Betty & Jukie's Italian Pilgrimmage - Take 2 (Potentially NSFW Now)

[Betty]

Vittorio Tessera’s Museum

While we were in Milan we took a trip out to visit Vittorio and his personal museum in one of the outlying suburbs. This place was incredible (maybe even if you don‘t have an interest in scooters) … and to think it is his personal collection … simply amazing.

It is in an industrial area and he runs his business down stairs where he sells Lambretta parts (Casa Lambretta) and also has a couple of guys working for him restoring classic scoots … but upstairs is the place to visit. He had a couple of scooters in the downstairs lobby but upstairs is altogether different. On one side of the stairs he has a display of old (penny-farthing era) pushbikes and the room to the other side includes some racing Lambrettas.

Then you enter the main hall … which is dedicated to Lambretta. It is a tiered layout and probably includes a model of every classic Lambretta (I wouldn’t know). In the centre of the room is a model of the old Innocenti factory. It shows the train lines, a full football pitch, swimming pool and tennis courts … you don’t see that offered at many workplaces nowadays – but this place must have been like a small city.

The next two rooms include all sorts of various scooters from some familiar names such as Peugot, NSU, KTM, Honda, MV and a small manufacturer called Ducati – yes he has a Cruiser! There is also plenty of other less known brands with scoots from all over Europe but also from Japan, the sub-continent and South America but the ugliest models (IMHO) came from the US.

There is another room out the back which includes some scooters from the little known Vespa nameplate and these are joined by some of the first scooters produced in Italy. He had a cabinet with models and other collectables under the window and all the other walls throughout were decorated with posters of relevant models or period advertisements.

He also had a couple of extras down the back stairs … I think the total numbers are approaching 200. I would certainly be tempted by some: a cute KTM; an extravagant Honda; the gold plated Lambretta, the service delivery vehicle or maybe the Gelato servicar; perhaps a Bastert (for the name, not the looks) or even a Moto Rumi (the predecessor to the Panigale) with its super smooth engine.

But I would find it hard to go past the Ducati Cruiser as a companion to Jukie’s Lambretta. Sure it isn’t the prettiest and would be quite heavy but at least I would have the right jacket. It would be interesting to hear the comments (and/or abuse) at PITS or the Ducati Concourse.

Interesting that of all those scooters he still didn’t have representatives of some of the scooters in Jukie’s family – no Heinkel or Zundapp for example. But for us it was well worth the effort and the place is a credit to Vittorio. He came up for a chat, we knew some of the same people and he gave us a couple of little things to take home … and it was free to take a wander around.

Lambretta made one or two bikes too:


Mmmm, gelato anyone?:


In need of a service? We pick up and deliver:


The main hall ... a selection of Lambretta's finest:


A model of the factory:


Some KTMs for you motard/off-road types:


The Honda SilverWing's ancestor:


Moto Rumi, inspired Ducati to create the Panigale:


The Cruiser ... not the most elegant of Ducatis:


But hey, MVs are meant to be attractive:

[Betty]

Turin

On the way up to Turin we decide to try our luck on the Austostrade for the first time as the back roads look a little uninspiring – compared to the way we have been travelling it is enlightening to be cruising along at 130km/h ... you can certainly cover some ground.

We head out through Asti and make stops at Alba, Castello di Grinzane Cavour and Castello dei Marchesi Falleti di Barolo so we do find some little twisty roads with the snow capped Alps in the background.

For those that didn’t know, Turin was once the capital of Italy and so has been a ‘town’ of importance for some time. Most people see it as a ‘working’ town and it is obviously included in any mention of FIAT … so it should not be surprising that it houses the National Auto Museum.

Interestingly for a town with a recent history intrinsically linked to the motor car that they have a strictly enforced congestion regime. So basically once the car was ‘in’ we couldn’t take it ‘out’ again without the hassle and expense of ‘city charges’. This limited our movements a little and explains why we caught the Metro out to the Auto Museum.

Perhaps owing to its reputation, there appears to be fewer tourists (per capita) than the other big cities and as such the locals tend to speak less English … but we didn’t have any real problems. Although we could not consider ourselves connoisseurs we are big fans of the arancini you lot have introduced us to ... and in Turin we sampled what we consider to be the best we have had.

We took the lift up the Mole Antonelliana (very cool lift ride), visited some more churches and other historic building such as Palazzo Madama, Palazzo Reale, the Duomo and the Consulata with the Basilica di Superga  and Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi on the way out of town.

Castello di Grinzane Cavour:


The Mole (from the street):


The Mole (going up in the lift):


View from above the Mole's dome:


Palazzo Reale (from the square):


Palazzo Reale (inside):


Palazzo Reale (stair):


The River Po:


They had proper toy stores in Turin too:


The Savoy family mausoleum Basilica di Superga has a prime position overlooking Turin:


The Savoy's favourite hunting lodge Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi:

[Betty]

The National Auto Museum

So the trip to the outskirts of town in the Metro was a little different – a driverless Metro system appears very efficient and it seems odd to be sitting up the front and looking out through the front window … but it is no different to a roller coaster really.

