Orson

I managed some vacation time to make it to Mandello for the 90th anniversary of the founding of Moto Guzzi. Usually, seeing another Guzzi on the road is a rare event however, as I approached Lake Como almost all the bikes seen on the road were other Guzzis, which was rather a strange experience. The only hotel I could find was across the lake in Bellagio which really wasn't a problem as Lake Como ferries run regular routes across the lake. I had to chuckle as the girl at the hotel described the event as "una gran manifestasion." I know she meant it in a positive way but a manifestation sounds like a gathering of locusts. Taking in the views and the cool lake breezes on the crossing Nuthin but Guzzis on the ferry. I met some Dutch riders who had ridden from Holland to Mandello in one day. Approaching ferry port of Varenna on the eastern shore of Lake Como. From Varenna to Mandello was a quick 15 minute hop. Many businesses along the road to Mandello had Guzzi banners hung out to welcome the hordes The city of Mandello opened to lakeside park to campers and by early Friday afternoon, it was already close to brimming. As evening descended, bikers were still arriving from all over Europe. I took a walk around the town to take in the sights. I've never seen more velocity stacks in one place The German Guzzistis made their presence known by a floating case of beer in the park's fountain Motocross Guzzis. I read somewhere that these were built for Guzzi in Spain Sport touring as it once was The Mayor of Guzzi-ville? This would be a hoot at Deal's Gap

No Not in neutral also I seem to notice it when I m on a downhill, coasting while in first gear

Belated congratulations!

I was idling in first gear while making my way through some pedestrians when I heard a metalic scraping sound. I sounds just like the sound that a warped brake rotor makes. But when I pull in the clutch, the sound stops, so it s not a brake rotor. could this be the infamous single plate clutch about to expire? Bike has just over 70,000 km on it.

I think Como is a fairly large town, so there may still be some hotel rooms available there, and there's a rail link with Mandello.

I thought you had a bike rented from Agostinis? Take the train to Mandello, pick up the bike, then take the bike to a hotel across the lake The ferry from Varenna to Menaggio takes about 20 or 30 minutes, if that long. Bellagio also has some hotel options, depending on how much you're willing to pay. The north end of the lake might have some hotel options around Colico, but I think that will be about an hour from Mandello.

Welcome back Beautiful bike I still can't believe Guzzi didn't put Ohlins on the Tenni

They have fairly regular ferries between Varenna, Bellagio and Menaggio although I'm not sure when the last ferry runs. The road around the south of the lake is very narrow with heavy traffic, so the ferry is definitely the way to go.

wow! it seems like it was just yesterday...

yah...in my opinion, he took a little too much pleasure in being antagonistic along with a snarky condescending tone. maybe he's not like that in real life, but a total turn off online.

My boss shot down my first vacation request with a, "We'll see."

I haven't gotten my vacation approved yet but, if I do go, I will be coming from Parma. I don't have a tent either so, i guess it depends on whether I can find a hotel within an hour of Mandello

I may be able to get some vacation time in September. Is anyone planning on going to the 90th Anniversary Party in Mandello? September 16-18, 2011.

Good stuff any special paperwork required for the bike or can you just show up at the ferry?

I'd love to have a car like that for track days. one that didn't cost an arm and a leg

That's good to know I remember they had a protest rally in the Mandello city park but, it was an Italian style protest with a live blues band and lottsa food

I remember a bit of a dust up about a year ago regarding the closing of the factory in Mandello Has that happened or is there still production going on in Mandello?

He told me they were selling them at the TT He gave them his registration number and they printed it on the plate for him. I'm assuming he was from Scotland since he was waiting for the same ferry as me I guess he could have been from the IOM. I should've asked him.

Well, I made it back safely many thanks to belfastguzzi and friend Dave for showing me the north coast holy crap! I can't believe you braved the weather to make it to the race. I was at the Metropole for the Supersport race then moved down to the railroad tressle. I must have just missed you Here are pics from my crappy camera full ride report here (Non-Guzzi content) Thanks again for all your help!

Sorry for the delay as I've been on the road in Western Scotland. Currently holed up on the Isle of Skye waiting out a bad spot of weather. That would be great if we could meet at the ferry. It arrives in Larne at 12:05 P.M on Friday May 20. I'll be on a black Triumph Thruxton and wearing a yellow Arai helmet. I've seen your pictures so I'll look for a hairy bloke on an Aprilia or a Guzzi

Good stuff I love the Laverda

Hope to see you there it would be great to have an old hand show me the ropes

kewl! Thanks

Years ago, I went out with intentions to buy a BMW RT Instead, I came home with an Aprilia RSV Mille

Thanks! The Railway Arch isn't on the map Is that close to Portrush and...is it a favorite viewing area as the guide says?