~The Granite State Rocks~
by
Steven Rossi
“There’s always a reason to visit!” So says Visit New Hampshire.gov because tourism is a key driver of the Granite State’s economy. “Making the state a premier destination for domestic and international travelers drawn here by the beauty and attractions that make it such a beautiful and special place.”
In our case, “the beauty and attractions” include what is now an extra “special” One-Day Rally. Which is certainly “reason” enough.
New Hampshire State Rep. Randy Tefft and his wife Natalie have graciously hosted the Guzzisti for many a year. Every July, some 50-ish Moto Guzzi guys and gals descend on the lush Surry Mountain Lake-Beach Recreational Area…off Route 12A… just North of Keene. Yet again, the expansive Aspen Pavillion served as our oasis on Saturday, the 19th.
Due to its abundance of visible outcroppings, New Hampshire is referred to as “The Granite State,” as mentioned above. And although the Tefft’s One-Day is billed as an NH affair, it is…in fact…a rock-solid, New England extravaganza. Riders come/came from far and wide, sporting a myriad of state license plates on their rear fenders. That included New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New York.
Obviously, it wouldn’t be a Moto Guzzi gathering without an abundance of delectable f-o-o-d and r-e-f-r-e-s-h-m-e-n-t, and 2025 was no exception. With catered Chicken, Sausage and Peppers, Pasta Salad, Cole Slaw, cookies, cake and more. For a mere $10 per person, which of course also goes to pay for the facility rental, too.
As usual, Randy Tefft served as Master of Ceremonies and after thanking all the attendees, went on to recognize well respected, and Connecticut’s sole, Moto Guzzi dealer Jim Hamlin (Hamlin Cycles -- Bethel, CT). Who was awarded a congratulatory plaque for Ten Years of service to the Guzzi cause and community. Although his Mandello del Lario resume dates way back before 2015, which is when he hung out his exclusive, Moto Guzzi shingle. The Tefft’s annual One-Day celebratory cake was also decorated in his…and his shop’s…honor. Which was just dessert, indeed. Pun intended…
Randy also made a heartfelt pitch to help drive continued support for Frank Wedge and Moto Guzzi National Owners Club (MGNOC) membership (
www.mgnoc.com). Meanwhile, Jim updated rallygoers on all the latest news from Piaggio. Yes, the new V7 Sport arrival (with preorders in place) is imminent, as is a Stelvio Duecento Tributo special edition…which pays tribute to the 200th anniversary of Italy’s legendary Stelvio Pass. It’s already sold, as well.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a Moto Guzzi gathering without Moto Guzzi motorcycles. As usual, an inspiring array ran the gamut of recent U.S. model history and provided further feast for the eyes. Which included:
Ambassador
V50
650 Sessantacinque GT (a personal import)
V11 Stone
Centauro
Breva 750
Breva 1100 8V (as built by Jim Hamlin)
Griso
1200 Sport 8V (as built by Jim Hamlin)
California Vintage
Stelvio NTX (3)
Norge 1400 (as built by Jim Hamlin)
V7 Stone
V7 Stone Centenario
V7 Stornello (2)
V7 Special (3)
California 1400 (4)
V85 TT (3)
V85 TT Travel
V85 TT Centenario (2)
V85 TT Guardia d’Onore (6!)
V100 Mandello
The New Hampshire One-Day routinely draws the cream of the Mandello crop, and 2025 was no exception. Such as a pair of 8-valve machines, which were never imported into America. That included an 1100 Breva and 1200 Sport, both of which were custom built by Jim Hamlin. Then there was a Sessantacinque GT, which is somewhat of a 650cc version of the Mille…which was personally brought in.
Another amazing “Beast,” as it’s been referred to, was a California 1400-powered Norge! Which was also methodically assembled by Jim Hamlin.
Then, the was a mind-blowing assemblage of V85 TT Guardia d’Onore’s. In case you don’t remember, the Guardia was a limited edition of the V85 in celebration of Moto Guzzi’s long standing relationship with the Italian President’s Honor Guard. Which dates back to 1946.
So, only 1,946 such specials were constructed for worldwide consumption. In official black and white livery and loaded with Moto Guzzi accessories as standard equipment. Incredibly, six were on hand in Surry!
But wait, there’s more. And this is TRUE: after the six Guardias were aligned on the lawn beside the lake for a photo op, an actual eagle soared by overhead! Obviously, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
By late afternoon it was time for the entire, exquisite flock of Italian eagles (less, the impromptu one that cruised by in the sky) to spread its wings and whisk passionate owners back toward points home…after soaring through a wonderful day of fun in the sun. With picture-perfect, New England summer weather. Ensuring that the 2025 New Hampshire One-Day Rally would serve as another nest egg of fond Moto Guzzi memory.
Thanks to Randy and Natalie Tefft…who continue to rock, up in the Granite State.
