Not mine but this is what it looks like (source: http://seoul.craigslist.co.kr/mcy/2344408813.html)

Pozzallo to Caltavutura, 220km, surely a manageable distance. Until I introduce some factors, expected and not, into the equation.

Factor A: it's only a 125cc. Memory wrong-sided me here. You see, the last time I did Sicily with a motorbike was when I had a Piaggio X9 Evolution. With 200cc, we (me and my pillion, 2 side saddle bags, rear luggage box and a rucksack) could still cruise along at 100km/h on the highways. However, the Fly is more of a city bike, so taking it beyond 60 had it shuddering in fear at the speed. As you can imagine, losing 40km in an hour is no joke. Besides, motorcycles under 150cc are not even allowed on highways, contrary to what I thought I had read somewhere.

Factor B: the weather. I'm instinctively more cautious on wet roads or in the rain and that's what I had to face on the outward journey. In fine weather, a longer ride is still a pleasure because I can stop along the way for photographing the sites and tasting the local goodies. The Saturday of the race was an almost uninterrupted 7-hour assault. "Almost", because of ....

Factor C: a small fuel tank. X9 equalled 350 kilometres when full. That would have taken me to Caltavuturo and half-way back. Not so the Fly, maxing out at 130km. This is an important consideration when facing long stretches of wilderness without a fuel station in sight. I needed to stop twice each way to play it safe.

Factor D: mechanical niggles. I had read rave reviews by normal users before choosing this model. Unfortunately I haven't been very fortunate with mine. It's only 4 months out of the showroom but it's been towed away a couple of times because of mechanical problems. The agents have been extremely helpful but it seems that just as one problem gets solved, another develops. The current worry is the lazy ignition. When it was time for me to head back to Pozzallo, I had a few anxious moments because this time it struggled even more. Having faith in the machine one's driving is a worry less.

Related posts:

• Ecotrail della Luna - Caltavuturo: the adventure starts tonight!
• Starting from the end
• Did I say adventure?
• Day 1 - the night race
• Ecotrail della Luna - video
• Overreaching.....on a Piaggio Fly 125
• Day 2 - when even experienced trail runners walk
• Ecotrail della Luna - podium photo
• Ecotrail della Luna - the results