From left, Luciano Loizzo with his friend Francesco Fiorini and their vintage bikes.
Image source:
www.facebook.com/luciano.loizzo.14
25 July 2024 (G.T.) - All those with a fondness for their own vintage motorcycles have a shining point of reference when it comes to long-distance rides: Luciano Loizzo. On his trusty 1960 Moto Guzzi Lodola 235 Gran Turismo, he has already completed a number of challenging journeys: from his hometown of Ferrandina (province of Matera, Basilicata Region in Italy), he rode to Finisterre (the most southern point of Spain) in 2022; following this, he made his way to the classic motorcycling destination of Cape North, Norway (the northernmost point of Europe, in the Arctic Circle). This year brings another trip, and another “extreme” destination: Gavdos, the southernmost of Greece's islands, south of Crete, on Europe's southern border. A 6,600-kilometre-long grand tour (out and back), which crosses Turkey, Bulgaria, Serbia, Croatia and Slovenia. Following his departure in mid-July, Loizzo is expected to arrive in Gavdos at the end of the month (and will return home in mid-August).
The itinerary painted on the top box of the motorbike. The photo on the right shows Loizzo with the artist.
The motorcycle and motorcyclist are almost the same age: She is 64 and he is 63, and they get along very well; restored and maintained in perfect working order, the MG Lodola is always ready to set off on an adventure.
Image source: www.facebook.com/ComuneFerrandina/?locale=it_IT
The pair departed on 16 July, from Ferrandina's central Piazza Plebiscito, where a ceremony was held (as on previous trips) during which Mayor Carmine Lisanti handed over a banner from the municipality, which will flutter in the breeze in Gavdos alongside the Italian flag. A new challenge for Luciano Loizzo, promoting the region of Basilicata, as well as celebrating sportsmanship and friendship. And speaking of friendship, sharing in the adventure is his friend Francesco Fiorini from Crema, riding a 1970 Aermacchi Harley Davidson - a foursome that certainly doesn’t go unnoticed.
Safe journey, travellers!
24 July 2024, waiting for the ferry to Gavdos: Luciano and his Lodola Gran Turismo (manufactured between 1956 and 1966, this model was the last motorcycle designed by Carlo Guzzi, one of the founders of the 100-plus year-old Moto Guzzi brand).
Images source:
www.facebook.com/luciano.loizzo.14
Images source: www.facebook.com/luciano.loizzo.14
