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How One Man Discovered Purpose, Friendship, and Himself on the Open Road
Every now and then, you stumble across a story so moving and genuine it makes you stop and think about your own life—about what it really means to live by chasing after something that sets your heart on fire. That’s exactly what happens when you hear about Ruso Ricaurte. His adventures on his beloved Vespa, Antonia, aren’t just travel tales; they’re stories of grit, kindness, and rediscovering what truly matters. Let’s hop on for a ride through the ups and downs of Ruso’s journey and see how traveling the world on two wheels changed everything for him.
Trading the Office for the Open Road
Ruso’s story doesn’t start with engines or distant countries. It starts in a place many of us know well—a regular office! While working at his office job in Quito, Ecuador, Ruso began to feel his life was getting a little too small and a little too predictable. Something inside him whispered for more, and Ruso listened. He packed a backpack and headed to Brazil, hoping it would shake up his world. In fact, Brazil did more than that. The country’s vibrant music, dazzling landscapes, and open-hearted people cracked something wide open inside Ruso. After that trip, he realized he didn’t want to just exist—he wanted to live.
So, the following year, Ruso took the leap and started riding long distances on a Vespa. That first ride was the beginning of a new chapter filled with freedom, curiosity, and the kind of personal growth you can’t get behind a desk.
When you imagine someone riding across continents, a Vespa isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But for Ruso, it was the perfect match. Sleek, classic, and surprisingly tough, the Vespa was a practical choice too; it’s easy to fix and you can find spare parts almost everywhere thanks to the worldwide Vespa community. What Ruso didn’t expect was how much his little scooter would open doors and hearts. Ruso’s Vespa wasn’t just a way to get around; it became a bridge to new friends, helpers, and an entire network of kindred spirits.
A Trip to “The End of the World” Sparked a New Dream
Of all the places Ruso’s Vespa has carried him, one stands out: Ushuaia, Argentina. Given its location in the southernmost tip of South America, Ushuaia is called the “end of the world,” and for Ruso, it felt like the edge of everything he’d ever known.
Getting there wasn’t easy. There were long days, rough roads, and plenty of moments where Ruso had to dig deep just to keep going. But along the way, he met strangers who became friends, Vespa club members who taught him how to fix his scooter, and people who offered a hand when he needed it most. One meeting above all others changed everything.
In Ushuaia, just when Ruso thought his journey was ending, he had a chance encounter with an elderly man that led him to dream even bigger. Ruso was emotional and overwhelmed by finally reaching his destination. Then, out of nowhere, another motorcycle rolled up, transporting an elderly Argentinian couple, Facundo and María. Ruso couldn’t believe it! Here were two people who’d lived long, hard lives, and who were now traveling the world together on a motorcycle.
Facundo shared his story: after years spent working, raising a family, and following every rule, serious illness struck both him and María. Their children had moved away, and they were left alone, heavily medicated and waiting for the end. One day, Facundo saw a television show about older bikers, and the light bulb went off. He bought a motorcycle and called his family to announce his wild plan to set out on a life of adventure. Everyone thought he was crazy, but he didn’t care.
The trip changed everything. At first, Facundo and María stayed in luxury hotels, but when their bike broke down, they ended up in a backpackers’ hostel. It was a revelation—young travelers flocked to hear their stories, asked them questions, and embraced them like family. They ditched the fancy hotels and started staying in hostels, small inns, and people’s homes, discovering a whole new way to see the world.
There was something miraculous about this tale to Ruso. As Facundo said, “We just started living again.” It was a lesson that hit Ruso hard, leaving him in tears. Before they parted ways, Facundo had one last piece of advice for Ruso: “Go to Alaska,” he said. That simple challenge became Ruso’s new mission, not just as a destination, but as a promise to himself.
Vespa Clubs: The Heartbeat of Community
So, Ruso set his sights on Alaska. But first, he had to get the right visas, which meant riding all the way back home to Ecuador. It wasn’t a straight line—there were delays, hurdles, and plenty of “now or never” moments. Step by step, however, the pieces fell into place, and Ruso eventually crossed the Americas on his way to Alaska.
