Ducati Monster Forum

I know it's been over six months since you heard from the club, but in in an effort to get the Desert Ducatisti DOC moving forward again Jeff Devine (our club Treasurer) and myself have decided to call a good old fashion club meeting. Please help so your support for restarting the club by coming to the meeting or contacting Jeff or I and letting us know your interest level in the club. Also if you have and questions or comments please fell to contact us as well.

Thanks for your support,
Bill Johnson (azbill@ducatiperformance.com)
Jeff Devine (jethroaz@cox.net)


Ducati Enthusiast - October Meeting (Oct 6, 2009)
When: Tuesday October  6, 2009 @ 7pm (they close at 8:30)
Where: Heart Attach Grill
    6185 W Chandler BLVD.
    Chandler, AZ 85226
    (SouthWest corner of Chandler Blvd & Kyrene Rd.)
Directions: Http://www.MapQuest.com/ (http://Http://www.MapQuest.com/)

EVRYONE IS WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE!

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6185+W+Chandler+Blvd.+Chandler+AZ&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=Gs2vSqPFC5HuMdLIoPIN&ll=33.304762,-111.945834&spn=0.011549,0.021629&z=16 (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=6185+W+Chandler+Blvd.+Chandler+AZ&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&split=0&gl=us&ei=Gs2vSqPFC5HuMdLIoPIN&ll=33.304762,-111.945834&spn=0.011549,0.021629&z=16)

Michael,

Did you really need to google the location?

 ;)

Not as much as I was correcting the map link that TurboMonster posted (which went to 36 N William Dillard Dr, Gilbert, AZ).

But if your suggesting that someone like me (tall, dark, and handsome) was once a regular customer of Heart Attack Grill, then you'd be mistaken -- I've never been there.

If you care about the health of your digestive track, you should try to keep it that way.

I ate there a number of times (when it was on Warner).  Am I'm as fit as a fiddle!  [thumbsup]

I would like to attend but I will never go there... let alone eat there.  Most burger joints use basic condiments such as mayonase, mustard, ketchup, etc.  Heart Attack Grill uses Lard... you have got to be kidding me... just make americans even fatter than they truly are.  I think it is completely gross.

If you want a male targeted restaruant I would vote for Tilted Kilt instead.  At least they have some much healthier options... just my $0.02.

If you are insisiting on going to the Heart Attack Grill then have fun... I will wait until another meeting.

Yellow Monster, thanks for the input, and yes, perhaps the Heart Attack Grill may not be the most nutritious of locations, however its atmosphere and layout lends itself to a good meeting place for we Ducatisti and our bikes.  There are numerous locations that we attend, with the Tilted Kilt being one of them of course, and we'll make every effort to place each of them on the calendar for our upcoming events.   As funny as it sounds, one would think that with all of the great eateries around the valley picking a good spot for everyone to meet would be easy, but it's actually the opposite which is why both myself and Bill are always open to suggestions.   So if you have a favorite haunt, let us know and we'll put it on the list.

At any rate, we sincerely hope that you and your friends attend the meet, and as I said before, this is just one of many to come. Thanks for the interest guys!

Uh, why a Tuesday night rather than a Sat or Sun night?

Guys ...

... the location and date aren't going to be perfect for everyone, but make it if you can make it.

"Why not at my favorite tofu restaurant?"
"Tuesdays I'm busy watching Dancing with the Stars."

 [roll]

Good heavens.

Holy shit.

IZ returns to Arizona and you guys become drama central.

 :-*

Is that why you can't make it to TT?

It follows him all over the country.

I only asked because I thought going out on a weekend would make more sense for most people.

(http://images.buddytv.com/usrimages/usr2843590/2843590_4ae51097-3897-483f-a506-bdb768c5038a-dancing-stars-abc.jpg)

Believe it or not, getting together on Saturdays is an option which will be exercised in the near future.  The reason that the meetings are typically held on weekdays is because of a questionnaire that was distributed to the club members a year or two ago, in which the question was asked if the members would prefer to attend weekday OR weekend meetings.   Surprisingly enough, the majority of those who responded stated that they preferred to meet on weekdays rather than weekends.  Wether it were for scheduling purposes or family time reasons most seemed to like the weekday idea better, hence the weekday meetings.  HOWEVER, please keep in mind and as  I mentioned above, that this is not the rule so holding a weekend meeting is not out of the question.    Now we can't move every meeting to Saturday (or even Sunday for that matter), but what we can do is try to move the meetings to different days of the week to to try accommodate as many people as we possibly can.  Ultimately, this makes the most sense.     

