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Title: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 24, 2013, 09:54:05 PM My mom turns 70 this year so she requested a family trip to the motherland. We found a house in Chianti that was large enough to accommodate 8 adults and 6 kids and booked it. Me? All I've been thinking about was going up to Bologna for a day or two to make my pilgrimage. Then I remembered: all of Italy goes away in August. All. I checked the website to confirm: no tours from Aug 5 - Sept 2. >:( >:( >:(
Any suggestions for alternative activities that are motorcycle or auto-related and open? Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: brimo on January 25, 2013, 12:29:30 AM Ferrari museum at maranello, a couple of hours from Chianti
http://museo.ferrari.com/useful-information/times-and-tickets/ (http://museo.ferrari.com/useful-information/times-and-tickets/) Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 25, 2013, 06:17:08 AM Nice. [thumbsup]
Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: zooom on January 25, 2013, 07:14:22 AM well...you could also decide to perhaps drop by Lambo while you are there?...
anyways...if I were in Italy and had time...I'd be looking to rent a bike and go explore some regions like around Lake Como and various other places like what I believe another member has some video's up about exploring in another thread here... Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 25, 2013, 08:31:29 AM I thought about renting a bike. I guess I would bring my gear sans helmet (rent one there)? Any links or stories of bike touring would be greatly appreciated. Meanwhile, I will seek out the thread you speak of...
Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Raux on January 25, 2013, 08:34:19 AM take the opportunity to buy a nice Euro helmet for a good price
but renting a helmet [puke] Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: zooom on January 25, 2013, 09:27:48 AM Meanwhile, I will seek out the thread you speak of... here are a few of them I was refferring to... http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=59458.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=59458.0) http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58653.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58653.0) http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58383.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=58383.0) http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57984.0 (http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=57984.0) I guess I would bring my gear sans helmet (rent one there)? take the opportunity to buy a nice Euro helmet for a good price but renting a helmet [puke] I agree on the renting ahelmet and on the fact that in Europre there are a ton of kick ass helmets you can get there that you will never see here and that you should completely take advantage of that! Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 25, 2013, 10:17:15 AM take the opportunity to buy a nice Euro helmet for a good price but renting a helmet [puke] Yeah, gross. But I don't want to cart a helmet across the pond for what will probably be a one-day ride. Buying seems a little excessive, especially since my Shoei is ~1 yr old. Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: zooom on January 25, 2013, 10:40:05 AM Yeah, gross. But I don't want to cart a helmet across the pond for what will probably be a one-day ride. Buying seems a little excessive, especially since my Shoei is ~1 yr old. as far as having a 1 year old Shoei....I have 3 helmets that I currently use for different kinds of rides...so having a 2nd or even a 3rd helmet ( if you can afford it) isn't a terrible thing at all...as far as carting it around....well...I'd buy the helmet I want...use it while there, and then package it up REALLY well and go to the postal place over there and mail it to yourself backhome....easy squeezy lemon peezy! Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 25, 2013, 10:57:46 AM ...package it up REALLY well and go to the postal place over there and mail it to yourself backhome....easy squeezy lemon peezy! Obviously, you've never mailed anything to/from Italy. Still, the 2nd helmet idea may be worth considering. But am I going to run into a problem back here b/c it's not DOT (even though, as I understand it, the EU regulations are stricter)? Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Triple J on January 25, 2013, 11:06:32 AM Still, the 2nd helmet idea may be worth considering. But am I going to run into a problem back here b/c it's not DOT (even though, as I understand it, the EU regulations are stricter)? Only if someone checks...which I've never heard of unless they're wearing a minimalistic brain bucket. You can also buy DOT stickers on-line if you're really worried about it. You should be able to get some cool Euro helmets that we can't get here. [thumbsup] Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 25, 2013, 11:37:57 AM You should be able to get some cool Euro helmets that we can't get here. [thumbsup] Now you guys are getting me excited. Feel free to share pics/links. Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Raux on January 25, 2013, 12:14:33 PM Now you guys are getting me excited. Feel free to share pics/links. This is where I bought 2 of my helmets http://www.louis.de/_30c386fb6666561f0adb0955a46b5c92ba/index.php?topic=rubrik&menu_rubrik=1 (http://www.louis.de/_30c386fb6666561f0adb0955a46b5c92ba/index.php?topic=rubrik&menu_rubrik=1) and another from here http://www.polo-motorrad.de/en/motorrad-shop/helme-und-brillen.html (http://www.polo-motorrad.de/en/motorrad-shop/helme-und-brillen.html) and likely my next one (http://cdn-he.polo-motorrad.de/media/catalog/product/cache/2/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/3/d/3dfbd97409dfd5d038069d5856596713_18.jpg) http://www.polo-motorrad.de/en/carbon-speed-56484.html (http://www.polo-motorrad.de/en/carbon-speed-56484.html) 169 euro [evil] Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Autostrada Pilot on January 25, 2013, 01:11:08 PM That helmet is absolutely beautiful.
