The first souvenir-photo on the eve of their departure: the members of the “Mountainmen” Vespa Club Innsbruck (which is part of the Vespa Club Austria) in front of the famous Golden Roof (Goldenes Dachl). In the other photo, they are lined up in front of the Colosseum in Rome.
July 2026 (G.T.) – A group of friends, united by a shared passion for the Vespa (and for good food and good company): the road calls to them and they respond. And this time it’s not just a day trip, but a real expedition: more than 2,000 kilometres (outward and return journeys) during an intense week full of emotions, starting from Innsbruck, Austria, to Rome, the caput mundi for Vespa lovers from all over the world, who have heeded the call to celebrate the 80th anniversary of an icon which made its debut in 1946, and continues to captivate to this day. They are the members of the Vespa Club Mountainmen of Innsbruck, and now that their mission is accomplished, we can relive their great road trip through the documentary produced by film director Hermann Weiskopf, a member of the club who truly knows and loves Italy and the Vespa.
In the centre, the giant advert featuring the event’s slogan “ROMA 2026” (Foro Italico), covered with stickers from the various Vespa Clubs (Wide mag photo); on either side, advertisements from the 1960s featuring a couple dreaming of riding a Vespa (press kit).
By Hermann Weiskopf. “On the eve of our trip, we got together for our first souvenir photo in front of the Golden Roof in our charming Innsbruck, and to complete the last-minute preparations and discuss the trip to Rome that awaited us: taking part in the international event ‘Vespa, 80 Years of an Icon-Roma 2026’ from 25-28 June 2026, organised to mark the Vespa’s 80th birthday, with the global Vespa World Days 2026 rally running at the same time. A fantastic experience to share, in the saddle of our beloved Vespa.
DAY 1. From left, Hermann Weiskopf (Vespa GTV 300) is ready to set off. Alexander Auerswald (1981 Vespa PX 125) is still engaged in an important conversation...
The two of them decided to set off a day early so they could treat themselves to a pleasant detour via Lake Garda before joining their other Vespisti friends. Anyway, as they say, all roads lead to Rome! Finally, the long-awaited moment has arrived. After months of preparation, the trip can begin.
From left, Hermann and Alex at the Brenner Pass. And indulging in a cappuccino and a pastry.
DAY 1. A few photos at the legendary Brenner Pass, a symbol of the friendship between Austria and Italy in modern-day Europe, were a must. And of course, the classic Italian breakfast is not to be missed: a cappuccino with a croissant and jam at Bar All’Angolo. Then, the journey continues through the Pennes Pass, taking in a stretch of the South Tyrolean Wine Route, and along the banks of Lake Caldaro. After an enjoyable stop in the typical village of Tramin/Termeno, we reach Lake Garda.
From left, Hermann and Alex on the road to the Pennes Pass, at an altitude of over 2,200 meters.
In Torri del Benaco, far away from the standard tourist trail, we enjoy evening views of the lake and the typically Italian atmosphere in complete peace. To round off such a beautiful day, we couldn’t say no to a mouthwatering pizza fresh from the oven at Ristorante Paradiso. After a day like this, no one wants to go to bed on an empty stomach.
From left: South Tyrol Wine Route. Lake Caldaro.
From left, Tramin/Termeno. Hermann and his Vespa: “Even on the most beautiful road trip you need a break every now and then.”
Arrival in Torri del Benaco, on Lake Garda. The magic of sunset…in the saddle of Vespa.
From left, Torri del Benaco – Church of Saints Peter and Paul. Close-up of a delicious pizza, fresh out of the oven at Ristorante Paradiso.
DAY 2. Early in the morning, Alexander and I leave Garda. Before us lies the vast Po Valley, one of the most characteristic landscapes of northern Italy.
Alexander and Hermann ready to set off from Garda, headed for Rome.
From left, Alexander and Hermann on the road again, crossing the Po Valley. In front of the church in Brescello (province of Reggio Emilia).
From left: Hermann and Alexander pose together with the statues dedicate to Don Camillo and Peppone.