Keep you eyes open everyone......I suspect that another questionnaire will be distributed to the clubs members sometime soon for further input.    If you would like to become a member, please forward to me your email address and I'll send you all of the particulars on how to join.   And don't worry, becoming a member doesn't include any strange rituals or embarrassing initiations.  You merely have to have the appreciation for the open road, and a true love for the feel of a well tuned Ducati.   Again, thanks for the support everyone and we hope to see you all on Tuesday October 6th!

Isn't that what The Pavillions are for on Saturday nights?










BTW..FU RM!! 
>:(

Tuesdays are no good for me, but I will definately watch out for meetings and group rides planned on other days.   Saturday, Sundays and Mondays are the best for me.

Joking aside, I prefer a weekday.

Reasons:
- I have a wife and kids

See, if I go out on the weekend, then it'll be with my wife. However, if I go out on my own on a weeknight, she won't care or feel like she's being left out.

Thanks for the input Duki09, that's exactly what we're looking for.  Like I said the meeting times and schedule will be flexible because naturally we want as many people to attend as possible.  It's great to see a bunch of Ducati's sitting out front of a restaurant and checking out all of the cool mods members have made to their bikes.  Some really good conversation and ideas come from these evenings.  

And to answer your question IZ, yes and no.  Saturday night at the Pavilions is great for everyone to get together and check out all kinds of bikes, but we have historically held our meetings at casual type restaurants were we can enjoy an agreeable meal and chat amongst other members in a casual atmosphere.   But since you've brought it up, we'll set a Saturday Pavilions meeting date and see how things turn out.  We could have the members park their bikes in a specific area, I'll bring a cooler full of beverages (nonalcoholic of course) and perhaps a few dishes of homemade Italian food for the members to enjoy.  It would be a good way for members and potential members to meet one another, and of course to check out all of the fine machinery out there.   Great idea IZ.

Anyone else have any suggestions?  

Did someone say "homemade Italian" ?  

Do you guys look out for and join any charity motorcycle rides and events?
Many of these rides are strictly Harley owner rides, but some are open to all motorcycle owners.

Just for example, for the past few years during the spring, Taser International in Scottsdale has held an annual, "Takin' the Ride" charity motorcycle ride, BBQ and concert which is used to raise money for families of fallen officers.  

Or there are other rides out there for those of you who don't hate the police. lol

It may also be a good way of making the group more well recognized for other Ducati owners at these events that may want to join AZDRA

Former (brief) club VP here. I was actually being a smart azz with The Pavillions comment. ;)

I can't meet on Weekends or on Weekdays. Too busy riding.  [moto]

Where are Dietrich and DucDucDave in all of this mix???

+1

That's what I'd like to know. The club president and vice president haven't done anything with the club since April...

Jeff (JethroAZ), the clubs Treasures,  asked me to help him set up a meeting and get the club moving forward again, but I really thought David and Dietrich would have jumped in as soon as we posted the meeting notice. Guess I was wrong...

Politics aside, I was just curious. I don't want to stir anything up and I meant no accusation nor implied anything by asking.

Me either... I'm just helping Jeff and going to have dinner with friends.

I'm hoping everyone will come out and leave the past politics crap behind...

Now you're on the trolley.  [thumbsup]

Let me ask something.

What is so difficult about and why is money needed to be raised for a group of Ducati owners to plan out and go out for a group ride, lunch or other activity?

For example, if a group of Harley owners want to go out for a group ride, they just go out for a group ride or meet at their favorite hangout.  They don't wait arounnd until one specific person plans out one and they don't pay anyone any memberships.
Why can't we do the same thing?

What am I missing here other than the obvious politics of power and someone making money off people for something they can do for free?

