June 2023 (G.T.) – The long and extraordinary history of Vespa – born in 1946 – has often been marked by numerous adventurous travellers, not the least of whom was Giorgio Bettinelli who went around the world alone 30 years ago, leaving extraordinary tales for us in his books. This preamble serves to introduce, nay reiterate, the concept that even on a scooter (and not only with motorbikes), “extreme” adventures can be experienced. And, on this subject, we should quote that visionary, Jean-François Piot, former rally rider, who succeeded in that unprecedented undertaking of 1980, getting four specifically prepared Vespa 200 “Rally” scooters to participate in the renowned Paris–Dakar to promote the product that is the symbol of Piaggio (here is the article with photos on the “History of the Paris-Dakar” website: www.parisdakar.it/vespa-alla-dakar).
In the Piaggio Museum of Pontedera (near Pisa, Tuscany, Italy), there is also a collection dedicated to the great Vespa voyages and voyagers ( www.museopiaggio.it).
Frame taken from the virtual tour: mpembed.com/show/?m=adC4SG6mPtB&mdir=1&mt=1&mdirsearch=1
For modern day scooter riders with a sporty spirit who long for thrills, who want to “taste” dust and sand, stop at an oasis in the desert, put themselves to the test as riders and people, I give you “RAT RACE 1000 – The Craziest Race in the Tunisian Desert”, special 2023 edition dedicated to the participation of Vespa teams.
The organisers explain: “It’s an amateur, non-competitive rally raid type motorsport event with a simplified route. It is reserved for Piaggio Vespa vehicle owners without model year limitations, but we should point out that, due to technical/logistical questions, models smaller than 125cc are excluded. A large part of the itinerary in Tunisian territory winds over paved routes and dirt tracks but – to offer supplementary thrills – sand trails will also be tackled; various special trials are scheduled. To end on a high note, there will be some – let’s say ‘amusing’ – skill trials on small sand dunes around the Ksar Ghilane oasis, one of the ‘doors’ to the Tunisian Sahara Desert.”
The Ksar Ghilane Oasis, at the doors of the Tunisian Sahara Desert: www.facebook.com/ratrace.1000
And what about those scooter riders who would like to try but they don’t think they are up to tackling the desert? “Our itinerary is also suitable for newbies because the trip is offered in an ‘all-inclusive’ formula, which provides constant assistance to all the teams throughout the event. All the participants need to worry about is riding their Vespas and having fun along about 1,880 km, including 920 special km.”
The event – scheduled from 25 November through 4 December 2023 – has limited spots for organisational reasons, with registration closing in August 2023.
Info, detailed programme, registration and contacts on the event website:
www.ratrace1000.com
Source of event images, for editorial use, provided by: RAT Race 1000-The Craziest Race in the Tunisian Desert property of ToRhino MOTORSPORT. Extreme Sporting Events Organisation.
