Monsieur Jopson’s 1957 Belgium M.I.S.A.
Club members Roger Smith, Warren Jopson and Bob Box have recently returned from an overseas ‘reccy’ to northern France..
“Myself and two VVC colleagues made a recent sortie over to Normandy for an extended weekend.
The main purpose of the trip was to investigate the feasibility of a return in 2020 of the VVC to the Cherbourg area for another French Event. Then riding on some 150 miles or so to attend a Vespa Rally in Fecamp. And finally up to Dieppe for the return crossing to Newhaven. A round trip amounting to 500 miles.
Stop off at the Pegasus Bridge in Ranville, Normandy
Our Vespas were a Femsa Rally 200, a 1957 Belgium M.I.S.A. (Motor Industry Société Anonyme) and a GS160 series 1. Though the Rally & GS are much sought after models it was the Belgium machine that was to become the star. A rather unusual standard specification of 150cc, piston ported, 3 gears, 10 inch wheels; we were all initially concerned of the wisdom of travelling abroad and a distance on such a rarity. However once some initial carb issues were resolved the machine ran perfectly, more than capable of cruising at 45mph.
Bob Box looking out for seagulls on his Femsa Rally 200
All objectives for the weekend were met, a rally at Cherbourg is on the cards if members want it, met up with some familiar faces at Fecamp, had dejeuner with 200 fellow scooterists at the Casino in Dieppe, rode over the extremely steep & high Pont Normandie (always exhilarating), avoided gale force conditions in the Channel, no rain to speak of, no breakdowns, what more can you want?!”
Regards - Roger
Photos by Warren Jopson.
Merci to Roger and Warren for the words and photos.
If you’re in support of a northern France VVC rally next year, you can let the committee know at the upcoming AGM in Leamington Spa on Saturday October 19th, or via the contact section on the VVC website here.