Riders and fans of Moto Guzzi are invited to taste Italian cuisine and motorbikes at the inaugural Festival of Moto Guzzi on 11-13 March.
The event will be held on large acreage in the beautiful rolling hills around Yea, Victoria, just 1.5 hours north of Melbourne.
A highlight of the weekend will be the opening of the Cathedral of Moto Guzzi which houses the largest collection of the Italian marque’s motorcycles in the Southern Hemisphere.
It was assembled over five years by a small group of passionate Moto Guzzi enthusiasts.
It features the private collection of more than 170 Moto Guzzi motorcycles owned by Moto Guzzi doyen, Teo Lamers, who describes himself as a “motorcycle-racist”.
“There are many better bikes however you want to look at it, but, to me, a Moto Guzzi is more than just a bike,” he says.
“I know the people who make them. I know the village where they live. I know the restaurants. I’ve been going there for so long. I know how important the factory has been for Italy, for Mandello, to survive after the war.
“It’s the Italian culture, the language, the food, it’s the whole package. Italians are warm-blooded. They have this passion.
“I bought my first Moto Guzzi – a second-hand V700 from 1967 – at the age of about 19. I still remember when I started it up and feeling the engine go ‘boom, boom, boom, boom’. I rode it home and just fell in love with Moto Guzzi the brand from there.
“Riding a Moto Guzzi is a completely different feeling. The DNA of 100 years is in today’s range. The bikes are still exclusive. If you ride one, it draws people’s attention. You don’t get that with other brands.”
The Cathedral’s display is set over three levels with bikes grouped by model semblance to highlight the mechanical evolution. They are also developing a library and bar/café.
The Cathedral is open to the public for guided tours by appointment.
Meanwhile, the three-day Festival of Moto Guzzi includes:
- Test rides of the latest Moto Guzzi range, including the V7 Special, V9 Bobber Centenario and V85 TT Travel
- A rare opportunity to test ride a variety of classic Moto Guzzi models provided by Teo Lamers Motorcycles. These include a 1934 500 GTS; a 1947 250 Airone; a 1949 and 1951 Super Alce as well as a pair of Ercole, or Hercules, commercial models from the late 1950s – a shuttle bus and a hydraulic tipper with an Ariasi cabin. All bike tests are subject to availability.
- Live entertainment from Mojo Mafia (Friday night) and Stoked (Saturday night)
- Authentic Italian food by Giro d’Italia restaurant, Melbourne
- Craft beer on tap by On Point Brewery from the nearby township of Alexandra
- Handmade wines from the Victorian Pyrenees by David K. Jones Wines
- Gelato by Buonissimo Gelato Melbourne
- Barista coffee
- Opportunity to get up close and personal with more than 170 rare and unique Moto Guzzi models at the Cathedral of Moto Guzzi
- Special moto guests include a two-valve ‘Dr John’ Replica and two Magni prototypes by Barry Jones
- Large camping ground on site with toilets and shower facilities
LOCATION
Festival of Moto Guzzi: 526 Ti Tree Creek Road, Yea VIC 3717
Test rides to be conducted in the township of Yea (15km north of the Cathedral)
ADMISSION – $151.24 for the three days
Tickets include:
- A showbag upon arrival
- Test rides on classic and current Moto Guzzi motorcycles
- Italian lunch and dinners provided by Giro d’Italia Restaurant for all three days
- Two gelato vouchers a day for two days
- The use of camping grounds and facilities on the premises
Source: MotorbikeWriter.com