How about that for a title on an article – a bit more racy than say “the 19th MotoMessa at San Pelligrino” don’t you think ? Once again the faithful were gathered on high … 1500 metres above sea level to be precise at San Pellegrino in Alpe for the annual Motomessa – the Motorbike Mass.
Now in its 19th season and getting more popular each year.
At the first event it was possible to photograph all the participants standing outside the church in one group, their numbers less than 40.
This year, once again, the Motomessa drew in thousands of riders from all over Tuscany and beyond making it the largest motorcycle event in this area.
All were waiting for the final moment after the mass held in the church when the priest exits and mounts the back of a bike and roars through San Pellegrino blessing with holy water the rows of bikes and riders lined up on each side of the road. The riders adding to the noise and confusion by revving their bikes in encouragement.
Each year it is a different bike used to carry the priest through the village and competition is tough for the privilege of providing the transport. In 2013 the choice fell not to the many Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Triumph or Harley-Davidson present but unbelievably, for some of the leather clad brethren – to a humble Vespa -- this year, with a sigh of relief, it was back to the bikes with a Kawasaki Vulcan chopper (and ignoring the very wobbly ride that was available on a tiny push bike powered by a chainsaw)
By 1pm this afternoon the mountain air was rent once again with the sound of thousands of those motorbikes roaring off back down the mountainside leaving the place once more at peace until next year.
The tiny mountain village is normally used in the winter as a ski resort or in the summer as a place to enjoy peace and quiet, nature and the mountain air