I recently visited Italy’s southern region of Apulia to participate in the official annual meeting of Moto Guzzi World Clubs and to represent Guzzisti Arabia in an unmissable and intense event and a ride across three uniquely scenic regions on my Moto Guzzi Stelvio NTX.
Despite it being in the middle of spring; the weather was quite cold, nearing zero degrees when we crossed the Apennines in the Basilicata region; but with good riding gear and lots of passion, my wife and I reached Bari in time for the meeting.
The three-day event started in Piazza della Libertà (Freedom Square). We were taken on a guided tour of Bari’s Old Town, where Guzzisti explored the rich traditional heritage of the city and learned about its streets, art, churches and magnificent monuments. Guzzisti also enjoyed the exquisite street foods; such as Orecchiette, Focaccia Barese, fried Polenta and much more; which was all prepared in front of us.
The second day started with the gathering of almost 400 bikes in Piazza della Libertà, where Poste Italiane (Italian Post Authority) prepared a special stamp to commemorate the event. At 10 a.m. the group started on an amazing ride, crossing Bari’s main corniche and riding across the astonishing Itria Valley to reach Alberobello; the city of “Trulli”; a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity site. The meeting itself took place at the Municipality of Alberobello and presidents and delegates from each club were represented there. We were then divided into groups of 15/20 with professional tour guides who immersed us into how life was in a 19th century Trullo (a traditional Apuila hut). Accompanied by great food and wine and with a live band playing music, we all danced the Quadriglia and Tarantella. Mr. Michele Maria Longo; mayor of Alberobello; saluted the group and invited us to come back for a longer visit.
At 5PM we rode back to Bari, just in time to enjoy a well-deserved aperitif in one of the many bars and local taverns partners of the event. The day ended with a sumptuous Gala Dinner at the Bari Palace Hotel with live entertainment; we were positively surprised to learn that organizers had prepared a belly dancing show for us: what a great hospitality.
On the last day of the event started with a parade of classic bikes, customized bikes and new bikes touring the city of Bari, where bikes such as the Falcone 500 was riding alongside newer productions such as the Flying Fortress MGX21. What a parade. We eventually reached Piazza della Libertà where Bari’s First Citizen; Mr. Antonio De Caro; congratulated the whole organization for a successful event and invited all to enjoy the warm Bari hospitality. The activities continued with a live band, DJ, interviews and much more entertained the many visitors coming to admire the unique bikes produced by the Mandello del Lario’s factory.
The event was professionally organized by Ms. Anna Ungaro (President of the Motorcycle Club of Bari, Party in Moto), Mr. Berardino Nando Costantino (Piaggio and Moto Guzzi Dealer of Bari) and Mr. Mario Arosio and the team of Moto Guzzi World Club.
By: Luciano Scelza
Edited by: Amir Dajani
