Melbourne gears up to celebrate Vespa's 75th anniversary on Sunday, Dec 19

Benvenuta! Gear up, fuel up and get ready to ride! The 2021 Vespa Day Around the Bay kicks off the morning of Sunday, December 19, but there's just one question: How far will you go? One leg, two legs or right around Port Phillip Bay for a total of 322.6km?

Now in its ninth year, the annual charity ride this year celebrates Vespa's 75th anniversary with swarms of Vespa owners coming together for an epic ride of good vibes and for a great cause.

A $10 rider levy will raise funds for the Vespa Club of Melbourne's favourite charity: Khmer Association for Development (KAD) – a local Cambodian non-governmental, non-profit, non-political and non-religious organisation involved in several community-level programs. These include health, education, vocational training, media, governance, agriculture and children's rights.

The Vespa Club of Melbourne has to date donated more than $40,000 to the Cambodian charity.

Whether you're a Vespa enthusiast or passionate scooterist, the Vespa Day Around the Bay can be as long or short as you make it, with a choice of eight departure points, scattered around the bay including Geelong, Yarraville, St Kilda, Chelsea, Mornington, Sorrento, Queenscliff or Portarlington. Simply register at a meeting point and collect your badge.

Amid the classic Vespa models, also keep an eye out for special 75th editions of the latest Vespa Primavera 150 and GTS 300 models, distinguished by their historic 'Giallo Zolfo' livery, intuitive TFT display and iconic leather wheel bags.

Vespa – 75 years young
As it celebrates its 75th birthday, Vespa surpasses the milestone of 19 million units produced, including almost two million in the last decade alone. These are 19 million stories of guys and girls, entire generations who dreamed of and gained their freedom astride a Vespa.

The Vespa is much more than just a scooter. It is a global cultural phenomenon. Credited with kickstarting the post-war Italy revival, it became a symbol of freedom and elevated Italian design the world over. Even today, it remains on display at New York's MoMA, capturing the hearts and minds of all who pass before it!

From the moment it burst onto the scene in a nation that was in a post-war rebuilding phase and brimming with ideas, creativity and hope, Vespa has represented a zest for life and a desire to embrace the future. It has become an icon of freedom and emancipation for young people the world over, combining effortless, distinctive 'Made in Italy' style with cutting-edge technology.

8.30am Yarraville
Main ride leaves from Dad and Dave's Cafe (Bus station). Good breakfast and coffee, too.

9.00am St Kilda
Shakespeare Grove car park along Luna Park. A big meeting point! Be ready to go when the ride arrives.

10.40am Chelsea
Morning tea from 10am by members Stefan and Ira at their home at 8 Village Crescent, Chelsea. Thank them very much.

11.30am Mornington
Wilson's Road. Regroup only. Don't gear down. We ride as soon as the tail rider arrives.

1.00pm Sorrento Ferry
$20 cash for Vespa Club members/$30 cash others (usually $39). Have small notes ready to pay Julie as you pass through the gate.

Lunch is on the ferry. Bring something nutritious to eat, (or use the kiosk). We need you fed and alert for the rest of the ride.

1.45pm Queenscliff
Ride to Portarlington. Don't miss the beauty of this ride. We'll refuel there. 'Buddy up' and share the pumps to save time. We'll ride to Geelong where we'll say farewell to the Geelong riders.

3.30pm Leave Geelong, through Corio and Lara
North of Little River we'll join the freeway for 15 minutes. Unavoidable if we are to get you home. Don't worry, we'll ride as one big convoy at a speed to suit all, and we'll look after you all the way.

4.30pm Main ride arrives for drinks at Vault bar, Yarraville.

Reference links
2021 Vespa Day Around the Bay
Vespa 75th editions
Khmer Association for Development (KAD)