A DELEGATION FROM THE NORTHERN MOST SCOOTER CLUB IN EUROPE WAS WELCOMED TO THE ITALIAN CAPITAL, UNDER THE AUSPICES OF FRIENDSHIP AND VESPA PASSION. TRONDHEIM IS A FAVOURITE STOP FOR TRAVELLERS BEFORE THEY CONTINUE TO THE NORTH CAPE
January 2026 (G.T., article in collaboration with Paola Scarsi, journalist and writer) – On Saturday 10 January 2026, in Rome (at the Museo Spazio Vespa of the Rent Scooter Bici&Baci in Via Cavour, a few steps from the Colosseum, in the heart of the capital), the ceremony celebrating the twinning of the Vespa Motor Club Roma (founded in 1948, part of the Vespa Club d'Italia) and the Trondheim og Omegn Scooter Klubb of Trondheim (active since 1988, part of the Vespa Club Norway) took place.
Representing the Norwegian club were President Anders Björlykke, with his wife Vigdis Vågen, who is also an expert Vespa rider, and Italian native Calogero Corpina (a member of VC Roma who moved to the city of Trondheim, where he now lives). Meanwhile, Vespa Motor Club Roma President Nunzio Bonanno was in attendance to represent Italy, along with some of the club's best-known members, including Francesco Muroni and Pina Serra (whose nickname is Vespina).
In addition, the presence of Roberto Leardi, Vice-President of the Vespa Motor Club Roma and Honorary President of the Vespa Club d'Italia - the national association he led for over 40 years - was also of particular note. The ceremony was simple yet heartfelt, and took place amidst an atmosphere of deep friendship. Brief thanks were given by the president of the Norwegian club who opened the event, followed by a speech from his counterpart Nunzio Bonanno. After sashes and plaques were exchanged, sealing the partnership between the two clubs, all those in attendance enjoyed some refreshments, surrounded the many iconic Vespa models on display in the museum. Amongst the attendees, there was much talk of a future trip to the North Cape, with a stop in Trondheim.
The twinning between the two clubs is also inspired by the book "La Vespa non si scorda mai - The Unforgettable Vespa", published in Italian and English, by Italian journalist, writer and photographer Paola Scarsi (together with Eugenio Leone) to celebrate the Vespa World Days in Pontedera in 2024. Like her previous book dedicated to the Vespa, this edition also features a number of testimonies from fans and great travellers, highlighting how the Vespa is viewed and experienced around the world.
Norwegian club members Per Harald Grinde, Reidar Tellebon and the aforementioned Anders Björlykke and Calogero Corpina are among those who have shared their experiences in the book. The meeting, first with the author and then with the members of the Vespa Club, gave rise to a personal friendship, and the decision was then made to transform this into a friendship between the Clubs.
The evening ended in a Roman pizzeria where, after enjoying various delicious appetisers and pizza, the participants bid farewell with a promise to meet again soon in Scandinavia. The Norwegians are known to have a profound admiration for Italy, and this preference often leads them to choose our country as a travel destination. Anders and Vigdis will have plenty to talk about at the next regular meeting of the 'klubb' members. The welcome they received in Rome, which exceeded all expectations, will go down in the history of the Trondheim og Omegn Scooter Klubb.
Photo courtesy.
REPORT OF THE EVENT AND PHOTOS ON THE VESPA CLUB D'ITALIA WEBSITE:
https://www.vespaclubditalia.it/2026/01/il-gemellaggio-tra-v-c-roma-e-s-c-trondheim-norvegia/
NEWS AND IMAGES ON THE NORWEGIAN CLUB WEBSITE:
https://www.tosk.no/?p=1323
POST BY THE VESPA CLUB ROMA, FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/64902753932/
FROM NORWAY TO ITALY AND BACK AGAIN, ALL IN THE NAME OF VESPA.
Translation of the speech by President Anders Björlykke of Trondheim og Omegn Scooter Klubb: “Dear friends of Vespa, Vespa Motor Club Roma and Trondheim og Omegn Scooter Klubb, - today is truly a special day. We are here together, beyond the confines of our borders, languages and cultures, united by something we all share: our love for the Vespa and all it represents. The history of the Vespa began in Italy in 1946,, at a time when Europe was in grave need of hope, movement and a new beginning. What began as a simple means of transport quickly evolved into a symbol of freedom, style and community spirit. From the cobblestones of Rome to the winding – and sometimes cold – roads of Trøndelag, the Vespa has found a special place in our hearts. For Trondheim og Omegn Scooter Klubb, the journey began back in 1998. The club was founded after I won first prize – a Vespa ET quattro 125 – in a photography competition organised by Kodak Professional. This marked the establishment of a community that grew rapidly. Back in 1999, we became members of the Classic Scooters Club Norge, then of the national Vespa Klubb Norge. Over the years, we have been involved in a host of events. We organised the Classic Scooter Run in 2010, 2016 and 2025. We participated in the Vespa World Days in Gjøvik in 2011.
And, above all, we attended an important meeting here in Rome in 2019, when I met Calogero for the first time. In 2023, the club celebrated its twenty-fifth anniversary. And four of our members were featured in Paola's book, The Unforgettable Vespa. Today, in 2026, the club has forty-five members, with a beautiful collection of vintage Lambrettas and Vespas, as well as a number of modern models. The Vespa Motor Club Roma continues the legacy of the Vespa's homeland - a legacy that is deeply rooted in history, culture and passion. Becoming a twin clubs today means much more than just signing our names on a piece of paper. We are uniting north and south, past and present and, above all, people. This friendship means new encounters, travelling together, and gathering wonderful stories to tell, whether riding a Vespa or sitting down to eat. We hope this marks the beginning of many shared experiences and memories. From Rome to Trondheim, and from Trondheim to Rome. On behalf of Trondheim og Omegn Scooter Klubb, I am proud to declare our friendship with Vespa Motor Club Roma. Happy travelling, and may the road be with you, friends!”
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