Booo!  [beer]


Short answer is that you don't need a club to ride. We (non-club) meet up at least once during the week, every week to hang out and talk bikes. Then we ride almost every weekend. Weekends when we aren't riding, we are usually hanging out working on bikes.  [moto]

Maybe it's a sense of "if it costs more, then it's more valuable." For example, I'm trying to put together a group ride -- http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=29217.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=29217.0)

But no one seems to be interested except me and D. However, if I charged money, then I might get a better response.  [roll]

Seriously though, I support having an organized club. I'll join anything that will give me a free Ducati t-shirt.

(http://www.superbikesmanchester.co.uk/acatalog/DU152.jpg)

Edit for Michael:


 [laugh]

I think they charge for shirts that are over XXXL? 


special order..extra ink and all..

just saying.

Ouch ...

... double zing!

First of all, I would ... at most ... need a XXL.

Secondly, I already own this shirt. (http://www.davidcassidyfansite.com/ImagesForFans/TshirtAdvertising.jpg)

Yeah, but mine was funny (as was your response), IZ's just wasn't right...but there's some sadly embarrassing images of IZ around here somewhere if you need leverage.....

...oh wait, he was proud of that!!  [laugh]

Never mind.

 [laugh]

Sorry M but if I overlooked a perfect opportunity like that one..



 ;D


You shoosh Dave!!

It's okay, you guys are great.

I'm always a good sport for a little roasting.

 [laugh]

It's all in good fun!

(http://smiley.onegreatguy.net/dj.gif)

Yes, I'm quoting myself.

Well, I don't want to hijack this thread.

Let's get back on topic here, which is our Devil's Highway group ride in October --
Click here: http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=29217.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=29217.0)

(http://www.bestdesignever.com/ducati/round-valley-2.jpg)

Wow, I go out of town for a couple of days and ka-blamo!  The thread explodes with activity.  Excellent.

Now I feel as though I need to speak of a subject that was touched on earlier in the thread...the ever so delicate "money" questions.  Now I'd love to insert the specific quote that I'm referring to here, but I'm not yet that savy.  Heck, it took me 20 minutes just how to figure out how to put a picture with my profile.  Ok, back to the subject.  I'll answer each point honestly, after all it's what everyone deserves.

It was previously stated that "What is so difficult about and why is money needed to be raised for a group of Ducati owners to plan out and go out for a group ride, lunch or other activity?".  Great question and I completely agree with you.   Desert Ducatisti has never stated that raising money is a prerequisite to planning a ride or getting together.  In fact, as per the official Ducati rules, neither an officially sponsored club (which our club is) or it's officers can host a ride on the clubs behalf.  Sound counterintuitive?  A motorcycle club not being able to sponsor an actual ride?  Well, it's true.   Ducati isn't immune to lawsuits which is why this mandate exists.  This doesn't mean we can't all ride together because we have and often do...all it means is that the lead rider can't wear the "Desert Ducatisti" banner like a cape while blasting through back road twisties for advertisement purposes.   In other words, the money raised by the club doesn't go to organizing rides.  It goes to other things which I will get into in a second.  Next, it was stated "if a group of Harley owners want to go out for a group ride, they just go out for a group ride or meet at their favorite hangout.  They don't wait around until one specific person plans out one and they don't pay anyone any memberships.  Why can't we do the same thing?"   Again, we have spontaneously met for rides and will continue to do so, non-organized (wink wink, nudge nudge) or otherwise.  And of course that’s not the purpose of the one-time $25.00 membership fee.   Let’s not forget one of the most basic fundamentals that we all share…..we all share the love of the ride. It’s what we purchased our bikes for.    No club in the world can put a price on that.

