We got a warm welcome in Tokyo as well. The WIMA-girls had prepared a party for us and we enjoyed seasonal food and drink in a traditional Japanese resturant.
WIMA dinner Photo courtesy Reiko TakizawaThe menu was written specially for us
Earlier in the day Akiko and Reiko took us sightseeing in the Hamarikyu garden and Christopher lost himself in photographing butterflies and Japanese bridges. This was followed by tasty sushi at the seafood market thanks to Michi’s good knowledge of restaurants. From there we went to Ginza and the Kabukiza Theatre.
At the Kabukiza Theatre with friends Photo courtesy Reiko Takizawa
A day full of events and we were certainly taken good care of – thank you WIMA Japan!
This year the riding was cut short due to the urge to return to Japan. After the Japanese WIMA-rally in 2010 I have wanted to go back and experience more of this beautiful country together with my fiance and this summer we had the possibility to travel together.
Osaka Castle view
We were invited to visit a WIMA-friend in Osaka and she gave us a very warm welcome, soba, takoyaki, sushi and sightseeing of Osaka castle.
Being a devoted biker Keiko has designed her house so she can overlook her garage and motorcycle from her study. A true showroom with spotlights for evening illumination. I love it!
The WIMA Rally was situated in the area Val-de-Travers, in the french speaking part of Switzerland and our camp was on the sport ground in the village Couvet.
The WIMA campsite
We had lovely weather, better than I could imagine after last years nighmare ride in the cold and rainy Susten pass. For a couple of nights I did sleep with wollen socks and thermal underwear, but it was still fine. And if it gets chilly in the evening you can always warm up with a hot foot-bath as these ladies.
International WIMA foot bath
It is a chame that I forgot to take a picture at my tent, it was probably the smallest one. I was lucky with neighbours though, providing shelter for sun and cooking equipment. We preprared most of our meals ourself wich was nice and saved lots of money. The only thing I remembered to bring was my spork, originally intended to eat beans from the can.
One of my favourite parts of the WIMA rally is the parade, everyone gets their bikes ready with flags or other national assesories and we go for a shorter ride togheter.
Wima Japan is getting ready for the parade
Mountain ride and parade
At the end of the parade we got fruit and buns and there I spent some time admiaring others bikes.
The Finish president rides a beautiful Ducati Monster
Lack of height has never been my problem. This Japanese lady amazed us all with her skills balancing the for her to tall bike. But no need to worry, she is a rider-instructor.
Amazing Rumi
Apart from the riding there is plenty of social events taking place at a WIMA rally. The food was absolutely outstanding, very high quality and nutricious & delicious!
Poland, Curaçao, Sweden, Australia and Estonia was represented at this table.
Time runs quickly and to soon the week has come to an end. Everyone is packing up to head on or head home. Anneli is taking the route through the Italian alps on her way to Estonia. For me, La Grande Chaume is the next destination and I will have a day of rest before taking on the last leg of the journey.
Untill seing this lady pack her Ducati I thought riding a Monster was an excuse not to camp. Now I know better!
Next years rally is held in Poland and it seems impossibe not to go there and meet all the amazing WIMAs again. But before that I go to Japan and in then I meet some of these nice ladies again! 🙂 Having friends all over the world is a truly great thing!
