🛵 On two wheels to Novi Sad

Our journey to European Vespisti Week 2025 – a travel report from Stahlstadt Vespa Day 1 – From Upper Austria into adventure Meeting point: 7:00 am, Bad Hall. Our eyes are still half closed, but our hearts are already full of anticipation. After filling up and having a morning chat, our Vespas set off through Styria and Burgenland towards the Hungarian border. Everything goes smoothly until we reach the Präbichl pass. There, one of our Vespas decides to say goodbye in a cloud of white smoke. Unfortunately, it is not a sign of a new pope, but an engine failure. 😅 But we are Stahlstadt Vespa – we have backup! Code word “Mayr” activated, family logistics working at full speed: a replacement Vespa is delivered and the broken one taken home. Logistics level: 💯. Around 6:00 pm, we arrive at our little guesthouse somewhere in the Hungarian middle of nowhere. The final two members of the group arrive at 9:30 pm. After one, two — all right, three — well-earned beers 🥂, it is time for bed. Tomorrow brings the final stage to Serbia. 👉 Our route on RISER Day 2 – Borders, checks and Novi Sad After a breakfast fit for royalty, we set off! Crossing Hungary is easy. Then comes the Hungary–Serbia border. Things get more serious: open the luggage, show the passports, answer the curious border officers. Everything is friendly and professional, though, and after a few minutes we get the thumbs-up to continue. 🇷🇸 Our accommodation on the outskirts of Novi Sad is a little remote, but it has a beer garden, cold beer and space for the Vespas. Perfect! Then comes our first ride through Serbian city traffic, accompanied by a truly impressive chorus of horns. In the words of our retired police officer: 🗨️ “I have never committed as many traffic offences in my entire life as I have today.” 😅 At European Vespisti Week 2025: ✔️ A stress-free check-in ✔️ A look around the little museum ✔️ Some merchandise shopping ✔️ A beer and a chat with Markus André Mayer In the evening, we return to our accommodation to unwind, chat and enjoy ourselves. Day 3 – Sightseeing, unsuccessful monastery hunting and Star Wars vibes Three tireless heroes volunteer for Vespa security during the first night, with minimal sobriety but maximum commitment. Mission accomplished, livers challenged. 🍻 The rest of the crew enjoy an early breakfast before heading into the traffic chaos. First stop: Petrovaradin Fortress. The view is magnificent. We continue into the national park, where we take some great photos at the “lost basketball court”. Suddenly Mike appears with his group from the Wachau. One of those Vespa coincidences. 🛵 Next comes a restricted military area. There is no getting through, so we turn back and stop for lunch. And who should be at the next table? Vespisti from Ireland. Time for some two-stroke shop talk. 🛠️ In the afternoon, we search for monasteries in Fruška Gora National Park. Did we find any? Sadly not, but an abandoned transmission tower with a Star Wars feel makes up for it. 🌌 In the evening, we head to the Vespa Village. Quiet at first, it soon fills up. The evening ends on the Danube beach. Take note, Linz: this is how to make the most of a waterfront! 👉 Our tour on RISER Day 4 – Exploring the city, a Vespa parade and pure elegance Early in the morning: an overwhelmed satnav, riders disagreeing and a parking search worthy of a strategy game. Still, Novi Sad old town, here we come! Coffee, atmosphere and sunshine. Just enjoy it. ☕✨ Then we plan to head into the national park, only to find ourselves in a traffic jam. What is going on? A huge Vespa parade right through the city! Naturally, we slip elegantly into line at the back. 😎 Later, we have a meal in the shade before heading to the Austrian group photo. Vespa clubs from all over Austria make an impressive sight. The highlight is the Concours d’Élégance: Vespas that look as though they belong in a museum. Colours, shapes and custom builds. A dream for every Vespa fan. 💘 Back at our accommodation, it is time to pack. Tomorrow, the journey home begins. The journey home – two stages, three passes and one Teufelswurst 🛵 Stage 1: Novi Sad → Styria, 500 km An early start in the sunshine makes for a lovely day, despite satnav confusion and diversions. The Pechmann-Mühle provides fresh energy for riders and machines. In the evening: Harmonika Hansl, music and tiredness. 🛵 Stage 2: Styria → Upper Austria Rain. Mountain passes. Cold. But we ride Vespa. Gaberl, Hohentauern and the Pyhrn Pass: three passes, a hundred per cent character. In Kirchdorf, the group goes its separate ways. One last stop: Wolfi’s Imbiss. Time for a Teufelswurst. 🌭 A fitting finale! Back home: unload, do the washing — or have it done — and clean the Vespas. And in between, keep smiling. Our verdict after 1,770 kilometres: 🛵 New tyres: ✔️ 🛵 New memories: priceless. 🛵 Another tour planned? Absolutely! Stay tuned for more travel stories on our website. Vespa forever 1•2 3 4 – your Stahlstadt Vespa team