Traveling from country to country, Ruso quickly came to appreciate the incredible power of community. Specifically, Vespa clubs became his lifeline, offering help, spare parts, beds to sleep in, and friendships that went far beyond fixing a scooter. In some countries, these clubs were everywhere—ready to welcome him with open arms. In others, they were few and far between, making every bit of support feel even more precious.
Ruso estimates he’s connected with more than 50 Vespa clubs along the way. These clubs were run by people who became hosts, guides, mechanics, and friends. As it turned out, Thursday nights became sacred “motorcycle days,” packed with stories, laughter, and hands-on repairs. The Vespa culture was unlike anything else: warm, quirky, and fiercely supportive. It made every stop along the way feel like coming home.
Growth through Adversity
Of course, no epic adventure comes without its share of struggles. The COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, hit hard, slamming borders shut and making even basic camping tricky. Costs soared, routines got upended, and loneliness crept in. Ruso spent three years zigzagging through 27 U.S. states, learning to push through the tough days and find joy in the little things.
Ruso admits he doesn’t do much physical prep before a big trip. He tries to eat well, keeps up with yoga, and checks in with friends. The real challenge is mental and emotional, especially when traveling solo for such long periods. Ruso found comfort in prayer, self-reflection, and keeping old habits alive, like reading or imagining conversations with his late father. As he learned, a quiet moment and a good conversation is all it took to get him through some dark patches.
The Magic of “Antonia”
For Ruso, his Vespa—named Antonia—is much more than a machine. Antonia was Ruso’s kindergarten teacher, the person who taught him to read and opened the world to him. Riding Antonia is his inspiration, and a reminder of how every adventure is a chance to keep learning and growing.
Mechanically, Antonia has serious perks. It is belt driven (so no broken chains to worry about). It has a spare tire built in, and it is relatively easy to repair. But there’s also something about its classic look that makes people smile, wave, and start conversations. It’s a rolling invitation to connect with strangers and swap stories. And thanks to the global Vespa network, Ruso always has a safety net—there’s help waiting almost everywhere he goes.
Before each trip, Ruso goes through his rituals: checking the tires, oil, and balance, listening for anything unusual in the engine, and having a quiet talk about his trip with his late father. These habits keep him grounded, both mechanically and emotionally, for whatever lies ahead.
Stories of Kindness and Connection
Ruso’s travels are overflowing with moments of deep kindness and unexpected connection. The story of Facundo and María is just one example—there were countless others. Strangers invited Ruso into their homes, offered food, helped with repairs, and became part of his journey. Each act of generosity was a little reminder that the world is full of good people.
For Ruso, these connections mean more than any material comfort. The laughter, encouragement, and shared dreams have left a mark not just on him, but also on those he’s met—especially kids who light up when they hear about his adventures and start dreaming about their own.
When talking about his journey, Ruso is also honest about the challenges he faces, including having to conquer his fears. Leaving home and family was tough, and he started out knowing almost nothing about how to fix a Vespa. But every day on the road, his fears shrank. Ruso learned to trust himself, lean on the wisdom of other travelers, and tune out anyone who doubted him.
His advice for others? Follow your heart, don’t listen to the naysayers, and only take advice from people who’ve walked the path you’re on. It takes courage to chase a big dream, but the reward is worth it—a life full of adventure, companionship, and fond memories.
Final Thoughts: The Road Is Waiting
Ruso isn’t done yet. He has his sights set on circling the globe on Antonia, with Europe next on his agenda and maybe even a world record in his future. Ruso wants his legacy to be more than just miles traveled—it’s about inspiring others to go after what they love, no matter the obstacles.
Ruso Ricaurte’s story is a powerful reminder that life gets richer when you step outside your comfort zone and chase what matters most. Through the support of Vespa clubs, the kindness of strangers, and his own unbreakable spirit, Ruso proves that adventure is out there for anyone brave enough to seek it.
Whether you’re itching to hit the road or just need a little inspiration, let Ruso’s journey be your nudge. The world is wide, full of new friends, new stories, and endless possibilities. Sometimes, all it takes is a Vespa and the courage to chase a dream.
