Ducati Monster Forum

Although I don't ride a  [moto] or even a Duc (and being engaged to the owner of 3 Ducs doesn't count), I'm a proud scooter-riding slowpoke!! (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ou3XRd4sEVGrfAaDOGoyvA?feat=directlink) I know there are slowpokes out there who don't feel comfortable or confident enough to join group rides. It's no wonder you rarely see wives/girlfriends/significant others on the MOB group rides. I want to create rides (not just a one-time event) for newbies and lifetime slowpokes like myself who are tired of feeling like they're holding up rides--which really isn't true no matter how hard we try to convince ourselves. This will be an environment for riders to build confidence and skills at their own pace. Check out the Facebook group page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112721768758167) (hey, it's trendy but it works).

In order to have a safe and fun ride there are a few requirements:

• M1 license endorsement or permit. I'll plan a few rides that don't involve highways so M1 permit holders (and highway avoiders) can join in.
• Street legal, insured scooter or motorcycle 150cc or above in good and safe running condition; limited highway riding will be involved on some rides (State law requires a minimum of 150cc engine).
• Stitch or leather motorcycle/scooter jacket and pants, boots, gloves, and most importantly (duh!), a DOT-approved helmet. I used to work at the Dainese Store (http://www.yelp.com/biz/dainese-d-store-san-francisco) so I'm happy to offer helpful advice about safety gear.

I wanna go...

I think you'd be bored to tears.  ;D

I wasn't bored to tears yesterday. 25mph on a Ducati is fun too. Especially when you know it could just as easily have been 125mph in the same turn ;D

I'm always up for a slowpoke ride.  Do you have a date in mind?

Great idea BG!

Tell ya what...I'm not sure if I'm part of the group that you're advertising to, but I like the thinking.  I'll help you herd cats once in a while if you'd like a hand.  I'll sweep, lead, just hang out, or go home.  Your deal, so you make the rules.  G'luck!   

How about me and D.Q. cupcake on a Zundapp?  That'll be sloooooooooooo....

I guess I'm saying I'll help if I can.

It wouldn't be as pretty a sight as the chick in the ad (http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/zundapp/images/Zundapp_advert_1973.jpg) but it would be totally worth the laughs to see you guys cupcaking.

Sounds like a good idea, I'll probably be pretty slow whenever I do finally get back on a bike.

I think I am in for this one too..!!  [thumbsup]

I joined the FB group. I am looking forward to the first crawl [thumbsup]

You rang?   ;D

Slow rides are good for me.  Slow AND short rides are even better (my bike is truly a torture rack to ride).   :-[

Can I join on my Puch?It can handle 30mph. [roll]

The pace would be fine...but I think BikerGoddess has had it up to here with Puch bikes ;D

Ditto. That goes for DQ too! If you lived in the Mission, just two blocks away from 1977 Mopeds (https://www.1977mopeds.com/), you'd understand. No offense. You're welcome to bring it along, though please stay behind me because 2-stroke fumes give me a headache. ;)

Ironically, Puch is owned by Piaggio, the same company that owns Aprilia and Vespa.

And Moto Guzzi and Gileria.

Won't be on one anytime soon as the bike is in storage until I get back from Africa. But, I think I qualify. A 400cc Monster that's damn slow and a namesake that you titled the thread after... You want to call all slowpokes...

Well, there are a couple of East Bay opportunities coming up. 

May 1st is Customer Appreciation Day and BBQ at famous Nichols Sportbike Shop in Milpitas.  I will head down that way from Castro Valley, probably taking 680 because I don't know too many back roads (except for Palomares, which I find too much towards the "twisties" type of road, versus the "sweeper" type roads I prefer).  But if someone wants to plan something and knows the roads, i might be game.

May 8th is Demo Day at East Bay Ace Motorsports.  The Ducati truck is supposed to be there with Hypermotards and Multistradas to test ride.  The Triumph truck will also be there with all models to test ride.  Again, I normally just blast up 680, but if someone wanted to plan something and knew the roads, I'm interested.

I got my Puch moped when I was 11. I tore it up on streets of the suburban subdivisions outside of Washington DC. Nobody is more of a hooligan than an 11 year old on a moped.  8)

All sounds good!

I led a slow group once and everyone passed me... [bang] maybe I'll sweep - just call me sweepy.

Sounds like a fun event for letting my 12 y.o. daughter ride cupcake.

Able to join rides after softball season ends at end of May.

That would be awesome! Great way to induct the next generation of riders.

Methinks she's hooked b/c she:
1. would rather get a moto license than a car license.
2. loves sportin' her pink leather moto jacket.
3. can spot a Duc, and can tell the difference betw some of the Big 4 bikes.
4. keeps telling strangers that she's getting a Ducati when she's older.
5. she duly informs me that I can keep my Monster as she "needs" an 1198R (used to be the 1098, then 848, then 1198s).

Oh boy. [moto]

Ciao!

She and BikerGoddess need to hang out [thumbsup]

See babe, my 1198s isn't an obsession. It's a practical tool that helps me do wheelies at 100mph.

Well, there doesn't seem to be much interest by anyone to organize a SLOW ride this Saturday to Nichols.  Maybe I'll still see some of you there.

Nichols is a bit far for us SF folk, especially on slab. Sorry. I'm more inclined to organize something for next weekend's event at Ace Motorsports.

Anyone up for a short ride around Paradise Loop in Marin on Saturday, May 1st?

Out of town this weekend, but have fun.   [thumbsup]

Yeah, I understand. 

It's been awhile since I've been around the forum. I am very interested in slowPoke riding. I'm also wondering why somegirl isn't able to ride for awhile.

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=32488.0 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=32488.0) :)

http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=32488.msg563979 (http://ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=32488.msg563979)

Oooooh! Congrats. That is great news. My baby turned 18 recently. I guess I don't need to ask you about how the unicycling is going ;D. I hope you are feeling well. I loved being pregnant.

Thanks!  Yes, the unicycling is the first thing I took a break from. [cheeky] 
Doing pretty well overall. [thumbsup]

The last time Joe went less than warp speed, he fell over! Yeah, you all remember that one! [laugh] [laugh]

I'm down.