Recently I was invited along to Vespa Australia's 70th Birthday at Bar Machiavelli in Sydney.  Along with the delicious food, gorgeous flower arrangements and super cool imagery of James Dean, Steve McQueen and Audrey Hepburn projected onto the walls, the newest range of Vespas were taking centre stage as the stars of the night. Having a chat with the Vespa crew up from Melbourne, they found out my love for (and history with) of motorbikes.

You may not know this, but I have been riding for 11 years now. I've had 3 sport bikes, ranging from a Honda CBR 250 RR when I was on my L's, a Honda RVF 400 when I wanted to start doing track days, to a Yamaha R6 when I finally got my full license.

I worked for several years at the pinnacle of motorbike racing both in Australia with the Australian Superbike Championship and internationally with the MotoGP World Championship - so racing, and my love of all things two wheeled is forever ingrained in me!!

When Vespa offered to let me trial one of their new  Primavera i-Get 150 ABS models, I absolutely couldn't pass up the chance.  To be honest, I've always been more drawn to the gutsier, sportier style motorbikes but I absolutely love how zippy, convenient and easy this Vespa is to take everywhere.

The super chic, Italian, classic style appeals to my inner fashionista and I can even stash my handbag under the seat or my helmet when I hop off.

I can calmly ride to work and cut my traffic time in half, park it with ease and it only costs me maximum $9 a week in fuel - what's not to love?

The best thing about it?  It matches my Mini - it's destiny!!

I think one of these will have to come and live with me forever - Vespa, you may have just converted me ;)

**This is how I really ride - always wear a proper motorcycle jacket, helmet, boots and gloves.  Remember how vulnerable you are out there!

Photos by James Pralija of Crank Creative.  Thanks to Vespa Australia and Sweaty Betty PR for the loan.

Love, Lauren xoxox