Just enjoy the country. The Ducati musuem/factory is awesome, but the rest of the country is pretty sweet too. You'll have a blast. [beer] Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: stopintime on January 25, 2013, 04:37:02 PM I say forget about helmet buying. It won't be as easy as you hope to find one that fits and has both DOT and ECE approval in the size, shape and color you like. Focus on a rented bike ride - then carrying a helmet will become meaningful.
The hills north of Firenze are spectactularly fun to ride [Dolph] Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: muskrat on January 25, 2013, 05:40:07 PM Touring via Vespa http://www.italybyvespa.com/ (http://www.italybyvespa.com/)
Fun as hell no matter how corny it sounds. Also http://www.lamborghini.com/en/heritage/museum/factory-visit/ (http://www.lamborghini.com/en/heritage/museum/factory-visit/) Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: kopfjäger on January 25, 2013, 06:02:16 PM They are not lazy, they work to live instead of live to work. Summer in Italy needs to be enjoyed. ;)
Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: geoffduc on January 25, 2013, 09:41:52 PM They are not lazy, they work to live instead of live to work. Summer in Italy needs to be enjoyed. ;) Well said that Man... [clap] If you search the Italian motor cycle club forums you'll find that they organize alot of weekend events and they do things rather good and welcome stray ducati owners with open arms... [bow_down] I know... ;) ;) Geoff... [coffee] Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Raux on January 26, 2013, 01:26:59 AM A big one I know is DOC Gorizia they're on FB.
but i'm sure any of the DOCs if you reach out would be helpful Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: muskrat on January 26, 2013, 07:52:28 AM They are not lazy, they work to live instead of live to work. Summer in Italy needs to be enjoyed. ;) I'm still trying to find a way to do this here in the good ole USA. ;)Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Novelo on January 26, 2013, 03:39:33 PM You could check out Ducatitours.com and get some moto riding action while your over there. Owner's is English so he might not take the awesome vacation that the rest of the Italians do. I their office is in Lucca last time I was there just a quick ride north and there is some sick riding in dem mountains.
I got more pics on my computer I could load for you but most of the good stuff we flew by and never had a chance to snap a picture of it. http://smg.beta.photobucket.com/user/Batman50/story/7423 (http://smg.beta.photobucket.com/user/Batman50/story/7423) Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 748s on January 26, 2013, 04:06:59 PM Another vote for Ducatitours.com
Still in Lucca, they have a range of riding gear as well. (http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn174/748s/IMG_0445_zps7cfcdb4b.jpg) Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: swampduc on January 26, 2013, 08:29:49 PM August is a tough month to be in Europe in general. Everyone's on vacation. But if you do get access to a bike or a decent car, I highly recommend the stelvio pass from personal experience. Also, I'd second stopintime's comment about the hills north of Firenze. Beautiful scenery of all kinds ;)
Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: muskrat on January 26, 2013, 08:38:15 PM and if you should find yourself on the Autostrade plan on bringing plenty of change. http://www.autostrade.it/en/autostrade/percorso.do (http://www.autostrade.it/en/autostrade/percorso.do)
Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: hbliam on January 26, 2013, 11:30:13 PM Obviously, you've never mailed anything to/from Italy. Everything in my sig line has been mailed from Italy. Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: FIFO on January 27, 2013, 12:33:25 AM Now you guys are getting me excited. Feel free to share pics/links. This is the closest i got to any Helmets in Napoli, 2 weeks ago,a picture through the window [laugh] they just closed up shop for the afternoon siesta. ??? I personally wouldn't waste time looking for riding gear at all, the shops are few and far between.and Service, what service lol :-\ (http://i157.photobucket.com/albums/t70/robert3520/DSC00243_zpsa80470ca.jpg) Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 748s on January 27, 2013, 03:08:42 AM I personally wouldn't waste time looking for riding gear at all, the shops are few and far between.and Service, what service lol :-\ If you were in Firenze Motorama http://www.motorama.it/en/ (http://www.motorama.it/en/) was the place to go. Excellent service, all sizes and much cheaper than AU Got a Dainese suit 50% cheaper than AU prices. ;D Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: geoffduc on January 27, 2013, 05:01:33 AM DucatiFirenze and DucatiVicenza are two ducati stores that I've visited and been made most welcome... [bow_down]
If you're in Riva-del-Grada theres a great Dainese store in town were myself and some of the customers on the tour purchased quite alot of bargain priced gear... [thumbsup] If you're in Milan the 100HP club meet weekly at their own bar in Galarate, plus theres the RomboDesmo club in Vicenza who also meet weekly at the Break Bar in Sarego and I know from personal experience that the members of those two clubs will welcome you with open arms.. [wine] Geoff... [coffee] Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 27, 2013, 03:26:31 PM Thanks everyone. Some really good options here. [thumbsup] I'm particularly interested in Ducatitours.com since my grandma was from Lucca so maybe I can make it a heritage trip, too.
