The Stella Alpina Rally


Keen motorcyclist?

Negotiating UK city traffic or the riding over the great hills of Bedfordshire no longer offer enough of a challenge?  Then consider the Alps!

Only one day's ride from here (well, from Bedfordshire anyway), the Alps offer spectacular scenery and roads, and all the more if you're game for exploring off the beaten track (literally!).

The 'Stella Alpina Motociclistica Internazionale', more commonly known as the Stella Alpina Rally (or just "The Stella"), has taken place in the Italian Alps every year since 1966.

With the exception of the very first Stella Alpina, the meeting has taken place every year in the Italian ski-resort town of Bardonecchia which is located close to the Italian border with France at the end of the Frejus tunnel that links the two countries.

Whilst the term "Rally" can conjure up thoughts of a competitive event, this description does not apply to the Stella Alpina.  Largely organised throughout it's 50+ years' history by Turin BMW rider, Mario Artusio, the Stella is simply a meeting of motorcyclists (and pillion passengers) who share a common interest.  Whilst the highlight of the event for many is the Sunday morning ride up the largely unsurfaced track to the 9872ft (3009m) elevation Colle del Sommeiller, the socialising over the whole weekend is also a major attraction.

Don't be put off by the prospect of riding off tarmac.  The Stella is intended to offer road-riders an opportunity to experience roads which they would not generally and the track can be negotiated on any well-ridden road bike; you certainly DO NOT need an "Adventure" bike - look HERE!

Click HERE for further information.

Interested?  Then the date for your diary is the second Sunday in July (every year!).


 Stella Alpina 1981  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2012  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 1982  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2013  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 1983  (Photos)                            Ligurian Border Ridge Road 2013  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 1984  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2014  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 2000  (Article & photos)                      Stella Alpina 2015  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 2001  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2016  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 2002  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2017  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 2005  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2018  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 2008  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2019  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 2009  (Photos)                            Stella Alpina 2019  (A first-timer's account & photos)
 Stella Alpina 2010  (Photos)                            Ligurian Border Ridge Road 2019  (Photos)
 Stella Alpina 2011  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2022  (Photos)
       Ligurian Border Ridge Road 2011  (Photos)                      Stella Alpina 2023  (Photos)