Father and Son's Epic Vespa Pilgrimage from Australia to Italy Faces Challenges
Riding pillion on a vintage Vespa from Sydney to Italy was always destined to be a formidable undertaking. However, embarking on such a journey amidst a war in the Middle East, global oil shocks, and shuttered borders presented unforeseen hurdles that Mario Gabrieli, aged 54, and his 11-year-old son, Leonardo, never anticipated.
Their objective remains steadfast: to complete a coming-of-age pilgrimage from their Australian home to Gabrieli's birthplace of Trieste, predominantly aboard their 1976 blue Vespa, with only essential water crossings interrupting the ride. Nearly three months into their expedition, they have already confronted fuel restrictions, petrol station closures, excruciatingly sore buttocks, and a complete engine breakdown. Yet, they have embraced these obstacles with resilience, embodying the adage that the journey itself holds greater significance than the destination.
The Dream and Its Timing
Gabrieli reveals that traversing the world on a Vespa has long been his cherished dream, having previously undertaken month-long rides across Europe and Asia. The opportune moment arrived when Leonardo reached year six, coinciding with the demolition of their apartment, prompting Gabrieli to withdraw his son from formal schooling for home education before high school commencement.
"It was the perfect timing for me in my life," Gabrieli reflects. "I thought 'maybe this dream can come true'. The main reason for me is really to pass on my sense of adventure to Leonardo."
After a successful two-week moped trial in northern Thailand, they prepared to ship their Vespa to Bali. However, a week prior to departure, a complete engine failure struck, necessitating a frantic rebuild with rare parts sourced through a mechanic friend.
The Route and Its Perils
Since commencing their voyage, they have journeyed through Indonesia, Malaysia, and southern Thailand. Their planned route proceeds through Laos and China before tackling the arduous 1,200km Pamir Highway across Central Asia, over the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan, bordering Iran. Border restrictions render this segment particularly daunting, but if successful, they will advance to Georgia, Turkey, Greece, and ultimately Italy.
A contingency plan involves detouring via Russia, skirting Ukraine, though visa limitations may impede this alternative. The entire expedition is projected to span approximately ten months.
Unexpected Joys and Support Networks
The duo has been "blessed" by the hospitality of Vespa communities throughout Asia, who have offered accommodation and roadside assistance. Their itinerary typically involves two days of riding followed by a rest day, allowing for leg stretches and Leonardo's homeschooling, facilitated by local SIM cards for internet access.
"People welcome you because you're on a Vespa," Gabrieli notes. "It becomes almost like a passport because it's such an iconic vehicle. The areas that we're in now is Vespa country because it was manufactured here in the 70s, all through south-east Asia."
He anticipates encountering similar communities in China, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, though the Pamir Highway's mountainous terrain may present the most grueling challenge, evoking humorous pleas for rescue.
Fuel Crises and Adaptive Strategies
The global fuel crisis has introduced unforeseen complications. In Thailand, fuel restrictions cap purchases at 10 litres per person, with around 70% of petrol stations closed, complicating the Vespa's 150km range. Gabrieli admits to navigating this uncertainty intuitively, trusting that solutions will emerge.
"At the moment, I'm not thinking too much. I'm just going. And it's incredible that you can always find a way. There is always a way," he asserts, dismissing budgetary concerns in favour of spontaneity.
Physical Toll and Celebrity Status
Demanding schedules requiring up to ten hours of continuous riding over potholes and through traffic have led Leonardo to describe "three stages of pain": flaming butt, numb butt, and steam butt, with Gabrieli adding a fourth: "The prayer. The prayer to make it stop."
Despite discomfort, they have garnered minor celebrity status, with Leonardo dubbed "Indonesia's Justin Bieber" due to their growing social media following. Documenting their journey on Instagram and Facebook has enabled them to solicit help for mechanical issues and travel advice.
Cultural Encounters and Personal Growth
Leonardo enthusiastically recounts making new friends and experiencing novel cultures, such as a spontaneous rain dance in East Lombok. "And then all the places are all so new ... And you're like, 'wow'! And you feel the adventure," he exclaims.
Upon reaching Europe, they plan to reunite with Gabrieli's partner and Leonardo's mother, Jocelyn, spending two months in Trieste before Leonardo returns to high school. Gabrieli envisions this as a poignant full-circle moment, returning to his hometown with his son on the Vespa.
Embracing the Journey Over the Destination
While completing the trip would be gratifying, Gabrieli emphasizes that it is not paramount. "I think Leonardo has started enjoying the road and started to see the beauty of things changing every day," he observes.
"I started with the mentality that to take Leonardo on a journey with no planning and be open to what happens on the road really is the point. Everything else is like a bonus."
Leonardo acknowledges that his friends back home may not fully grasp the profound meaning of his experiences, merely perceiving it as a cool global adventure. Yet, for this father-son duo, the pilgrimage transcends mere travel, embodying a transformative coming-of-age odyssey filled with resilience, discovery, and an unwavering spirit of adventure.