[bacon] [bacon] [bacon] Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: OT on January 27, 2013, 05:59:19 PM Obviously, you've never mailed anything to/from Italy. +1 on the mailing/Fedexing, etc.Still, the 2nd helmet idea may be worth considering. But am I going to run into a problem back here b/c it's not DOT (even though, as I understand it, the EU regulations are stricter)? FWIW, "DOT" is a 'recommended' standard, not a regulation/law...many US states don't even require helmets for riders with enough time in the saddle Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 27, 2013, 07:11:38 PM Can anyone else confirm this? I got my license in PA where there is no helmet law (well, for 21+). But I thought some states that require helmets require DOT.
Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Triple J on January 27, 2013, 08:22:39 PM Can anyone else confirm this? I got my license in PA where there is no helmet law (well, for 21+). But I thought some states that require helmets require DOT. WA requires DOT...but I don't know anyone that has ever been checked...ever. If you have a reasonable helmet on then no one will bother you. If you see a sweet helmet, then get it IMO. Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Howie on January 28, 2013, 01:46:30 AM They look in NY.
Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: NAKID on January 28, 2013, 02:48:43 AM My primary summer helmet is a Roof Boxer V. Not DOT approved. Never been checked.
Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Triple J on January 28, 2013, 08:01:45 AM Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: lazylightnin717 on January 28, 2013, 10:32:24 AM I will have to look into it but there was a place in Florence where a bunch of people with exotic cars got together on Wednesdays. I used to go down there and drool the evening away. This was a few years ago though.
oh and by the way... Lucca IS beautiful (http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/rappevan/DSC01246.jpg) (http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/rappevan/DSC01298.jpg) (http://i784.photobucket.com/albums/yy130/rappevan/DSC_0059-1.jpg) Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: zooom on January 28, 2013, 10:33:31 AM Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: memper on January 28, 2013, 05:55:39 PM City. But I have never heard or seen any cop check helmets. There are so many jokers on i4 bikes with concealed plates and chopped pipes wearing obviously illegal helmets (chrome nazi replica) and I never see them get pulled over unless stunting on the street. And brooklyn is crawling with LEO.
I cannot say for the state. Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: 1.21GW on January 28, 2013, 07:41:41 PM oh and by the way... Lucca IS beautiful Nice! Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: Howie on January 28, 2013, 09:50:44 PM City. But I have never heard or seen any cop check helmets. There are so many jokers on i4 bikes with concealed plates and chopped pipes wearing obviously illegal helmets (chrome nazi replica) and I never see them get pulled over unless stunting on the street. And brooklyn is crawling with LEO. I cannot say for the state. They do checks upstate and on the massive stops when folk are heading up to events Americade and Harley Rondezvous as well as in some towns. There have also been massive checks in the city, including the i4s. One missing paper or violation and your bike goes on a truck. 7,000 one summer. A fake DOT sticker will probably get you through though. Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: memper on January 29, 2013, 12:58:15 PM They do checks upstate and on the massive stops when folk are heading up to events Americade and Harley Rondezvous as well as in some towns. There have also been massive checks in the city, including the i4s. One missing paper or violation and your bike goes on a truck. 7,000 one summer. A fake DOT sticker will probably get you through though. Wow. I hadn't known. What I wish is that cops would do something about the little make the beast with two backss that ride around on street legal dirt bikes with the pipes cored. Sounds like a damn Jetsons car on steroids. But the cops that station on my corner in the summer just watch em go by. Useless...Anyways, sorry to burp up an unrelated topic. Back to lazy Italians.... Title: Re: No good, lazy Italians! Post by: HotIce on February 03, 2013, 07:43:38 PM Obviously, you've never mailed anything to/from Italy. I have a Momo helmet I brought back from Italy, which is not DOT (EU E2 or E3, don't remember).Still, the 2nd helmet idea may be worth considering. But am I going to run into a problem back here b/c it's not DOT (even though, as I understand it, the EU regulations are stricter)? In the last two years I had no problems with Police (stopped once). Maybe I've been lucky ;D |