And finally, "What am I missing here other than the obvious politics of power and someone making money off people for something they can do for free?".   Another great point and you’re absolutely right.  Regardless of your sport whether it be flying, riding or otherwise, getting together with like minded individuals who share the same passion shouldn’t cost a dime.   Now if those same individuals were looking for something a little extra perhaps, then that’s where the money comes into play.  Here’s what I mean.    Any money collected from new club members goes into the clubs account, where it sits until the club either does something with it, like purchasing Hot Wings at a meeting, sponsoring a season opening meal (Michael, hang in there man…the Italian is a-comin’), or  when it becomes apparent that the club needs to replenish its supply of official club patches or t-shirts which it tries to sell to help pay for the clubs next function.  Just little stuff like that.  Also, Ducati of North America appreciates it when we represent ourselves at the Phoenix International Motorcycle show each year…most of cost of having a booth set up comes from the club itself, or as was the case two years ago, directly from the pockets of the officers.  All of these things have costs associated with them.    Please remember that the intent of the club and its meetings is to foster a team or club spirit while giving it the hint of exclusivity for its members.  The club has not been established for anyone’s personal gain and I can guarantee everyone that nobody, and I mean nobody, makes money off of anyone in this club.   The bottom line is this:  Any money earned by the club goes directly back into the club for its benefit and that of its members.    Period.

Now I understand everyone’s skepticism.   I mean let’s face it, I can’t speak for the other officers of the club but I know that I personally have thoroughly seduced the canine in terms of helping to keep the club on track with it’s meetings, get-togethers or what have you.   We’ve all been asleep at the wheel for way to long which is why I’m doing what I’m doing now…..trying to get back what once was while making sure that any political BS is left in the past.   I want my club back.

The club’s financial status is somewhat grim at the moment, but hopefully people will once again believe in its idea.  This’ll help the existing members decide to once again attend the upcoming events, or help those who aren’t yet members decide to finally join.   But know this, regardless of your membership status, everyone is welcome to our club meetings and I hope to see everyone there.

Now, what’s this about a ride in October?

As long as I get my t-shirt.  [thumbsup]

I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to get an inventory of skills from club members. For example, I run a web design company, and I can get business cards, flyers, and even large vinyl banners wholesale from very high-quality printing company.

I think that's a great idea.    Once we get things back up and running, we're going to send out a questionaire asking the members a few questions about their preferences, likes, dislikes, etc.  We can provide a small area, for anyone who wants to, to provide information on things like you mentioned.   

Is there anything else that anyone else would like to see?  Let me know. 

Neh, I own a Ducati, not just the shirt. I think I will ride instead.

First, I sincerely apologize for letting the club down, way down. 

Truth be told, I'm very embarrrassed at the whole state of affairs -- not only the actual events, but also the fact that I've allowed them to take over and kill the momentum the club had going last year.  I'm not making excuses, but the financial turns of the past year have simply demanded all my attention, as well as my money -- down to the last Duc.  (I'm just Dave, now.)

I'll leave out the political stuff, as that seems to be the popular thing to do these days.  Suffice it to say, if Bill and Jeff want to take the club and run with it, great!  As president, Bill always did an excellent job hosting and maintaining the website; and now that Jeff is back in town and clearly enthusiastic, I'm sure he'll do a better job than Dietrich and I have these last months of communicating with the membership.

Again, I apologize for letting the club down (and not being forthcoming about the whole thing) -- especially when it seemed we were really growing and getting past the politics and drama -- but a Ducati club should have a president with a Ducati.

I like Dave, he's a nice guy.  [thumbsup]

I guess... for a Harley rider.   [cheeky]

So, going back to the original topic ....

I'm going to try and be there at Heart Attack Grill tonight.

 :)

Update:
I'm going to be there at 7:00pm, and then make it over to the group ride in Scottsdale at 7:45pm.

And I'm leaving from Mesa, if any of you East Valley guys want to join me.  [moto]

It will take 0:30 to get to the ride's meeting point in Scottsdale.  I live 2 miles from the Heart Attack Grill and can meet you there.  I was planning on riding along tonight.

Sweet.

Well, I'll meet you at Heart Attack Grill, ready to go by 7:15pm.

I'll be in the parking lot (so we don't have to surround ourselves with all of those fat people inside).  [thumbsup]

Awesome!  This fat guy will be both inside and out so I got you the whole place covered.


See everyone tonight!

I'll probably be there (inside) at 6:45pm.

Keep an eye out for me. I look like this:

(http://www.bestdesignever.com/ducati/avatar-100.gif)

I'm not a Harley rider.  I'm just between Ducs, right now.


Thanks, man.