Winds of Change at
WIMA
What WIMA is all about – 225 riders from 11 countries took part in the 2019 International Rally
What’s new at WIMA? International President ZARA STRANGE and GB President CAROLINE LUNNON bring us up to date
W
IMA – the Women’s International Motorcycle Association – has had to adapt to the many challenges in 2020 and ‘21, just like every other motorcycling organisation. Newsletters, online meetings, social networking and phone calls have kept international members together just the same as always. We have even managed to hold a few WIMA GB events in between lockdowns. WIMA continues to grow internationally, with six new national divisions joining in 2020 and a further two this year – we now have over 3500 members in 40 countries, all active in their own country. And because we cover both hemispheres, there are always summertime events happening somewhere to which overseas members are welcome.
Zara Strange: International President
I came to motorcycling late, in my fifties, hoping to avoid the worsening commuter traffic in Aberdeen. I sat my CBT, quickly followed by the full test in 2006 and straight away fell in love with the freedom of my local Scottish roads, something I do not get when driving a car. I joined WIMA in 2008 after reading about the club in a women’s motorcycling magazine and my first international rally (Holland in 2010) stands out. I had never before been part of such a large group of like-minded women motorcyclists who, despite my own language difficulties, made me most welcome. And yes, there were men there as well, not many, but several partners of WIMA members who were also welcomed and joined in the many activities. 14
Motorcycle R I D E R
Above: WIMA International President WIMA Zara Strange rides an Africa Twin Below: Caroline with Boo the Triumph