There’s one stop that’s simply unmissable: Brescello, the small town made famous by the Don Camillo and Peppone films series of the 1950s. A visit to the museum dedicated to these two unforgettable characters constitutes a real journey through 20th-century Italian history, exploring traditions and contrasts, and highlights a deep friendship that overcomes all political and social differences. Indeed, it is this same spirit of friendship that also characterises the world of Vespa and its fans.
From left, Alexander as Peppone (the “Mayor” who rode a Moto Guzzi). Hermann imitates the priest Don Camillo.
We then continue along the River Po to the Agriturismo L'Albero del Latte in Bagnolo San Vito, where we are delighted to reunite with the other members of the Mountainmen Vespa Club. After all, all roads lead to Rome, and travelling with friends makes every experience even more enjoyable.
Stop at Osteria da Bortolino, on the banks of the Po. After an excellent lunch featuring local specialities, we get back on the road, heading along the Po River toward Agriturismo L’Albero del Latte.
In the evening, we finally reunite with our other friends from the Mountainmen at the agriturismo. Naturally, the reunion is celebrated with some excellent wine. But man cannot live by wine alone: we indulged in some fresh pasta, made by the agriturismo’s grandmother. From the delicious menu to dessert and, of course, a grappa to finish… At this point, all that’s left is to treat ourselves and our Vespas to a well-deserved rest until the following morning.
DAY 3. Today, our first long leg of the journey awaits us as we head to Rome together. From the Po Valley, we cross the Apennines, travelling along the stunning Futa Pass until we reach Siena.
We set off again bright and early; some faces are still sleepy. But the first field of sunflowers we come across immediately brightens the day and fills everyone with enthusiasm.
Every mile is an unforgettable experience: the wonderful summer sun and the breeze on our faces, the winding roads, breathtaking views and plenty of laughs during our stops all strengthen the spirit of friendship.
From left, Hermann Weiskopf riding his Vespa GTV 300 along the route; Fred Einkemmer, a true expert on curves.
A brief stop on the road to the Futa Pass.
Along the way, we also stop at a memorial dedicated to the victims of World War II. It’s a moment of reflection that reminds us of how much suffering was caused by hatred, and by the Second World War.
The World War II memorial at the Futa Pass. A moment of reflection for all of us Mountainmen.
Being a Vespista is also about preserving the memory of the past, so that future generations can construct a better future.
From left, Alexander Auerswald enjoys every mile; Robert Petrovitsch shows everyone the perfect riding position.
From left: Klaus Pleyer, always elegant, on his 1979 Vespa P125X; Davide Rettenbacher, the youngest in the group, sporting an all-black Star Wars-style look; our president Markus Tomasini always knows which way to go. Thank goodness!
The day ends in the best possible way in Siena. It’s impossible to resist a traditional bistecca alla Fiorentina (Florentine-style steak) and to finish the evening in true Italian style, a small glass of Limoncello (Italian lemon liqueur) makes everything even more delightful.
DAY 4. The big day has finally arrived: crossing the beautiful landscapes of southern Tuscany, we reach our destination, Rome, the Eternal City, also known as Caput Mundi.
There’s great excitement among the Vespa ‘Mountainmen’ riders as we travel through Tuscany, one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.
The rolling hills, cypress trees, medieval villages, and picture-perfect views make every mile a true pleasure. The excitement grows at every turn: our destination is now close. Not even a sudden shower can dampen our high spirits. After all, we’re in Italy, and as the saying goes, the sun always comes out after the rain.
Not even the rain can dampen our good spirits. Shortly after, the sun comes out again, and the journey continues under clear skies once again.
DAYS 5,6,7, ROME. Finally, we arrive in the Eternal City. The event we’ve been looking forward to for months can finally begin. Vespisti from all over the world descended upon Rome to celebrate their passion together (during the four days of celebrations marking Vespa’s 80th anniversary, the Vespa Village at the Foro Italico in Rome welcomed over 50,000 Vespa lovers; and 25,000 people took part in the enormous, spectacular parade. Editors ’note). Everywhere, there was an atmosphere of enthusiasm, friendship, and companionship.
