Ride4Mary Women's International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) Journey

Filled with Gratitude—and Fuel for the Future

Even today, weeks after the rally, I still carry the energy and inspiration from the Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) 75th Anniversary celebration. The ride, the stories, and the community of women gathered in Poland, Maine, continue to fuel my sense of purpose as a rider and advocate.

As I reflect on my 3,900-mile Ride4Mary journey—a coast-to-coast tribute to my dear friend Mary McGee—I realize just how powerful our shared sisterhood is. While at the WIMA event I realized, “This isn’t just another rally.” It was a turning point in how I see my role in this movement and the legacy we’re all continuing.

Ruth Belcher arrives after completing her 3,900-mile Ride4Mary journey. My motorcycle also carried Mary McGee’s memory with me from the Pacific to the Atlantic—and became part of something bigger upon arriving here.

Ruth Belcher arrives after completing her 3,900-mile Ride4Mary journey. Her motorcycle also carried Mary McGee’s memory from the Pacific to the Atlantic—and became part of something bigger upon arriving here.

Honoring Mary McGee on the Ride of a Lifetime

As the new West Coast Regional Representative for WIMA-USA, I attended my very first WIMA rally in September 2025. It just so happened to mark the international organization’s 75th anniversary as well.

My Ride4Mary journey was a memorial ride dedicated to “Motorcycle Mary” McGee, my friend and a true icon in motorcycling. Crossing nearly 4,000 miles coast to coast, the trip felt like a moving tribute to her trailblazing spirit—and a meaningful way to bring her memory full circle at a gathering of women riders from around the world.

Before this journey began, I brought several women together who had been close to Mary McGee. Together, we created the Ride4Mary movement. I was excited to carry the torch across the country and meet up with some of the team at the WIMA Rally.

The Ride4Mary team members in attendance, from the left: Maggie McNally, Michelle Lamphere, Ruth Belcher, and Sarah Schilke.

The Ride4Mary team members in attendance, from the left: Maggie McNally, former Board Chairwoman of the American Motrcyclist Association, Michelle Lamphere, current WIMA-USA President, myself, and WRN Co-Chairwoman, Sarah Schilke.

Arriving at WIMA Village

The beautiful grounds of Agassiz Village Camp in Poland, Maine greeted me warmly after my long tour. I arrived tired but exhilarated and was struck by the stunning log dining hall gleaming in the sun and overlooking Lake Thompson.

At least 160 women from more than 18 countries came together to celebrate 75 years of women riders making connections. The sense of global sisterhood is immediate and uplifting.

Ruth’s flag adorned BMW R 1200 GS stands proudly in front of the dining hall which is also adorned with the country flags of each WIMA chapter at the rally. This photo symbolizes the unity and connection we share as women riders.

My flag-adorned BMW R 1200 GS stands proudly in front of the dining hall, which is also adorned with the country flags of each WIMA chapter at the rally. This photo symbolizes the unity and connection we share as women riders.

This bike also carried Mary McGee’s memory with me from the Pacific to the Atlantic—and became part of something bigger when it arrived here.

We were encouraged to decorate our cabins, and WIMA Members had fun with that! Here is the WRWR cabin outfitted British style.

WIMAs from the East and West Portlands (Maine and Oregon) faced off, but also combined and shared to make a cabin full of fun and flair. Many new friendships were forged through the effort. Pictured are Angela Keller and Sonja Abramson.

Camaraderie Among Women Riders

Outside, the sound of motorcycle engines and laughter filled the air. Inside the sound of friendly chatter and camaraderie warmed the communal room. Though it was my first WIMA rally, it felt like returning to a place I had always belonged.

WIMA members and their partners gather for meals, camaraderie, and evening fun. WIMA-USA President Michelle Lamphere and her team poured heart and soul into organizing the event. Providing a joyful rhythm from start to finish. Thanks to the volunteers whose smiles were as constant as the rumble of bikes.

60 year member and WIMA Australia President, Linda Bick, shares a friendly toast with Hayley Bell of WRWR. Everyone enjoyed the multi-generational friendships, especially these two as Hayley was there with her two-year-old daughter, Nya, in tow.

60-year member and WIMA Australia President, Linda Bick (right), shares a friendly toast with Hayley Bell (left) of WRWR. Everyone enjoyed the multi-generational friendships, especially these two as Hayley was there with her two-year-old daughter, Nya, in tow.

