I arrive in San Francisco were my dear friend John Clelland (DOC MHE900) receives me with his typical enthusiasm followed by classic tourist routes of the city which included a stop at his office (a-ha ! So that is where the missing WPM banners are !!), breakfast at Denny's, and an unplanned but most welcomed visit to Google. By the way, John is truly becoming "Italian" in the sense that he has learned to take advantage of opportunity. For example, in America most restaurants offer a free dessert to anyone celebrating a birthday. In my case, thanks to John, I managed to celebrate my birthday 3 nights in a row ! And, it isn't even my birthday !! Gallery
Friday, July 20 - the big day: I arrive at Ducati North America in Cupertino (that said, the city seems insignificant if not for the fact that Cupertino is the hometown and headquarters for Apple.) where one might expect a red-carpet treatment, but there is hardly a soul and for good reason. Most, if not everyone, are already at the circuit on Ducati Island, which requires much attention and you will see why shortly. Gallery
Saturday morning I arrive at the Ducati Island set up and organized by Ducati North America. That, not like for the Italian races, was able to dedicate a whole area only to Ducati bikes (600). Also, by showing your Ducati key, people had access to free food and beverages. For sure many of you will think: “we pass the keys around, Ill say im a friend of a frieand etc.” …nope, there is a different culture here where certain rules are followed and respected. Riders, here, can freely walk around the streets without being assaulted, they can dine at restaurants Downtown without being disturbed, they can party in public the evening after the races drinking beer together with their fans…unbelievable but true! Gallery
Many clubs were present at the Ducati Island that, as I have mentioned, parked 600 Ducatis and served free food and drinks to many Ducati owners at a tent specifically set up for them. The Ducati Island is made of several structures amongst which, the Owners Tent is a central focus. Next to it the ex AMA truck set up to function as a Ducati shop. Also 2 huge Oakley booths, Italian bicycles, Lavazza Coffee, ¾ of the motorcycle reviews and a dedicated area to moded bikes amngst which 3 were particularly interesting: the “Tiger Monster” owned by the San Francisco Club President, a Casey Stoner 1098 and a custom Ducati. Gallery
Taking advantage of the MotoGP race in Laguna Seca, the DOC Staf coordinator, has flown to California to meet the Overseas Clubs. Unlike the European races, the dinner in Monterey takes place on Saturday. That is possible because in the US people have dinner at 7:30 and the stress load is greatly reduced. No drama if someone cant get his autograph… Dinner was served in a particularly suggestive terrace overlooking the ocean. That reduced the amount of “scenery” to be built around the dinner. The Cheff was of course Italian to show once again how “Made In Italy” is still number one! Between me and you, who buys Ducati is buying an Italian product which has its added value just for being Italian… Gallery
The incredible week-end ends Sunday night at the Monterey Plaza (where Loris and Casey entertained the Club Presidents Saturday evening) with the Notorious Red Bull Party, although this year in a reduced version…for evident inferiority demonstrated on field. We danced with the Ducati Team that had just a ew hours earlier brought the bike to a great victory! A great Casey, too bad for Loris because he was doing really well…a welcome to the Ducati Community to Marco Melandri. Gallery