10 inch stories - the new book by Markus A. Mayer

10-inch stories: 150,000 km of Vespa life in one book

You can ride a Vespa to the ice cream parlor, take a country trip, visit a scooter meeting - or even ride around the world. That's exactly what Markus A. Mayer did.

He was bitten by the Vespa bug at 16. In 2007, he quit his job as a sales manager because he was on the verge of burnout and went traveling. In 2014, he embarked on his first major tour of 32 countries on his Vespa. This was followed in 2018 by the round-the-world trip from Madrid to Madrid - 27,113 kilometers, 18 countries, three continents. And that was not his last scooter adventure.

One man - one scooter (or several)

In "10 Inch Stories", Markus André Mayer tells of 150,000 kilometers of life on two wheels - and does so with a frankness and dedication that is rarely found. A must-read for anyone who wants to know what riding a Vespa can really mean.

Not just kilometers - but real adventures

What Markus describes is not a travelogue in the classic sense. It's experiences, small disasters, encounters, sunsets, lost cylinder head gaskets, new friendships, desert nights and cold mornings in rain suits - all condensed into a road movie on paper. And the secret of the infamous "penis tour" is also revealed in the book. (All PG-rated, don't worry)

Worldwide Vespa family

Between broken crankshafts and emergency roadside tinkering, Markus shows what it's all about: solidarity, a talent for improvisation and the scooter and Vespa family that can be found all over the world. Whether at the North Cape, in the desert or somewhere between provincial roads and big city traffic - Markus' encounters and experiences make it clear why a 2-stroke is much more than just a means of transportation.

Important tips and good advice

If you have your own plans to travel around the world on your scooter, you will also find an important guide in Markus' exciting book:

• How do I pack my Vespa for such a tour?
• What do I take with me?
• What should I definitely not forget?
• And what should I definitely leave at home?

Why you should read this book

Clear recommendation: This is about a real passion for the Vespa and the possibilities that such a small two-stroke can offer. How far you can go with it. And because it might remind you why you started riding a scooter yourself back then. Or why you still ride. And dream. And screw.

10 inch stories by Markus A. Mayer - now in the Scooter Center store!

The author himself was at our Open Day and gave Maryza a short interview:

To the book