Vespa meeting Surf'n'Ride 2025

On 19 and 20 July, the Rothenburg Vespa friends Plate & Switch hosted the Surf'n'Ride Vespa meeting for the third time - and the event exceeded all expectations. In glorious summer weather, over 200 enthusiastic Vespa fans with around 150 vehicles of all model years came to the Mohrenhof Franken in Lauterbach near Rothenburg ob der Tauber to spend a weekend together in the name of Italian scooter passion. The welcome bags at the registration desk were no longer enough. In addition to visor cleaners, Ball Point Pens, Stickers and Key Chains from our partner SIP Scootershop, this year there was a specially embroidered Surf'n'Ride patch. And, of course, the cult Sunglasses were once again in the surprise bag. After pink and yellow, this year all participants were able to look at the sun through the green Glasses.

One of the highlights of the meeting was the big Corso, which took the participants on a tour of over 50 kilometres in the afternoon. The route ran along small and tiny roads, past idyllic fields, through charming villages and the romantic Tauber Valley. A short break with cool drinks took place below the historic old town of Rothenburg at the double bridge - a picturesque place with a view of the Tauber and the city skyline, ideal for conversations, photos and a moment to slow down. Afterwards, we walked over cobblestones and through narrow town gates through the centre of the old town. A special highlight for the many tourists - they laughed, waved and took lots of photos.

Colourful diversity on two wheels

The variety of places of origin was particularly impressive this year: scooters with licence plates from Stuttgart, Bottrop, Frankfurt, Darmstadt, Bamberg, Nuremberg, Fürth and even Freiburg and many other cities were represented - many of which had travelled here on their own Axle. Simson, Zündapp, Heinkel and, of course, Lambretta rattled along - after all, the motto "Plate and Switch" also applies to them. For the first time, a larger group from the Regensburg Vespa Club also took part, providing a breath of fresh air and new contacts in the community. A return visit is already planned for next year at the latest.

In addition to the ride, the meeting was a delight with culinary delights at the beach bar and in the lakeside pub as well as an atmospheric evening with music, Vespa talks and good humour. The hosts created an atmosphere in which newcomers and old hands alike felt welcome. Speaking of old hands: regular guest Heinz was of course there again at the age of 86, accompanied by his son and two grandchildren - in true Vespa style. Riding a Vespa obviously keeps you young!

Thank you and outlook

A big thank you goes to the numerous helpers and the organising team from Plate & Switch, who put their heart and soul into making Surf'n'Ride 2025 happen. Also to our supporters SIP Scootershop, Schöpper & Knoll Nutzfahrzeuge, Ströbel Immobilien, ROTABENE Medienhaus, E. Flemming Transporte, Landwehrbräu Reichelshofen, the GSF, Hotel Eisenhut and the team from Mohrenhof. And of course to all visitors for their discipline, good humour and the great atmosphere around the campfires well into the night.

More than 50 pairs of veal sausages were eaten for breakfast on Sunday morning before the journey home was full of unique memories.

After this all-round successful weekend, one thing is clear: Surf'n'Ride has long been more than just an insider tip in the scene - it is a firm highlight in the Vespa calendar. The anticipation for next year is already palpable - let's see.

Text & Photos: Stefan Reihs