Readings for motorcyclists and motorcycle travelers

In the months of preparation for my trip, I did various readings for more or less experienced, more or less adventurous, Vespisti and motorcyclists, all with something to convey mentally, technically and relative to the places to be visited.

With some of them I even met, or heard by phone, or texted; with all of them real relationships were born, among people who think more or less alike, with the same interests, ambitions and, why not, even fears.

In this post I want to thank them for their help and promote the dissemination and awareness of their books. I hope they can be inspirational to many vespisti and motorcyclists, even if only for their out-of-town trips or summer vacations. Reading books like these gives each of us a chance to daydream.

They helped me a lot before I left and still today, that I am traveling….

Fabio Cofferati

I have already talked about Fabio in the first travelogue, from departure to North Macedonia.

A super passionate vespista, in 2021 he has redone the Milan-Tokyo trip on a Vespa for the Olympics, as Roberto Patrignani had done in 1964.

From this crazy idea, including the type of vehicle chosen, came the book “Ancora in Vespa da Milano a Tokio” which traces all the moments, from the idea, to the preparation, to the whole journey.

Fabio gave it to me on the day of my departure, when we met in Trieste in the afternoon. Just today, in a waterfront meadow in Istanbul, I read the first 70 pages, really beautiful and inspiring. I only quote the opening sentence:

“Sometimes it is better to get lost on the road of an impossible journey than never to set out.”

Massimiliano Perrella

Maximilian is great, because his journey has meant first and foremost a radical life change.

As a mall manager who moved to Italy every six months, at just over 30 years old he quit his job, dropped everything and took off on his Africa Twin for Australia. A long journey that later took him to other parts of the world, including South America. He has been away I think four or five years, self-financing himself by working locally.

His first book “Uno “spostato” su due ruote”, is very beautiful and inspiring as it tells of the actual journey, retraced in his itinerary to Australia.

The second book “Viaggiando s’impara”, released in late 2021, is more of a handbook i.e., a set of practical tips useful for those who are planning motorcycle trips. It is advice about the medium, but also about behaviors and how to stay mentally trained. Also very nice.

With Massimiliano, we have been in touch a lot over these months. He also wrote to me in the days immediately following the departure, and I must confess that he was a great help to me in the first difficult moments. Thank you Massimiliano.

Ilario Lavarra

Ilario Lavarra is the modern-day Giorgio Bettinelli, indeed, more so.

He made an initial trip in 2011 to America from which he drew the book “21 Americhe”, which, although I promised myself I would do so, I did not manage to read before departure.

But in 2017, Ilario decided to set off again on a round-the-world trip, this time doing it for real. The amazing thing is that it has covered more than 150,000 km and as I write this, in May 2022, it is still away. Just these days he turned 40 years old, best wishes.

I have messaged Ilario several times, and I must say that his practical advice has been most helpful. From him I can say that I was inspired a lot from a technical point of view, even brutally copying particularly interesting solutions.

Michela Zin – Motoviaggiatrice.it

She has not written books, at least I think so, however, she is the only real female mototraveler I know, and so space for all women who love to travel. Michela in her blog Motoviaggiatrice.it, tells about the motorcycle and travel interpreted in the feminine way.

Very nice post and what you wrote on the occasion of my departure:

It all happened on a rainy day in the small village of A in the Lofoten Islands (Norway).

Our bikes met during a maneuver.

Two Italian license plates could not be missed so many miles away from our country.

A simple “hello, where are you from?” “Bassano del grappa, and you?” “Conegliano” “wow! We are neighbors, have a good trip, bye.”

I never thought I would see him again…but the night I reached Nordkapp I found him there!

At this point, it was no longer possible not to get to know each other and exchange contacts to meet again in Italy!

And so it was.

Back home we talked and he said, “I have an idea! Let’s get together! I want to tell you!”

Never did I think I would hear these words, “I have decided to go on a world tour on a Vespa, I plan to return to Italy in two years.”

My eyes, my heart and my head went wild with amazement and excitement to talk about this Great Journey, a dream come true and revolutionizing your Life!

And so today, after months of preparation and organization, he left hugging me and saying, “You can understand me.”

Tears flowed from my eyes as I saw him start his red Vespa loaded with everything needed to face this EXTRAORDINARY JOURNEY.

Go #GianlucaPellegrinelli! You are an example for me and for many people! Thank you!”

In addition to them, I mention the veteran of veteran Vespa travelers, Giorgio Bettinelli, who has traveled more than 240,000 km on a Vespa around the world. Sadly, who died prematurely at about age 55 from an infection contracted in China, where he had moved, George wrote many books that have become true icons. Among many I read his first book “In Vespa,” where he tells how he first approached 36 a Vespa and then his first trip from Rome to Saygon, Vietnam. Beautiful book full of lived life.

Another good book I read is by Luca Capocchiano who wrote “Il giro del mondo a 80 all’ora – parte prima” where he recounts his long journey on a yellow Vespa TS 125. The book is very compelling in that Luke started out without much personal and technical preparation, so in the story we also experience all the misadventures he went through. Really nice!!!

For yourself or for a gift, I recommend these readings or any others that help you dream. Those mentioned are also visible here.