This crazy season has been unusually warm, and on a sunny day I’ve realised my beautiful region is great to be explored on two wheels! An idea that I had never actually considered before. And now, I can’t just stop recommending it! Especially, after taking part in a bike tour of 154km to the “Catria Mount area”, inland of Le Marche.
The “Giro del Catria” motorcycle tour by Officine Benelli
At first I was hesitant, because I was a bit afraid. Then, I decided to accept my friends’ invitation and spend some time together in an different way. It turned out to be so much fun! We left behind the beautful city of Pesaro (north of Le Marche), and rode towards the areas of towns like: Mondavio, Frontone up to the Catria Mount.
Panoramic view of the Catria Mount
Mile after mile of stunning vistas, I was thrilled and enchanted: the beauty of pure nature and the Renaissance atmosphere of the ancient villages made this tour a unique experience.
The beautiful fortress in Mondavio
Photo Credit: Adriano Gamberini
And I must confess, I can’t wait to be back to taly to take part in one of the other tours offered by ‘Officine Benelli’: an organization that works to keep alive the culture and passion for the historical Italian motorcycles brand ‘Benelli’.
The lion: the historical logo of the Benelli motorcycles
The headquarters ‘Officine Benelli’ is located in Pesaro, in one of the old factory where the Benelli models were made.
Old photo of the Benelli headquarter. The original factory is now housing the Museum called “Officine Benelli”
The place is now housing a museum open to the public and strongly desired by two local motorcycle clubs that have invested time, money and even some bikes from their personal collections into this renovated facility. In this emotional location the extraordinary story of the Benelli motorcycle house is told…
A pic from the inside of the museum
…Six brothers, one story. Six men for a legend become reality. It was the spring of 1911 when Teresa Benelli, widowed, invested all the capital of her family to establish a workshop and ensure a stable job for her six sons: Giuseppe, Giovanni, Filippo, Francesco, Domenico e Antonio “Tonino” Benelli.
The six Benelli brothers
At the beginning it was only a service garage, where some spare parts for cars and motorcycles were also made. But the six Benelli brothers had a much higher ambition: building motorcycles. In December 1921 the first real Benelli motorcycle appeared: the “Velomotore”, 98cc two stroke lightweight bike presented in two models: Touring and Sport (125cc). This was followed in 1923 by a 147 cc version, with which Tonino Benelli started to win the victories which will make the company of Pesaro renown throughout Europe.
Old picture of a race with Tonino Benelli riding his motorcycle
Renzo Pasolini, an Italian champion riding a Benelli motorcycle in a race
Over the years Benelli produced many high-performance motorbikes and different models: scooters, sport, cross, touring and even mini-motorcycles, as you can see walking through the three rooms of the museum.
The exhibition is beautiful and well-thought, able to engage visitors. Passion and affection in wanting to preserve the history of the brand is evident.
Then the amazing stories of riders like Tonino Benelli and most recently Valentino Rossi, the first and the last of a generation of racers who have thousands of passionate fans and who contribute to increase a pleasant visit to the motorcycle world in a town rich in history.
So, if you happen to be in Pesaro, do not miss to visit ‘Officine Benelli’: a legendary excellence of our territory that will make you feel to saddle up right away!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utokTPfWohw
For more info about the Benelli motorcycles, please click here.
The Museum ‘Officine Benelli ‘is located in Viale G. Mameli,22 (PU) PESARO
Tel: 0721 31508
Website: http://officinebenelli.it
Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am-12pm and 4.30pm-7pm; on Sat: 4.30pm-7pm
Discovermarche 
Great post. A lot of very interesting information.
WOW! Thanks so much: happy you liked my post!
Keep following!
Ciao, Isa:-)
Fantastic post. Love the old photos too and the history. Very interesting.
wow thats looks fabulous! seems you had great fun!
I actually did and could not have imagined how much fun it is!
It’s really worth it and glad I agreed on going for it!:-)
I’ve been through this area – except on a bicycle. I recognized it only because of San Marino which we also cycled into.
We were based out of Riccione and had the most amazing time. I think I would have liked your version of being on motorcycle though – those mountain climbs were brutal 😉
Were you already experienced on a motorcycle?
Ciao Joanne!
San Marino is beautiful! And Riccione is just so close to Le Marche. A short drive south and you’ll get there.
I love riding bikes: that’s another perfect way to explore new places as well as a great workout!
The motorcycle tour was pretty long: it almost took the whole day (from morning to late afternoon, with some stops on our way).
I really enjoyed doing it. But I have to say, I was just on the back of the motorcycle, cause my friend was riding it.
As I said, I was a bit hesitant, but then if you trust the person who rides the bike, you can handle it.
We were in a group with other riders, and some of them were from the Officine Benelli touring club.
Really well organised and definitely so much worth it!!!
Thanks for stopping by! Isa:-)
One of the advantages of being a passenger is that you can look around, but I think I would like to be a driver 🙂
Maybe next time you will!! 🙂
Enjoyed your latest tour! The historic architecture always amazes me and I imagine it was beautiful area to travel through. Thank you for sharing! in lak’ech, Debra
Thanks Debra! You’re always supporting me: I’m really grateful for that!
This is a beautiful way to see many places that you will hardly visit in a day. Because with a motorcycle you are able to ride while enjoying spectacular landscapes. The experience was really worth it! XoXo, Isa
It must be divine riding through the hillside like that.
It is!!!! I think anyone should try it out once. Simply amazing!!!
That looks like great fun. What a wonderful way to travel and see the sights. Thanks for the history and photos – almost as good as being there 🙂
Happy you enjoyed the post! Grazie, Isa:-)
Very interesting post and great pictures. Thanks for the tour!
Lydia,
you’ve very welcome! Thanks for stopping by!
XoXo, Isa