Daily rides, late-night campfires, and spontaneous conversations with new friends make WIMA rallies unforgettable.

Even more new friendships were formed and fun was had at the nightly fireside gatherings.

Speakers Who Inspire

The rally’s speaker lineup is nothing short of inspiring. Each presentation throughout the week offered a masterclass in courage, resilience, and passion.

WIMA Australia President Linda Bick always brings humor and heart with storytelling from her six decades of motorcycling and music.

Michelle Lamphere transported to another continent with her tales of riding solo through South America.

Michelle Lamphere transported us to another continent with her tales of riding solo through South America.

Another notable WIMA, Donna Wiegle, shared her brave Teal on Wheels story, riding to raise awareness for ovarian cancer. She was followed by a big announcement from the Women Riders World Relay (WRWR) team—the force behind an international passing of a baton rider-to-rider around the world in 2019.

When Hayley Bell and Liza Miller announced the relaunch of the Women Riders World Relay (WRWR), the room lit up with excitement for the road ahead.

We also heard from many other notable women riders including Sue Bossley, Dr. Wendy Pojmann, Wendy Crockett, Louisa Swaden, and Zee Traveler. Each story reflected leadership, grit, and a deep love for motorcycling.

I am fangirling over Iron Butt Rally Champion, Wendy Crockett! She signed my copy of her book, Pushing Miles: A chronicle of Motorcycles, Mayhem, and Mettle.

Learning and Growing

From talks to tech tips, every moment brought something new. I soaked up every presentation I could.

There were the personal accounts—raw, honest accounts of travel, breakdowns, breakthroughs, and growth. These women aren’t just telling stories. They share life lessons that will continue to echo in my mind and heart.

Wendy Crockett and Liza Miller offer WIMA participants a class on tire repair and basic motorcycle maintenance.

WRN’s Sarah Schilke presents technical information about motorcycle helmet construction, function, and care. I love that she was wearing her Ride4Mary shirt for the presentation!

In addition to the deeply motivating stories and revelations, other sessions provided valuable motorcycle related education. I learned practical skills in tire repair and maintenance, the science of helmet safety, and even first responder training. I left smarter, safer, and more confident.

Joy in the Little Moments

Numerous WIMAs from all over the globe participated in the "Olympic Games." Here we witness the "Hula-Hoop Frenzy!"

WIMA USA President Michelle Lamphere chats with Motor Maids from New England. The Motor Maids are hailed as being one of the oldest women’s motorcycling organizations and have been intertwined with WIMA for decades.

WIMA members sign Ruth’s Ride4Mary sweatshirt.We also signed each other’s gear—like my Ride4Mary sweatshirt—leaving our mark on each other in ink, spirit, and solidarity.

I was thrilled to get all of the WIMAs who had ever been inspired by Motorcycle Mary to sign my (pink in her honor) Ride4Mary sweatshirt. It felt like a summer camp yearbook memento, we left our mark on each other in ink, spirit, and solidarity.

From hula hoop competitions and decorated cabins to fan-girling over motorcycle legends and laughing under the stars, we celebrated each other in every way possible.

These aren’t just riders—we are sisters, mentors, and soul-fueled adventurers.

A Word from WIMA-USA President

A reflection from Michelle Lamphere:
“This event marked the 75th anniversary of WIMA and brought together women riders from more than 18 countries... Ruth Belcher’s Ride4Mary tribute reminded us why we ride, why we gather, and how the spirit of those who came before us continues to guide the road ahead.”

FGroup photo celebrating 75 years of WIMA.

WIMA-USA President and 75th anniversary international rally organizer, Michelle Lamphere, sits with the collective group of global WIMAs.

To Michelle Lamphere and the entire WIMA-USA Board and volunteers: thank you for your tireless work and for creating a week we’ll never forget!

Carrying the Flame Forward

This year’s rally may be over, but the memories and sisterhood ride with us every day. The Ride4Mary journey brings me full circle—honoring the past, celebrating the present, and igniting the future of women who ride.

For anyone looking to experience this kind of empowerment firsthand, I recommend checking out the WIMA organization in your country. Also, keep tabs on women’s motorcycling events on WRN’s Calendar.

This wasn’t just a trip across the country. It was a journey into the heart of why we ride—and why we ride together.

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Ride4Mary Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) Journey

Celebrating Motorcycle Mary en route to the 75th Anniversary WIMA Rally