guests were welcome to take part. This was followed by a convoy led by women motorcycle police to a military camp where there were various entertainments such as stunt riders and another superb drumming display, this time by the men.
