Motorcycling sisterhood goes global!

Updated: 28 September 2017

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The Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) is a world wide sisterhood brought together through a love of motorcycling and who exist to promote women in motorcycling at every level, from learners to professional riders, racers and even global adventurers.

WIMA was founded in 1950 by Louise Scherbyn, a true trailblazer who rode thousands of miles all over North America on her Indian Scout – the roads were mainly dirt back then making touring by motorcycle no mean feat. The first vice-president was perhaps even more inspirational; in addition to her many other achievements, Theresa Wallach rode from London to Cape Town during the 1930s on a 3½ horsepower Panther 650 combination equipped with a 12 ft trailer!

Within a few years the organisation spread to other countries and in 1958, the same year as the first international rally, WIMA GB was born.

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WIMA GB is open to all women and you don’t even need to be a rider as pillions and even those just interested in motorcycling are welcome. There is no political agenda; as President Val Newman says, the club is all about friendship and motorcycling – nothing else.

One of WIMA’s main aims is to nurture new riders and give them the confidence to go that bit further than they would on their own. All the rideouts are geared to the slowest in the group and many less experienced riders progress faster as they feel safer riding with just women – everyone is supportive and everyone helps out.

Val is also keen to stress that WIMA members are known for their cake eating abilities and that no ride would be complete without a café stop or two.

WIMA GB is split into 12 regional divisions throughout the UK who organise regular meetings and rideouts, plus there’s a national rally every June and various weekends away such as camping and off road experiences; there’s even an international rally that takes place in a different country every year. Each division also has an international hospitality list, essentially a support network of people willing to provide assistance to any member looking to ride anywhere in the world.

Where is it: WIMA GB has 12 regional groups

When is it: Regional groups meet monthly

How much is it: Annual subscription is £14 per year

Contact: www.wimagb.co.uk or WIMA GB on facebook

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By Justin Hayzelden

Products Editor, shed enthusiast and tournament winner. Justin has been a regular contributor to MCN since 2009, serving as a road tester, roving reporter, and feature writer. He has extensive experience testing the latest motorcycles and evaluating motorcycle gear under real-world conditions. A lifelong motorcycle enthusiast, Justin began riding at 16 on a Suzuki TS50X and has since owned numerous bikes. His time as a London courier honed his skills on busy roads, and as an instructor, he has trained many novices. When not testing products, Justin is often found in his shed, maintaining, restoring, and rebuilding bikes and other mechanical items.