From left, the Mountainmen in front of the Colosseum: a photo destined to be treasured forever; taking part in the grand parade that started at the Baths of Caracalla, passing the iconic landmarks of Italy’s capital.
Whether enjoying the atmosphere in the Vespa Village at the Olympic Stadium, during the spectacular parade through Rome’s historic centre, passing the Colosseum and the monuments of the Roman Forum, or on a trip to the beach at Fiumicino, the enthusiasm was always there.
Once again, the Vespa showcases the characteristics that have rendered it so unique for eighty years: it unites people of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures, bringing smiles and creating friendships that transcend all boundaries.
From left, Didi Phillip, delighted to be at the event. All the Mountainmen gathered at the Olympic Stadium in Rome.
From left, Susann and Andreas Gossens. Our ageless Mountainman Hugo Monz celebrating the Vespa’s 80th anniversary. The Vespa and our club bring together people of all generations.
From left, the Vespa Village at the Olympic Stadium, with Riccardo Costagliola, President of the Piaggio Foundation. Hermann Weiskopf with Josh Rogers, President of the Vespa Club of America.
Hermann Weiskopf with a fan who travelled all the way from Australia to attend the Rome rally; she kindly posed for a photo, echoing the pair of Vespa riders in the poster image for the big event alongside Hermann.
From left, a visit to the Austrian Press Agency (APA-Austria Presse Agentur) together with correspondent Micaela Taroni. The Mountainmen in the APA press centre with the Rome skyline in the background.
A trip to Fiumicino, by the sea, with a stop at the legendary bar ‘Il Baffo’, where we enjoyed a perfect Aperol Spritz.
Dinner at Gina restaurant in Porto Romano, right by the sea. A seafood antipasto, spaghetti with clams. The Mountainmen, true to their motto: “Every now and then, you’ve got to treat yourself!”, which translates into rides on a Vespa, good food, and good company! Now this is the life, the good life, “Italian style.”
DAY 8. The moment has arrived to head back. On Sunday 28 June 2026, we set off from Rome, headed back to Innsbruck. This time, our Vespas are being transported on the trailers of the support vehicles, because for many of us, it’s back to work as usual on Monday.
We load the Vespas onto the trailers for the return trip to Innsbruck.
But we’re returning home with something far more precious than any souvenir: the memory of an incredible journey, filled with friendship, excitement, and shared passion. The images of these days together, the roads we travelled, the landscapes we admired, and the people we met, will stay with us for a long time to come. Many thanks to Vespa! And thanks to the Vespisti from all over the world!”
(Wide mag photo). Director Hermann Weiskopf: “We had a fantastic week filled with moving moments, bringing home indelible memories. We rode our Vespas about 1,400 km from Innsbruck to Rome—taking mostly state roads and making detours to visit the locations featured in the photos—and then returned via the Rome-Innsbruck motorway, covering another 800 km. Here’s to the next Vespa adventure!”
THE MOUNTAINMEN OF INNSBRUCK PARTICIPANTS IN THE TRIP
CELEBRATING THE VESPA’S 80TH ANNIVERSARY. ROME, JUNE 2026.
Markus Tomasini, President of the Mountainmen Vespa Club, Innsbruck – Vespa GTS 300; Andreas and Susann Gossens – Vespa VNB 1M (1960); Davide Rettenbacher – Vespa PX 125; Alexander Auerswald – Vespa PX 125 (1981); Fred Einkemmer – Vespa Sprint Veloce (1977); Robert Petrovitsch – Vespa LX 125; Christian Layer – Vespa 125 TS (1977); Hugo Monz – Vespa P 125; Hermann Weiskopf – Vespa GTV 300 (2024); Klaus Pleyer – Vespa P125X (1979); Edelbert Ratheiser – Vespa P 200 (1978); Didi Phillip – Vespa GS 150 (1955).
(Photo courtesy of AVG Filmproduktion).
Hermann Weiskopf, AVG Filmproduktion e.U.
Innsbruck, Austria.
info@avgfilmproduktion.com
https://www.avgfilmproduktion.com/
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