2011 WIMA Pink Ribbon Ride Report
Protecta was proud to be on board with WIMA's Pink Ribbon Ride once again, with this year’s Auckland event held on Sunday the 2nd of October, 2011. Despite the inclement Auckland weather and the ongoing Rugby World Cup, the ride attracted a good turnout with nearly 400 motorbikes and trikes meeting up first thing in the morning at the Auckland Netball Centre in St Johns, and riding through to Western Springs Stadium.
It was great to see everyone getting dressed for the occasion - it's not every day that you see a group of several hundred bikers dressed up in pink! Pink tassels were everywhere, hanging from bike's handlebars, worn as armbands, and streaming from mirrors - even the Police escorts got involved, with their aerials sporting pink ribbons for the ride.
There were many sponsors helping out this year, with spot prizes and give-aways donated by a range of businesses. A raffle was run with the prize being a weekend's use of a Can-Am Spyder, which proved popular. No doubt the motorcyclists were all keen to see what the fuss is about with these three wheeled machines. A number of Spyders were present for the ride, along with a range of other trikes, including custom built machines and a Harley Davidson Tri-Glide, while the two wheeled motorcycles ranged from scooters and mopeds all the way through to massive cruisers and sports bikes.
There was a good turn out of spectators along the ride's route as well, with kids in particular loving the spectacle of the bikes rolling past. The Police escort at the start of the group cleared the way with traffic lights all set to green for the group, and with a Breast Cancer Foundation car at the head of the group and the Auckland Council's Breast Cancer Awareness themed bus at the rear of the group there was no mistaking what this ride was about. It was a great feeling to be riding along Tamaki Drive on Auckland's waterfront and to see a line of bikes stretching as far as the eye could see in either direction. We were allowed to ride down through the closed portion of Quay Street, which must have put on a great sight for the many tourists visiting the Cloud and the Giant Rugby Ball on Queen's Wharf.
While the final tally of donations and fund raising hasn't been released yet, it's a safe bet to say that several thousand dollars were raised for the Sweet Louise charity, an organisation that provides support to women with secondary breast cancer.
Protecta is very proud to be the principal sponsor of this annual ride. Well done WIMA, and all the people who donated time, money and prizes for this great cause. We can't wait for next year's ride!
Who are WIMA?
WIMA is the Women’s International Motorcycling Association, whose aim is to promote and encourage women in motorcycling, regardless of interest or level of participation. Since the 1950’s, WIMA has provided a network of friends and support for women in New Zealand from all walks of life who share a common interest in motorbikes. Whether you're a pillion, a racer, a learner or a long time rider with many miles under her belt, WIMA welcomes all - please visit the WIMA website to find out more.
WIMA have been supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month with their annual Pink Ribbon motorcycle ride since 2004, with each year’s event out-doing the last. In 2010, over 540 motorcyclists attended, with approximately $18,000 being raised for the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation.
Protecta Insurance’s Involvement
Protecta Insurance first became aware of the WIMA Pink Ribbon rides after some of our employees had attended a ride and seen first-hand the excellent work being done. Protecta has now been involved in five Pink Ribbon Rides (since 2007), providing volunteers and prize give-aways for the events, as well as funding, marketing, and advertising resources. As a year-round supporter of WIMA, Protecta is also involved in the printing of WIMA’s member magazine, and provides discounts on motorcycle insurance for WIMA members.
As a Kiwi company, we here at Protecta love the can-do attitude of the WIMA team, and the strong community spirit they show. Protecta is very proud to be partnered with WIMA, and we enjoy being given the opportunity to support WIMA in the excellent work they do within the community.
See you at next year's Pink Ribbon Ride!
Return to News and Events