Perfect days can look very different, we, the “WIMA Austria” Group East” have packed 8.5.2021 into about 500 perfect road kilometres.
Due to the lockdown, Petra from Gripsmania changed her “Ladies Breakfast & Ride” into a “Ladies Ride” in the south-east of Styria. 16 ladies followed her call to participate.
For the north-eastern group, the journey to and from the event would have been too far, but since the day was already reserved for biking, we used it for that too!
What does it take for a perfect WIMA day? Five women with motorbikes, sunshine, azure blue skies, full tanks and five colourful outfits. It has almost become a tradition for us to present ourselves conspicuously as “girls” on our bikes on the occasion of IFRD, the International Female Riding Day. Actually, the event was already on 1. May 21, but due to organisational reasons we made up for it a week later.
and having the Wima Day in advance 
Departure 9.00 am near Tulln, in fresh temperatures. Julia, the newcomer to the driving licence, has increased the cubic capacity of her BMW GS 750 almost sixfold (!) compared to the 125cc Honda she was used to, and Chris wants to test the tank range of her KTM. Berti, Anneliese and I want nothing more than to have fun.
The route Chris has put together through the Weinviertel, Waldviertel, Mühlviertel and Danube valleys offers the best conditions for variety and some highlights: Wine and agricultural cultures, forest and pond landscape, knight’s castles, ruins on rocky heights, dreamy river valleys and wide horizons. In addition, fruit trees and lilac hedges are in blossom, and tulips, ornamental cherries and forsythia shine in the gardens.
First destination: the motorbike angel near Éibenstein an der Thaya. Shining like steel, it spreads its protective wings over the community of all bikers. A memorial commemorates all those who have lost their lives in the pursuit of this hobby.
We continue past Freistadt to Bad Leonfelden. Of course I have to go into the centre and buy dessert for the group at the local Lebzelterei. Here in Bad Leonfelden, memories of the WRWR Easter 2019 come to life, where part of Team Austria joined the group coming from the Czech Republic and started the first leg through Austria.
The “Guardians of Time”, perched high on the Waxenberg ruins, are our second destination. The shiny golden, larger-than-life mystical figures live up to their name – not only do they keep the wonderful weather for us until late in the evening, but they also allow themselves to be patiently climbed, occupied and photographed. From the ruins you have a fantastic view over the Weinviertel and the Danube valley to the Alps in the south.
Because of the advanced time, the route then leads down to the Danube shortly before Perg and we make a quick trip to Grein, for the last fuel stop and coffee to go. The ever-popular ice cream parlour sells ice cream in the alley, but we don’t feel like joining the long queue of customers.
At Melk, change to the southern bank of the Danube. The Wachau in the warm, golden light of the evening sun offers a gentle end to the day.
In Mautern we split up again, depending on the destination. Julia, you did a great job on your first ride! Chris once again drove a fantastic one! Berti, Anneliese – thanks for the pleasant company as always! A mishap- and control-free, relaxed ride with soul dangling. That’s what I call a perfect day!