Records set as Babe Raid puts Ballina on the world stage

MORE than 30 families set a new world record for mothers and daughters riding together at the Babe Raid motorcycle event in Ballina.

The rally, run by 2 Wheel Babes, is the largest women’s motorcycle event in Australia and is recognised internationally.

It also maintained its previous record for the most women riding continuously, with more than 650 participants taking part in the convoy.

Organiser Deborah Geerts said red tape and paperwork hindered parts of this year’s event, including the original highway route they had planned.

“We still had a fantastic time, there was a few hiccups along the way, but it’s such a special event,” she said.

“We picked Ballina because the community was so welcoming, and we’ve always supported local.

“We made all our riders join the Cherry Street Bowling Club to help put money back into the community.

“A lot of things like that make a difference and it’s a way for us to contribute and say thank you for having us.

“No one from our end makes any money out of it, it’s purely for the love of what we do.”

Geerts first ran the event at Ballina in 2008 and wanted to make sure her final time organising the meet was at the same location.

She hopes it can return to being an annual event for the region with someone else at the helm.

The ride raised vital funds for the local Marine Rescue unit and children’s charities.

“We ensured we only used all local services for the three days we were here and supported as many local groups as we could,” Geerts said.

“That’s bakeries, cafes and there were even three women that have stayed behind and had their bikes repaired at Ballina.”