Ducati Monster Forum

I just got back late last night from a 2-day school at MMP, and it was awesome, awesome, awesome!  You just don't realize how cool this school is until you try it.  I had some ah-ha! moments and ran my fastest laps ever on both the East and West side.  It was the best time I've ever had on two wheels.

Oh, Scott Russell hung out with us both days.  At the end of the day yesterday, Nick Ienatsch said we could take the new R1 out for a lap if we wanted, but I had a better idea: I asked Russell if he'd take me for a ride 2-up ('cause I'm all about mandem).  I didn't have time to ride the R1, but two fast laps with Mr. Daytona was well worth the sacrifice!

I forgot to mention that Spies is on the schedule to show up next week, and Hayes was on the schedule, too.  I wonder if Spies will give 2-up rides?

Me demonstrating the slow way around the East track on day 1:

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2588/3838895208_79829cfabd_o.jpg)

Followed by an instructor on day 1 (don't mess up!):

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2246/3838911004_dd8da2d873_o.jpg)

http://www.onthethrottle.com/content/view/307/1/ (http://www.onthethrottle.com/content/view/307/1/)

Good find!  Thanks for the link.

We asked Russell some questions about technique, and he dithered for a little before responding with something like: "Shoot guys, I was a natural; I didn't think about what I was doing, it just came to me."  Must be nice!

For once, I was the clever one: I was only one of two students who rode back and forth to the hotel in the van, but that gave me lots of time to bug Russell with questions  :P.  He turned out to be a very friendly guy, and his answers were quite candid.

http://www.onthethrottle.com/content/view/314/1/ (http://www.onthethrottle.com/content/view/314/1/)

great stuff in part 2.  [thumbsup]

pt. 3:  http://www.onthethrottle.com/content/view/319/1/ (http://www.onthethrottle.com/content/view/319/1/)

...in which he specifically addresses the cocky vs. shy/focused thing.  ;)

i'd take his comment about intending to learn italian as a clue to what he's thinking about for next year.

yes...it'll be to date more Italian women!

What a great candid interview, I think just listening to him took 3 seconds off my lap times.

Seriously though, he's growing on me... don't get me wrong, I'm not ready to have his children, i'll leave that to gm2. But I would entertain a beer with the guy.

Thanks for the links.

great interview.

+11tby.  Thanks, gm2.   [thumbsup]

That interview with The Ben really should be its own thread.  I almost missed it buried in this one.

mebbe i'll do that afterall