We took part again this year in the 1000 Sassi, between Umbria and Tuscany, with the Africa Twin. Three days of driving and splendid company in one of the most beautiful off-road events of the year
June 6, 2023
We took part again this year at the 1000 Sassi, between Umbria and Tuscany, with the Africa Twin. Three days of guide and splendid company in one of the most beautiful off-road events of the year.
Even this year I didn’t miss Daniele Alessandrini’s invitation to his beautiful 1000 Sassi. It’s the fourth edition for me and I care about it, because the 1000 Sassi is like good wine. It gets better every year.
The event, open to all road enduros, takes place every year between Tuscany and Umbria over 3 stages. But there is also the possibility to participate only on Saturdays. This year the stretches of asphalt have grown compared to the past, but the rains must be taken into account incessant that affected the transit areas, forcing the organizer to make countless changes to the route even in the days before the start.
In 2023 the 1000 Sassi started from Arezzo to then reach Assisi and return to Arezzo, passing through Castiglion Fiorentino. The ride was magnificent, interspersed with many tasty refreshments.
I drove there Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L fitted with the new Metzeler Karoo4; it was a perfect pairing for tackling even demanding routes (see the hard sections of the third day, in theory forbidden to twin-cylinder bikes, but I asked permission…).
The organization was excellent, but the good company that all the participants gave me was also remarkable in these days. Among them also the girls of From heel to plug riding the Honda CRF300L, to which we will dedicate a separate video.
Here is the report below, see you next year!
Andrea Perfetti at the start with Maurizio Bombarda and Renato Zocchi
The 3 days
Day 1
278 km from Arezzo to Assisi for the first day of the 1000 Sassi 2023. A smooth course, with beautiful views between Tuscany and Umbria, and some fun passages on stones and mud. The Africa Twin on Karoo 4 tires went great. Comfortable, smooth suspension and engine that is infinite off-road. And tomorrow we start again for another 260 km.
Day 2
Umbria and Tuscany, wonders of our country Today 280 km to the 1000 Sassi from Assisi to Arezzo Easy routes and lots of asphalt, which made the 200 participants catch their breath. We also enjoyed the landscapes of this tour which becomes more beautiful every year. And tomorrow we leave again, destination Castiglion Fiorentino.
Day 3
Lots of stones, 1000 Stones Only 220 km for the third and final day of the 1000 Stones, with a daisy-chain tour based in Arezzo that took us all the way to Castiglion Fiorentino. Fewer kilometers due to the mud which forced the organizers to remove parts of the route which had become unusable. But that’s perfectly fine, also because there was the hard variant dedicated to single cylinders.
And we did it with the Africa Twin 1100, which has more than 100 horsepower, weighs more than 220 kg, but she doesn’t know it and flies over the stones like a dancer.
Vote 10 to the participants. I thank you for the wonderful company you have given me these days.
Vote 10 to the organizer Daniele Alessandrini, an honor to receive his invitation every year.
Rated 10 to the many girls By motorbike. The 3 bikers of the initiative told by Motoit, but also all the others. You are super.
Vote 10 to the Honda Africa Twin 1100. She may not be the fastest on the road or the most nimble off-road, but in terms of poise and balance she is few to match. In total, starting from the Milan office, I covered 1,605 km. I consumed 94 liters of petrol with an average consumption of 5.8 l/100 km. The average speed was 68 km/h.
The Metzeler Karoo 4 tires were eventually worn out 90% at the rear and 50% at the front. This is a positive figure, because in 1,605 km they have undergone severe treatment, offering excellent performance in return.
All high marks? You are right, but I spent 3 days of top marks at the 1000 Sassi.
CLOTHING:
NOS NS9 helmet
Completo TUR J-Three
Stivali Alpinestars Tech 10
Editing by Luca Catasta
Photo by Sestriere Photography
The Honda Africa Twin queen of the 2023 1000 Sassi: 1,605 km of off-road pleasure!
