Page 15 - North Haven Magazine Issue 33 Spring 2024

The Vespa has become popular in the
U.S. as well, especially in the warm cli-
mate states, and has quite a following
these days. The Vespa Club of America
is the national organization for Vespa
owners and has forty-three subsidi-
ary clubs in multiple states, including
Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Ver-
mont, Westchester and Long Island, NY.

Nick Casella and his 2023 Vespa Elisa Casella in Tuscany
er sector and today is one of the most Although a Vespa Club does not yet ex- If you own a Vespa and have an interest
recognizable two-wheelers of all with ist in CT, there are quite a number of in forming group rides or starting a CT
over twenty million sold. Not bad for Vespa owners that would probably like chapter of The Vespa Club of America,
an initially misunderstood utility vehi- to get together to form group rides, or contact me at 203-605-3670.
cle whose prototype’s narrow waist and compare their Vespas, etc. From a per-
step-thru design prompted company sonal perspective, I love my Vespa and It is always important to remember
boss Enrico Piaggio to exclaim, “Sembra it is so much fun to ride. It has been said Safety First when riding your Vespa.
una Vespa” (Looks like a wasp). Little did that if you want to heal your soul, ride Wear a helmet, use proper gear, and
he know that the name and the product a Vespa instead of driving a car. I have always be aware of your surroundings.
would become famous. had the pleasure of riding my Vespa in
Connecticut through some picturesque
Despite some minor changes, the Ves- back roads and visiting local wineries
pa kept its design all the way up until on beautiful sunny days.
the 1990s, when it underwent a more
modern design with fewer sharper edg- My wife and I also had the wonderful
es, which increased its popularity. The experience of riding a Vespa through
factory in Tuscany now produces over Vineyards and hills in the Tuscan region
148 different models and the Vespa is of Italy this past summer, an experience
still winning awards. which I would highly recommend for
anyone visiting Italy. The charm of trav-
The Vespa is an iconic means of trans- eling on two wheels among the pictur-
portation and has kept us spellbound esque streets in the middle of vineyards
for 78 years. If you want a scooter, with and cypresses is quite exhilarating!
very few exceptions, you want a Vespa.
In fact, most non-enthusiasts now refer Italians have a phrase, “La
to all scooters as Vespas. It is a beauti- Dolce Vita” (A Sweet Life).
ful and simple vehicle, which has now Enjoying the little things
entered the era of electric vehicles. The in life and savoring each Enjoy the ride…Ci Vediamo!
Vespa Elettrica is now offered alongside moment. Riding a Vespa
its original gas-powered siblings. gives you that feeling.

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