Sometimes the best ideas don’t arise at the big conference table, but quite informally over a pint at the regulars’ table. That’s exactly what happened after Claudia Tietz’s Vespa Stammtisch: In conversation with Roland Krinner from the Vespisti Bad Tölz, an idea that had apparently been buzzing around in both our heads suddenly became something tangible – a Vespa meet-up in Bad Tölz.
Shortly afterwards, we sat down together with Roland and Peter Frech from the Jailhouse. Completely spontaneous, but with a lot of anticipation. Peter is known far beyond Tölz for his Harley meetings, which tend to be louder, rockier and above all really big. Would he of all people be enthusiastic about the charming Italian scooters? This small uncertainty evaporated quickly: After a short while it was clear – Peter’s in!
For us, this is fantastic news. Because anyone who organises large-scale events as professionally as Peter and his team brings exactly the experience needed for a successful meet-up. We immediately liked his motto: We’re not planning small, we’re trying something new – and if we do it, we’ll do it properly.
We’re tentatively aiming for a Sunday in July. Until then, there’s naturally still quite a bit to clarify: legal and organisational matters, partners, sponsors and many ideas that can now slowly take shape. Because it shouldn’t just become a car park full of Vespas. We want a day when you can really feel the Italian way of life.
And what better backdrop could there be than the Jailhouse with its large festival grounds? Enough space for new scooters alongside lovingly maintained old models, for conversations, encounters and of course for many Vespas in all colours and generations.
The right dealers, Vespa test rides, good coffee, pizza or pasta, perhaps an Italo-DJ and – who knows – even a band: The ideas are there, now it’s about winning the right people and partners for it.
Whether 50 or 500 Vespas ultimately come to Bad Tölz will probably depend a little on the weather. But one thing is already certain: With Peter and his team at our side, the idea feels really good.
We’d be absolutely delighted if, alongside the Jailhouse bikers, the Vespisti also show their colours in Bad Tölz – for passion on two wheels, for community and for the wonderful Italian way of life.