Melbourne Vespa riders will celebrate the iconic scooter marque’s 75th anniversary on Sunday, 19 December, with the ninth annual Vespa Day Around the Bay.
The event, organised by the Vespa Club of Melbourne, allows participants to choose from eight departure points around the bay.
Riders can do one or two legs of the trip or ride the full 322.6km right around Port Phillip Bay.
Cost is $10 per rider with funds raised going to the Khmer Association for Development (KAD).
The local Cambodian non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organisation conducts several community programs in health, education, vocational training, media, governance, agriculture and children’s rights.
The Vespa Club of Melbourne has donated more than $40,000 to the Cambodian charity in the past eight years.
Among the classic Vespa models expected at the event will be several 75th editions of the latest Vespa Primavera 150 and GTS 300 models, distinguished by their historic ‘Giallo Zolfo’ livery, intuitive TFT display and iconic leather wheel bags.
Vespa has built more than 19 million scooters over the past 75 years, including almost two million in the past decade alone.
Vespa Day Around the Bay itinerary
6.45am Geelong: The Edge Cafe. Refuel at Yarraville so you can make it home.
8.30am Yarraville: Main ride leaves from Dad and Dave’s Cafe (Bus station).
9am St Kilda: Shakespeare Grove car park along Luna Park. Be ready to go when the ride arrives.
10.40am Chelsea: Morning tea from 10am by members Stefan and Ira at their home at 8 Village Crescent, Chelsea. Thank them very much.
11.30am Mornington: Wilson’s Road. Regroup only. Don’t gear down. Ride begins as soon as the tail rider arrives.
1pm Sorrento Ferry: $20 cash for Vespa Club members/$30 cash others (usually $39). Have small notes ready to pay Julie as you pass through the gate. Lunch on the ferry is BYO or you can buy from the kiosk.
1.45pm Queenscliff: Ride to Portarlington where riders will refuel.
3.30pm Leave Geelong, through Corio and Lara: North of Little River the ride joins the freeway for 15 minutes.
4.30pm: Main ride arrives for drinks at Vault bar, Yarraville.
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com