Editorial Note: Below is a press release issued by Elena Bagnasco, granddaughter of Moto Guzzi co-founder Giorgio Parodi, on the pandemic-delayed Moto Guzzi 100th anniversary, which will also be recognized by USCRA at its FIM North America Vintage Road Racing Championships event June 11-12 at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, New Hampshire.
The “GP Days” (Giorgio Parodi Days”), which gathered in Genoa from almost everywhere tourists, bikers and air enthusiasts, were part of a long motorcycle-aeronautical weekend: a “three days” happening, full of events, which kicked off on Friday 13 May in the Carignano district, next to the monument dedicated to the Genoese brave aviator and brilliant entrepreneur; the venue was not far from the building where the notary’s office was located, where the founding legal act of the motorcycle company “Societa Anonima Moto Guzzi” was signed on March 15, 1921.
A weekend that witnessed, at the same time in different points of the city and beyond, the opening of the “Palazzi dei Rolli,” (magnificent residential palaces of the most distinguished families of the ancient Republic of Genoa), various exhibitions of historic and modern motorcycles, the “Mondo Moto Guzzi” stand, and the opportunity to experience unique emotions in the flight simulator of the Italian Air Force, a prestigious gala dinner at the Diocesan Museum of Genoa, the “Frecce Tricolori” (the Italian Air Force aerobatic team) airshow, and the race of one of the very rare prototype of “eight cylinders” (which in 1955 could reach an astonishing speed of 285 km / h). On the “strip” created in the dock, at Genoa harbor, right in front of what was the first office of Moto Guzzi, the challenging sound of those small 62.5 cubic centimeters multiplied by eight recalled and revived the glories of a sporting history that Guzzi enthusiasts have never forgotten.
But above all, Genoa had the homage of the most Guzzista of all songwriters: Danilo Luce. He unfolded in words and music the passion for the golden-winged eagle that we all carry in our hearts; the location was significantly just a few meters from the statue of the Genoese founder, presenting for the occasion his new track “A heart in flight” dedicated to the Air Force and to all pilots, approaching to its 100 Jubilee.
Meanwhile, for two days, a little further downstream, at a stone throw from the sea, Mondo Moto Guzzi 2022 welcomed the “eagles” with the warmth, gadgets, and friendliness of all time, as well as with stands dedicated to travel and mechanics. and the privilege of being a “Guzzista,” a Guzzi fan.
At the same time, parades of historical and modern vehicles took to the streets of Genoa. A flock of roaring “old ladies” greeted the little patients at the Giannina Gaslini Children Hospital, joined later by the pilots of the National Aerobatic Team of the Italian Air Force, for a very special day.
The bikers group then headed to the famous “Piazzetta” of Portofino, not before having made a stop in Recco and Santa Margherita Ligure (where a seaplane from the “Volo di Mare” school offered the excitement of the Riviera seen from above). Meanwhile, at the city center, the story of the Guzzi company and the men who made the brand famous in the world was offered, with a truly unique display of rare and treasured models, unveiled in detail to the public.
The clou of the entire event, Sunday 15, was the exhibition in Corso Italia of the National Acrobatic Team, the “Frecce Tricolori,” which took the entire city with its nose up for half an hour of highly sophisticated aerial aerobatics and emotions at the top.
All the events were open to both the Genoese and the numerous tourists who crowded the streets of the city, a part of which was of “Guzzi fans” who have chosen Genoa to spend a few days in an atmosphere steeped in history, of culture and entertainment.
A real crowd of people who in various ways moved through the streets of Genoa following motorcycles, visiting the artistic heritage of the Rolli and the Genoese museums, discovering the typical cuisine, enjoying motor and aerial exhibitions.
For the city, a great moment of restart and “return back on track” after two years of pandemic distress that has deeply affected economy and tourism; for Guzzi bikers the opportunity to join up and meet friends amongst rare and beautiful motorcycles.