WIMA Rallly Japan 2010

It was with great expectations I flew to Japan to take part in the Japanese rally at Mt Fuji and I was not disappointed. The Japanese WIMAs had made sure we had a full schedule with cultural activities and rides. There were plans for rainy days and sunny days, for riding and resting.

The bike rentals were nicely arranged with a meet up in Yokohama and group guided rides up to camp.

Kizuki Rental 819 in Yokohama
Kizuki Rental 819 in Yokohama

I had decied to ride something similar to the Monster eg. standard riding position but a Japanese bike, as a way of blending in 🙂 My Swedish friend Annelie had gone the opposite way and chosen something that she wouldn’t get the possibility to ride otherwise.

the Suzuki & Mt Fuji
the Suzuki & Mt Fuji

Another photo opportunity :) Annelie & Kaija and their rides
Another photo opportunity 🙂 Annelie & Kaija and their rides

Every Rally has a quiz ride and I love it. We joined with Anneli and Kaija from WIMA Estonia for a joint ride to explore the beautiful surroundings and hopefully find some quiz answers.

Rally quiz - how tall is this tori gate?!?
Rally quiz - how tall is this tori gate?!?

We visited the lovely Fairy Café, owned by a courageous lady who did, among other things, ride the Dakar rally in her youth.

Goats who live at the Fairy Café, a must-see place for all with bike interest
Goats who live at the Fairy Café, a must-see place for all with bike interest

In the evenings we always gathered in the dinner hall for food, all very nicely prepared and yummy. Along with food there was plenty of Japanese wine, red, white and sake to sample and activities to join.

Dinner with international friends
Dinner with international friends

This is a performance of drummers, the brave and curious could try the drums after the performance.

An amazing Japanese drum performance
An amazing Japanese drum performance

The WIMA group performed a “Love The Earth” event and travelled in a convoy led by police to a military camp for entertainment and lunch.

Me and the police
Me and the police
This guy did an amazing performance, and he sure was popular amongst the ladies
This guy did an amazing performance, and he sure was popular amongst the ladies
Delicious and nutritious, a bento box for lunch
Delicious and nutritious, a bento box for lunch

Of course we had to take advantage and hike the mountain, the boots prevented us from going to far up but we were pleased to just be there!

Hiking up Mt Fuji, biker boots might not be the most suitable but the jackets were sure needed
Hiking up Mt Fuji, biker boots might not be the most suitable but the jackets were sure needed

If you want to experience this and more, join your local WIMA division and see you at our next event.
If you’re not yet convinced, check out these two youtube videos:

Official WIMA rally Japan movie

And another video made by a WIMA member

Just another thing, sorry guys this is a girl thing, your best chance is to marry a WIMA woman 🙂

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