About WIMA
 WIMA is a world-wide organisation which aims to promote and encourage motorcycling amongst women. It was founded in 1950 in the USA and has since spread to many countries around the world.
The modern Australian division began life in Adelaide in 1985 and now WIMA members are scattered throughout Australia (and the rest of the world) with representatives and organised activities in most States. New members become the recipients of the friendship and support this vast network offers. Membership of the Australian Division entitles you to all of this as well as a quarterly newsletter with news of past and future events around Australia and overseas, and motorcycling information.
Women don't have to ride or own their own bikes to become a member. Our association is for women who are interested in motorcycling in any form and wish to support motorcycling amongst women. Most activities include men as partners and friends and they are welcome at rides, rallies and events. WIMA is an energetic cheerful crowd from many different walks of life. Our members include couriers, secretaries, mums, home-makers, health workers, posties, teachers and many others.
Currently, membership costs $30 per year (but only $15.00 if you join after July 31). Membership entitles you to the quarterly WIMA Australia Newsletter, any State newsletters, sponsor discounts and low-cost WIMA merchandise. You're welcome to come along to a meeting or on a ride with us before you join. Prospective members are always welcome.
WIMA History
The Women's International Motorcycle
Association was founded in the USA in 1950 by a remarkable woman called Louise Scherbyn. Louise was a pioneering woman motorcyclist, who, during the 1940's noticed the increasing popularity of motorcycling amongst women. She became convinced that there should be a world-wide organisation for all women motorcyclists. In 1952 Louise wrote of her vision:
"I believed that there should be a world-wide organisation for all women motorcyclists. Why not unite as a body in exchanging ideas and opinions, problems and advice? And with this came the initial step of the founding of the Women's International Motorcycle Association. People said to me at the time this endeavour would be an impossibility. My love of the sport and my determination carried me on to make it a possibility and eventually a successful reality. With the help of every member and some wonderful friends, the WIMA has now grown today to be the largest women's motorcycle organisation in the world. And that, girls, is how it all began."
By 1952 WIMA had a seven nation membership consisting of the United States, Canada, Australia, England, Holland, Belgium, and Czechoslovakia and all of these countries (except the USA) have active WIMA divisions today.
Now approaching its fiftieth anniversary WIMA is alive and well today with the original seven nation membership having grown to 14 active national divisions and contacts in several other countries. The club has become a truly world-wide organisation which promotes and encourages motorcycling amongst women.
The Australian division began life in 1950 when Hazel Mayes of Sydney was invited by the founder to become the first member outside the USA. The club has been particularly active since its renaissance in Adelaide in 1985 under the leadership of Linda Bootherstone. Now members of WIMA Australia can be found throughout the country with representatives and organised activities in all States.
WIMA Australia sees itself as part of the wider motorcycling community and we join in many activities organised by other clubs and participate in events such as the annual Toy Runs and Blanket Runs. We support the Red Cross Blood Bank by organising Blood Runs for those who want to donate blood.
WIMA Australia Constitution
The WIMA Australia Constitution can be downloaded in the following
formats:
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![[WIMA Australia]](images/navigation/wimalogo.gif)
