Contact details
E-mail: amazonewimabam[at]gmail.com
Facebook: Amazone Wima-bam
About WIMA Belgium
The Belgian Amazon Motorclub (BAM) was founded in 1992 by four women bikers, as a result of the first women-only- ride ever held in Belgium, the Amazon Run. The membership has varied in numbers; currently we have 65 regularly riding members. We bring together women from all walks of life, with varying experience and riding preferences, and quite a few travel extensively, widening our horizons even more. In 2020, as a result of the Women Riders World Relay (WRWR) and much to our delight, some riders from the French speaking part of Belgium joined.
BAM became WIMA-BAM Belgium in 1997. During the first ten years, we continued to organise the annual Amazon Run. Now we focus on day rides in all parts of the country, weekends, sometimes in neighbouring countries, and motorcycle riding courses to improve safety in traffic and sheer riding skills, either on or off- road. We also organise First Aid courses, GPS and mechanic courses. Above all, these courses are always FUN!
Notable members
Trui Hanoulle, President from 2000-2021
Immediately after starting to ride in 1993, Trui Hanoulle’s goals were twofold: combining her urge for travelling and motorbiking, and meeting other women riders. She joined the Amazons at once, and was handed over the presidency of the club in 2000 by Vera Daems. Like all members, she encourages others to improve riding skills and push boundaries, all the while keeping the warm solidarity at the core of the club. After two long overland motorcycle journeys to India with Iris Heiremans, and one with Gaea Schoeters through nine Muslim countries — resulting in the book ‘Girls, Muslims & Motorcycles’— she set off as #elektrogirl on the first long distance journey on an electric motorcycle in 2015, from Belgium to Istanbul and back, refuting the prejudices of e-riding. In 2019, she participated in the record-breaking Women Riders World Relay, joining WIMA members in India and Bangladesh.
In 2021, Hilda Wauters took over as President of WIMA Belgium.
Vera Daems, President 1992-2000
Vera Daems, having founded the Belgian Amazon Motorcycle club – now WIMA- BAM Belgium – was the leader, the inspiration and driving force of the club. Ten years later, when she moved to Spain and later to Mozambique, she handed over the presidency to Trui Hanoulle. On February 24th 2015, Vera died very unexpectedly from malaria. ‘Let us comfort ourselves with the thought she realised ALL of her dreams, however crazy they were at times.’ These were the words of her daughters, wife and friends.
Rita Verbeurgt
Rita was a core member from the very first hour. In the 1970’s she won several national motorcross championships. She was an excellent tour leader who knew the countryside like the back of her hand. She later turned to four-wheel cart riding to be able to travel with her girlfriend in a wheelchair.
Pascale Slootmans
Pascale was Vera’s right hand during the first ten years of the club’s existence. In 2003, she took a professional motorcycle mechanic course and travelled the world, first on her own and later together with her wife.
Michele De Rese
Michele is one of our most skilled riders; she worked and studied hard to become a professional motorcycle instructor. She organises the club’s courses and is part of the core team of BAM, along with Hilde Wauters and Trui Hanoulle. For organising weekends, it’s Hilde who is mastering the ropes.
Kim Van de Perre
Kim is a rider with strong perseverance, courage, patience and positive spirit. Her solo journey to Nepal, crossing Ukraine, Russia, Tajikistan, China and Pakistan, covering 25,000km over 6 months, inspires us all. Riding solo as a young woman already is a true challenge; the fact that she is deaf makes this an even greater achievement.
