Around 300 women bikers from 25 countries take part in WIMA rally in Estonia

An international women's motorcycle rally is taking place in Pärnu, Estonia, this week, drawing approximately 300 riders from more than 20 countries, with participants arriving even from Australia, Japan and Curaçao. The event is organized by the Estonian branch of the Women's International Motorcycle Association (WIMA).

According to Marju Uusküla, a member of WIMA Eesti, the rally includes riders from 25 countries when Estonia is counted. Neighboring countries represented include Lithuania, Finland, Sweden and Norway, while long-distance participants come from the United States, Australia, Curaçao and Japan. During Estonia Day, attendees were treated to local cuisine and traditional folk costumes, along with performances by folk dance groups. The group also went on an excursion to Soomaa and has plans to visit Kihnu.

On Wednesday, the women rode in a convoy from their campsite at Valgeranna, just outside Pärnu, to the city center for a parade. The riders will spend the entire week exploring Estonia on two wheels.

For some overseas participants, renting motorcycles proved the practical solution. Cheryl Woodsom, a rider from the U.S., said she and others rented bikes in Riga, Latvia, since their own machines could not cross the ocean. Woodsom, visiting Estonia for the first time, said she had already formed an extremely positive impression after just a few days. She praised the kindness and generosity of local people, adding that seeing residents wave enthusiastically as the convoy passed brought tears to her eyes.

Veteran British rider Sheonagh Ravensdale noted that the rally takes place in a different country each year and has now returned to Estonia for the second time, following the first event in 2017. WIMA, founded in America 76 years ago, organizes the annual gatherings. Ravensdale described motorcycle riding as a source of freedom and independence, saying riders feel the air and are not confined to a box. She has been riding for 50 years and still loves it. The next WIMA meet is scheduled for Italy.