Ballina will roar to life this weekend as hundreds of women riders gather in a bold attempt to smash not one, but three world records — and put the town back on the global motorcycling map.

The event is the brainchild of Deborah Geerts, a South Australia–based rider and organiser who first launched the “Two Wheel Babes” rally in Ballina in 2008. 

After a six-year break, she’s chosen to return to where it all began for what she says will be her “final ride as an event organiser.”

“I wanted to bring it home to Ballina because the community here embraced us from the very beginning,” Geerts told Ballina News Daily. 

“It’s the perfect fit – welcoming, supportive, and just the right place to celebrate women in motorcycling.”

Three Record Attempts

The main action kicks off on Sunday from 11am, when bikes will line Lighthouse Parade in preparation for three official record counts.

The categories include:

• Most mothers and daughters at a female bike meet — a brand new category with no existing record.
  
• Most women at a female bike meet — hoping to reclaim a title currently held by the UK with 1,597 riders.
  
• Longest convoy of women riding together — a 50km route through the Ballina hinterland, finishing with a triumphant return down River Street.
  

Numbers are being kept under wraps until Sunday night, but Geerts is optimistic: “We won’t announce the figures until after the count — it’s all part of the excitement.”

Celebration and Safety Go Hand in Hand

While the focus is on women riders making history, organisers say the event is also about promoting safe riding.

“Besides celebrating women who love motorcycles, we are very passionate about making sure that when we go out for a ride, we come home safely,” Geerts said.

The rally has partnered with Joe Rider, a NSW Government road safety program that coincides with Motorcycle Awareness Month in October. Riders will be encouraged to follow best practices such as wearing full protective gear, riding with skill, and looking out for one another.

“The more people we get to come home instead of having crashes and fatalities on our roads, the better,” Geerts said.

Community Barbecue and Local Support

Ballina Marine Rescue will be running a community barbecue on Sunday from 10am to 2pm, serving sausages and salads to spectators along Lighthouse Parade.

Funds raised will go towards the unit’s new rescue boat appeal, while South Australian charity Kidx will also benefit from national fundraising.

The ride itself is designed to engage the community.  Locals are encouraged to line River Street, Compton Drive and the caravan park stretch from 3pm to cheer on the convoy.

A Global Movement with Local Roots

What began as a grassroots event in Ballina has grown into an international movement, inspiring rallies in the UK, USA and Canada. 

Accommodation is Ballina is hard to get this weekend, with riders flying in from as far away as Japan, Canada and New Zealand to take part.

“It’s grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined,” Geerts said.

“But it’s only right that it finishes where it all started, right here in Ballina.”

For Geerts, who has been riding since 2006, the event is about visibility and camaraderie as much as records.

“Women riders are undervalued and underrepresented,” she said. 

“This rally is about showing the world that we not only ride, but ride well. 

“We’re a strong community –  much stronger than people think.”

The excitement is building for what promises to be a spectacular day of noise, colour, road safety, and history in the making.