Finding the museum from the Metro was a little difficult as our ‘city map’ didn’t extend this far but once we were headed in the right direction we were fine because the building is, well, rather large. Just inside the entry is the ticket office, the obligatory gift shop and a coffee shop (proper hot chocolate was a bit full on considering the heat).

Upon entry you cross a large, empty, multi-storey void to the escalator. The escalator takes you up to the third floor and you wind your way back down the stairs looking at the displays. The whole place is well laid out, but with so much space that is not surprising ... what is surprising is how few people are in there – no school groups, no tours – maybe a couple of dozen people the whole time we were there.

The museum traces the history of the motor car (not bikes) and although it has an obvious and expected leaning towards the Italian contribution, it is not limited to such. Besides the cars there are audio visual displays, interactive screens, a mock production plant and component displays. If I had the time I am sure I could have learnt quite a lot here.

The floors are divided up so you can wander through history tracking the evolution and contribution of the motor car as you go. Significant areas are dedicated to pre-war and post-war eras where innovation was prominent, and cars that were really ‘game changers’ or just simply icons. There is a section dedicated to designers, motor racing and concept cars. I found it worth the effort.

Of particular interest to us were a few FIAT 500s (both old and new), somewhat surprisingly another Vespa 400, a Lloyd Alexander (Jukie’s Dad has one), a dead sexy FIAT 500 based Autobianchi Bianchina. The only bike I recall seeing was a Lambretta alongside a proper FIAT Multipla so that was quite cool. Other vehicles with relevance to Jukie’s current and historic family involvement included a Mini, DS Citroen and Morgan.

Sure, there were some other cool looking cars and some interesting concepts on display but I s’pose the above listing just confirms my ... umm ... unique outlook just in case anybody was wavering. It’s OK, I know I am a weirdo.

The Metro station is in the forecourt of the Lingotto Building which is the historic home of FIAT – this is the building with the test track on the roof. Unfortunately we couldn’t gain access to the roof, but we did walk up the ramp most of the way to the top. It would have been pretty cool driving up through the building before doing high speed laps on a banked track up on the roof!

Nowadays the building is multi-purpose with the bottom couple of floors a shopping centre, there are some administrative offices, conference space, areas dedicated to tertiary education and happily still a small automotive design section. In its heyday this must have been some building – one of the few ‘modern’ buildings in Italy to grab our attention.

If it's worth doing, it's worth doing properly ... and go big:


Apologies for the crap photo, but the lights made it difficult for me. They have created a backlit glass floor overlaying a satellite image of Turin with the Alps shown on the walls framing up the city (as they do). The map details the location of the (hundreds?) of Auto based business in Turin (past and present) ... quite cool:


They had a few different FIAT 500s:


Even ones that aren't ... the FIAT based Autobianchi - me likey:


You could take the Lammie in the Multipla for when you get to the beach/picnic:


Sex sells apparently ... an integral part of automotive advertising (gratuitous boobie photo):
Sorry I did a refresher on the forum rules and although a museum artefact, it probably doesn't meet the guidelines, so I've removed it.

One of the concept cars:


Ramp inside the Ligotto building:

[Betty]

Cinque Terre

We had booked to spend some time in Cinque Terre 3 years ago but circumstances intervened ... so it was always on our list for this trip. Of the five towns (Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso) we chose to stay in Monterosso. The advantage of staying in Monterosso was that we could actually drive there. The roads in and out are very tight, steep and windy with a few blind, single-lane corners and a few sections of road washed out. Very, umm, interesting experience as a passenger.

Unfortunately in October last year the towns (particularly Monterosso & Vernazza), surrounding areas and the renowned ‘walks’ were severely impacted by flood. Sadly lives were lost and landslip common, some buildings were demolished and others filled with mud up to the second storey.

Our plan was to do the walks that link the five towns, but two sections were still closed when we arrived due to the floods last year. By the time we departed we were able to cover all but one of the sections though, as one more was opened up. Travelling this newly re-opened section it was apparent why it was only closed days before as repairs were still ongoing. Some of the walks are tough, especially for someone as unfit as me. The views can be fantastic but the heat is not and the terrain is pretty rough ... but, hey, it gives you something to fill in your days.

In addition to visiting the ‘five towns’ of the Cinque Terre we also visited La Spezia (a big stinky port) and Portovenere. Portovenere we reached by boat and found to be quite a nice day trip, La Spezia we ‘accidently’ visited on the train and found it pretty ordinary.

Monterosso and the Cinque Terre coast:


Vernazza:


Corniglia:


Manarola:


Riomaggiore:


A newly re-opened section of the walk:


Portovenere:

[Betty]

The Dive

We also managed to get in a scuba dive while we were in Cinque Terre. Since the Boss’ accident we haven’t really been in the position to do much diving ... we managed to sneak a couple in at the end of last year in the Cook Islands but that has been it. So we thought it was worth going for a dip in the Northern Hemisphere – the water always looked so clear and calm in the Mediterranean.

