Of course, the name Elba is familiar to everyone, not just tourists, but it was also important to Napoleon. He had spent nine months of his exile on Elba, more precisely in Portoferraio, Villa dei Mulini, and managed to turn the island upside down and modernize it in this relatively short time. But enough history, today it’s all about a rebirth for Vespa events.
Finally, after 13 long years on ice, the legendary Rally Toscano events have returned. One of the most important of all in Europe.
Scooter meeting in the home country of Vespa and Lambretta
The SIP team from Landsberg, consisting of Alex, André, Basti, Hasi, Luigi, Ralf, Salve and Jesco, had beamed themselves to Florence without further ado due to bad weather conditions. It’s no fun to struggle through the snow-covered Alps in April. Nobody wanted to do that to themselves.
Unfortunately, there was also an uninvited guest who was not on the list of participants: the breakdown devil. It struck right at the start of the tour and set the crew back considerably. With combined forces, concentrated knowledge and scooter experience, we finally managed to get the striking parts working again.
Neither the Elbe ferry nor the rally would wait for the Landsbergers. Another very good reason was the invitation from the “Hotwheels Scooter Club”, whose host Gigio was already waiting for them outside the Vespa tourers’ accommodation before they headed to the barbecue that had been set up. There, a huge barbecue surprised the 60 or so guests at the traditional Tuscan barbecue.
It was a real challenge for any barbecue master to feed such a large number of hungry diners. However, the chefs and grill masters succeeded in doing so excellently, earning them praise from all sides.
Delicacies such as Amatriciana, steaks and plenty of wine were served accompanied by thick clouds of smoke.
Back on the slopes
What could be better? Sun, beach, palm trees, the beguiling scent of two-strokes in your nose (the perfume of the Vespisti). Picturesque coastal roads, narrow hairpin bends, small villages that open up views of sometimes tiny bays with turquoise water.
Unfortunately, the roads are not always in the best condition. It would be an adventure to see what kind of slopes there would be after the next bend in the road. Caution is therefore required, which is no problem for experienced Vespisti.
In fact, there are two things that Vespisti are perfect at: Scooter riding and partying.
It is an overwhelming sight to see hundreds of scooter riders gathered on the island ferries, rattling off the ferries on their machines and rolling towards the small beach in the south of the island, Morcone Bay.
What an experience that is! A swarm of Vespas and Lambrettas whose pilots populate the island ferries from Piombino. A wonderful and yet somehow orderly chaos.
Marcone Bay
The scene of the action. Here, too, the rally site is bustling and chaotic, yet orderly. It looks like an oriental bazaar, colorful and loud, beguiling smells of roasted and grilled food that caress the nose and palate.
There was also a wide range of music for the ears. For example, an all-day beach DJ set and the Mandel Clubs with the best Italian selectors for Jamaica, soul and scooterist’s finest sounds.
To round things off, a large market area was set up. There were records, vintage and classic streetwear & accessories to admire and purchase.
Of course, there were also accessories and spare parts for scooters, including experts for repairs on site. Anyone who spontaneously decided to get a tattoo also had the opportunity to do so.
Long rows of benches were set up in front of the beach, lined with beer stalls and barbecues. There were plenty of opportunities to exchange international experiences or simply to chat and have a good time.
Conclusion
A wonderful Vespa meeting with a long history. It’s just a shame that the younger Vespisti only know this event from stories and photo galleries. Let’s hope that it won’t be such a long time before the next Rally Toscano scooter meeting. Have a good trip at all times!
The SIP Scootershop offers accessories and add-on parts for all trips and journeys on your beloved two-wheelers to ensure that your tour is a complete success!
