Twenty (mostly) Italian Scouts, on 125cc Vespa Red Primaveras, have just ridden over 2,700km from Milan to Norway.
The trip took in many important places along the way and crossed nine countries. The ride left from the Cortile della Rocchetta in Milan and called in at Castello Sforzesco, also in Milan. This was the place where a similar ride departed 75 years ago.
The Freccia Rossa della bontà
The adventurous group were following in the wheel tracks of a group of 25 Italian scouts who rode 65cc Guzzinis provided by Moto Guzzi back in post-war 1949. Their journey ‘The Freccia Rossa della bontà’ (the Red Arrow of goodness) was made to draw attention to the plight of children injured, orphaned and maimed during the war. A problem that is just as relevant today.
Solidarity
The 2024 ride – aptly named, ‘A Road to Solidarity’ aims to draw attention to migrant minors who through no fault of their own have been left alone in the world. Solidarity seems to be something we could learn a thing or two about in Great Britain right now.
The trip took in Strasbourg, Brussels and The Hague, as well as the Waterloo battlefield – all important places for the European Union, which allowed the scouts (and members of the EU) freedom of travel between borders.
The scouts met with various other packs during their journey, including scouts in Brussels, a visit to the International Scout Center of Kandersteg, in Switzerland, and “the city of scouts” of the Luxembourg Wiltz. They also visited local offices and camps such as the one in Hamburg.
They rode through heat and cold as they neared their destination in Norway. Sometimes covering over 300km (186 miles) a day, not without the odd incident (thankfully no injuries though). Even so, 19 Vespas reached the destination, an international scout camp in Stavanger, Norway last week. Where the ‘Vespisti’ were able to talk about their adventure with scouts from all over Europe. You can find out more about the trip and their fundraising here.
It may not be like your average scooter event but the International Scout Camp still looks like fun…
Thanks to Marco Albertini for the images.
