My Ride to Saint-Tropez – A Journey on Two Wheels

From the moment I first sat on my Street Glide ST, I knew I was in for something special. A true long-distance machine, this black stallion was built for adventure—for the open highways that stretch for miles, offering breathtaking scenery along the way. Riding it brings the kind of joy that never fades, a thrill that awakens the little boy inside—just like my first Harley, the Road King, that got me into the world of Harley and riding longer distance.

After months of short rides around Sicily, I was ready for something bigger—my first solo trip covering hundreds of miles. My destination? Saint-Tropez for the Harley-Davidson European Festival, running from May 8th to 11th. Excitement took over as I prepared everything for my journey, knowing that this ride would be an unforgettable experience.

Gearing Up and Setting Off

By Wednesday, my gear was packed, and riding alone meant I could organize everything with ease. I always travel light, and with spring in full swing, I wasn’t expecting any harsh weather conditions.

Thursday morning, I boarded the ferry to Pozzallo, and by 8:15 AM, I was already riding towards Messina. Having traveled this route before, I felt completely at ease cruising along Sicily’s east coast. By 10:30 AM, I reached the ferry terminal, crossed into mainland Italy, and immediately refueled to prepare for the long road ahead.

Once back on the road, I tackled a 300 km stretch with only one more fuel stop before arriving at my hotel in Fabro—Casale Serena, Contrada Salci Capretta. After a long day in the saddle, I grabbed a quick meal and headed straight to bed, knowing I needed to be fully recharged for another thrilling day of riding on Friday.

Day Two – Navigating the Roads to France

By 7:30 AM, I was up and fueling myself for the journey—breakfast first, then the bike. The forecast warned of rain, so I geared up and started riding. Traffic was heavy with trucks and trailers, forcing me to stay sharp while weaving through Florence, Genoa, and toward the French border. The changing weather conditions added to the challenge, but nothing could slow me down.

As I got closer to my final destination, excitement grew. Seeing countless Harleys cruising alongside me, all headed for the Euro Festival, was an incredible feeling—it gave me the energy to push forward. By 5 PM, I had checked into my hotel, Marina Hotel Club, grabbed a quick shower, and was back on my bike, ready to ride the 2 km to the festival.

Day Three – Living the Harley Dream

After a late night at the festival, Saturday morning was a slower start. I enjoyed breakfast before heading to the yacht marina for some relaxation and exploring the shops. By late morning, it was time for one of the trip’s highlights—a test ride of the 2025 Pan America. Taking it out for an hour through the scenic roads of Saint-Tropez was an amazing experience, but my heart still belongs to my Street Glide ST for long-distance riding.

The afternoon brought some well-earned rest before heading back to the festival for another night filled with music, meeting fellow Harley riders, and soaking in the energy of the event. The Saturday evening headliner at the Harley-Davidson Euro Festival was none other than Rag’n’Bone Man. His powerful blues and soul-infused performance was a highlight of the festival, bringing an electrifying close to the day’s events. The atmosphere was incredible, and the music added a whole new layer to an already unforgettable experience.

Day Four – The Road Home

Before the sun had even risen on Sunday, I was back on my Street Glide, making my way toward Italy. Though the early hours meant fewer riders on the road, I wasn’t alone—I rode alongside fellow Harley enthusiasts, each making their way back home. Luckily, the dry roads allowed me to soak in the stunning landscapes all the way to Naples.

Stopping only twice for fuel, I made excellent time and arrived by 4 PM, with enough time to enjoy a good meal before boarding the ferry to Palermo. By 8 PM, I was sailing overnight, catching up on rest in a cabin before arriving in Sicily by 6 AM on Monday.

Day Five – Back to Malta, Already Planning the Next Ride

With no stops planned, I took the main autostrada straight from Palermo to Pozzallo with no stoos, as I fueled up in Naples before I took the ferry. I rode effortlessly ob the autostrada to catch the afternoon ferry back to Malta. By 3 PM, I was back on home ground, reflecting on an unforgettable ride.

Over 3,200 KM Later… and Counting

Four days, 3,200 km, and an average of 800 km per day—the kind of ride that fuels a rider’s passion. The satisfaction of knowing I can take on long-distance solo trips only pushes me to plan more. With my next adventure already in motion—Croatia for the HOG Rally in Mindulin with my La Valette Malta group—I’m eager to hit the road again.

But the planning doesn’t stop there. Looking ahead, I’m already considering more destinations, more rallies, and more opportunities to put miles on my Harley. Riding isn’t just about the road—it’s about the feeling, the freedom, and the unbeatable satisfaction of seeing new places from the saddle of a machine built for adventure.

Every ride is a chance to explore, to feel the freedom only a Harley can provide. After all, the motto remains the same: Live to ride. Ride to live.