An unforgettable day on the Vltava River
After a leisurely breakfast, it was time at 9:30 a.m. to start the engines and hit the road! The route took us along small, winding roads for about an hour and a half to Český Krumlov. The drive itself was a pleasure, but the real adventure was just about to begin.
In Český Krumlov, we split into two groups. One group parked near the old town and set off on foot to explore the winding alleys. It was a real highlight, especially for those participants who had never visited the town before.
The larger group, however, had other plans. We continued a bit further along the Vltava River to Camp Vltava, where canoes and rafts were waiting for us. After a quick administrative check-in with the friendly young men at registration, it quickly became clear: motorcycle jackets, helmets, and boots may be perfect for riding on two wheels, but they’re not exactly ideal for paddling. So it was time to change into gear that was much more water-friendly.
Shortly thereafter, we launched the canoes and got acquainted with our new “vehicles.” Admittedly, you don’t need a motorcycle license to paddle a canoe, but a little practice definitely doesn’t hurt. At first, some boats preferred to spin in circles rather than go straight, but after a short while we found our rhythm and glided together down the Vltava.
The view from the water was simply breathtaking. We paddled leisurely through the countryside and got to experience Český Krumlov from a completely different perspective. But the day wasn’t going to go by without a few challenges.
Halfway through the route, an unexpected task awaited us. A bridge was undergoing repairs and neither canoes nor rafts were allowed to pass underneath it. So it was time to get out of the water! Thanks to our large group, we quickly organized, pitched in, and carried the boats together. The boats were carried in groups over the gravel around the construction site and put back in the water beyond the barrier. With summer temperatures and bright sunshine, it was quite a workout, but together we overcame this hurdle with plenty of humor and team spirit.
At the drop-off point, our group split up again. Some relaxed as they waited for the shuttle bus that was supposed to take us back, while others decided to take another stroll through the beautiful city. That decision definitely had its perks: an ice cream here, a coffee there, and the chance to soak up the special atmosphere of the old town once more—what more could you ask for?
As is so often the case when traveling, chance ultimately played into our hands. A small group was even able to flag down a bus that kindly took them the last stretch back to camp. Sometimes a friendly smile helps more than any schedule.
Back at camp, we swapped our paddles for motorcycle keys and slipped back into our riding gear. The route then took us along the Vltava River, past Rožmberk nad Vltavou, and back to Austria. Via Bad Leonfelden, we finally made our way back to Reichenau im Mühlkreis on familiar roads.
Dinner was served à la carte this time. Although the selection was a bit smaller, the food tasted all the better for it, and everyone was well taken care of.
As the sun slowly disappeared behind the hills, there was finally one more item on the program that we had been looking forward to since the night before: the promised campfire. This time, it went perfectly. And sure enough, it got surprisingly chilly as darkness fell. So, armed with jackets and sweaters, we moved closer to the warming flames.
The evening passed with lots of pleasant conversation, hearty laughter, and a little music. The atmosphere was relaxed, warm, and exactly what you’d imagine a successful day among female motorcyclists to be like. And just like the night before, it got a little late before we finally crawled into bed, satisfied and full of wonderful memories.
A day that showed that WIMA isn’t just on two wheels—sometimes the best adventures also take place on the water.
Whether on a motorcycle or in a canoe—being on the road together, gaining new experiences, and having lots of fun in the process is what makes the special atmosphere of our WIMA gatherings. The day on the Vltava River will remain in the memories of many of us for a long time—not only because of the gorgeous scenery, but also because of the many little adventures we mastered together.
❤️