Island to Island 2025 Weekend - Sunday

A Brotherhood of Riders Across Malta

The night had barely settled before the anticipation of the ride took over. After a lively buffet night at the Vivaldi Hotel, accompanied by the energy of a live band, we were back on the road early in the morning. As always, our trusted gathering spot at The Kettles, Mriehel welcomed the group, ready for another exhilarating day of riding.

With Malta’s breathtaking weather providing the perfect setting, the La Valette – Malta bikers were eager to embrace the open road once again. By 9 AM, a striking lineup of Harley-Davidson motorcycles formed a long tail of roaring engines—a clear sign that this would be one of our largest rides yet. Being the final Island-to-Island Day, every member made a dedicated effort to be present, ensuring the weekend concluded with a memorable journey.

Two road captains stationed themselves at Vivaldi to greet and lead our visiting Etna Chapter riders towards Mriehel. At exactly 9:45 AM, Silvio Caruana relayed the update that the visitors were approaching. As soon as they arrived, a symphony of honking, waving hands, and the rumble of over 40 motorcycles set the tone for what was to come.

A Ride Through Malta’s Most Scenic Routes

The ride kicked off towards Rabat, cruising beneath the majestic Mdina bastions, winding through Mgarr, Ghajn Tuffieha, Manikata, and Popeye Village before arriving at the iconic Red Tower in Mellieħa. Built in the 1640s, this historic watchtower once served as a radar station for the Armed Forces of Malta. Today, it stands bold against the cliffs, offering panoramic views that never fail to captivate.

After a brief pause to soak in the scenery and capture group photos, the road captains rang out their familiar call—“Saddle up!”—gathering over 50 riders to continue their journey. Heading east, the next stop was Żebbuġ, where a hearty lunch awaited.

Traffic briefly slowed our descent from Mellieħa to Xemxija, but soon, the ride flowed seamlessly through Saint Paul’s Bay, St. Julian’s, Qormi, and Mriehel, before making the final turn towards Handaq—home to the welcoming Ta’ Susina Country Restaurant.

At Ta’ Susina, our riders found a unique atmosphere enhanced by an array of exotic animals—swans, eagles, parrots, and even horses—giving the venue an almost mini-zoo feel. With reserved parking right at the entrance and a designated seating area, the fun continued as drinks were served, marking the perfect moment for cheerful toasts.

A delicious meal followed, starting with pasta, then moving to a choice of rabbit, horsemeat, chicken, or salmon. Laughter and conversation filled the air, with everyone making the most of the occasion to mingle and celebrate the event. Adding to the lively atmosphere, Omar Farrugia entertained with his signature humor through a ‘Kollegament Dirett,’ setting the tone for our final moments of this amazing weekend.

Before long, the Etna Chapter members began their preparations to ride back towards the ferry port. The moment was bittersweet—a weekend of thrilling rides, newfound friendships, and deepened bonds coming to an end. As the Sicilian riders departed, escorted by a group of road captains, the remaining members took one last opportunity to extend the day, riding towards a local cafeteria for a well-earned dessert.

Every element of the Island-to-Island event went exactly according to plan. Guests felt welcomed, locals felt proud, and the event’s success solidified La Valette – Malta’s reputation as a dedicated and respected Harley group. Over time, recognition from our Sicilian neighbors has expanded, and this year marked a significant milestone—the participation of a Calabria-based group, attending for the first time. This only strengthens our resolve to take to the roads again, as September promises another thrilling adventure—the Calabrone Run in southern Italy.

These rides were more than just a journey across Malta; it was a testament to friendship, respect, and the unwavering brotherhood that unites bikers across borders.

La Valette Malta

Together We Ride