It was actually a little surreal – we were diving in a Marine Park with very heavy restrictions on fishing and any other activity. The dive group was limited to four plus our guide and we were the least qualified with our Master Scuba Diver tickets so the guide was excited because he could take us to the best dive site ... all good you would think.

The boat trip was all of about 50 metres from shore ... seriously they didn’t even take the boat above idle (it would have been easier to just swim ... and I can’t swim!). Using borrowed gear was always gonna be weird, and weighting is always difficult especially for Jukie as the neoprene to body mass ratio is always so high. If we had been anxious it would have been compounded by the fact that we didn’t even have a depth gauge (only a pressure gauge for the tank) ... I’d never even dived without a computer.

Anyway the water was cool but clear until we got down to a reasonable depth (around 35m apparently) then it became a bit murky.  We managed to see a couple of lobsters and plenty of rocks. The few fish we saw were probably about the size of your toes. I think it’s safe to say that over-fishing is a very real thing in this part of the world. Lucky for us we got to experience the best site in the Marine Park.

So although we can now say that we have dived in the Northern Hemisphere I don’t think we will be looking there for our next dive trip. We bought our dive buddies a beer afterwards (a Dutchman and a Belgian) and they were equally (probably even less) ‘impressed’. Apparently there is some reasonable diving in the north of Spain.

The dive boat in Riomaggiore harbour (the one parked tandem):

[Betty]

Misano

On our way cross-country to Misano we took the opportunity to stop off at Bologna as Ducati had opened the museum for WDW, unfortunately the factory was still closed to visitors. There was plenty of Ducatis in the carpark and the same across the road in the carpark of the Ducati Store. Some of the Ducatisti were showing their passion with branding shaved into their freshly coloured, red hairstyles.

As you register at the door they have a pile of A5 flyers so you are informed as to what you should do in the occurrence of an earthquake. The museum itself appears unchanged from 3 years ago but there are a few bikes missing! Making an appearance at Misano I anticipate. Again no one can offer any advice as to ticketing for antipodeans at the big event.

We decide to head straight to the track at Misano to try and get our tickets sorted, in the end it was pretty painless (but more on that later), then we checked into the hotel and continued our correspondence with fellow DMFers in the hope of catching up.

To provide a bit more detail on the WDW frivolities I will break it up into a couple of different posts grouped under a given ‘theme’.

This fella wasn't here a couple of weeks ago ... I am sure there are some ethanol drinking plastic tank owners lamenting the 'waste' of a tank (outside the Ducati Store in Bologna):


Alright who is the dickhead that brought the car? (again the Ducati Store):


Hmmm, cabinet of patches in the Ducati Museum ... is some corrective action needed perhaps?:

[Raux]

but you could PM the sexy photo

[Betty]

but you could PM the sexy photo

I didn't say it was sexy.

[Betty]

The Night-time Entertainment

Apologies for the dodgy night-time photos (even by my standards).

The first three nights had three events staged at each of the seaside towns near the track.

The first event for us is the Beach Party down the road in Cattolica so we decide to walk, following the water. The bikes are meant to be travelling in convoy from Riccione and we are not allowed into the venue until the bikes arrive which is a bit shithouse so we are left standing by the roadside for a while. The bikes start to arrive in a trickle and then a flood. Unfortunately it is about 21:30 or so by then and getting pretty dark so any attempt at photos are a bit ordinary.

The main group is headed by the Polizia with their sirens blaring followed closely by hundreds of Ducatis ... most revving their bikes as they enter the driveway – all so childish. The main culprits seem to be those riding Diavels where keeping the engine bouncing off the rev limiter seems the done thing. Of course one decided it was only appropriate to up the ante by ruining a rear tyre – at least many of the hungry mob seem to approve.

We unexpectedly meet a Kiwi couple in the carpark and head inside to be greeted by a large stage setup with the Ducati band playing and a huge row of BBQs offering up fish for the masses. It is all a bit loud for my sensitivities but people generally seemed to be enjoying themselves. Later we meet up with Monsta’s mates from Perth who are advertising their presence with ‘Skippy’ ... and the girls enjoy some funkin’ n ’groovin’. By the time we wander back to the hotel it is morning ... and my expectations that WDW is simply an excuse for one big party are confirmed.

A few of the bikes as they rocked up (they didn't all fit in the carpark) ... and a tyre being vapourised in the background:


The stage and BBQ by the seaside:


The second night we are driven to the Speedway by the Kiwis after they escort us to dinner. We arrive to a massive crowd and poor viewing options but we are still able to watch the shenanigans. The ‘track’ has been carved out especially for this ‘Speed Night’ so is very much a temporary offering. The races alternate between bikes and modified Apes.

Speedway bikes are speedway bikes but these Apes are something different. Watching them on the track I am puzzled ... the noise, to my untrained ears, is an indiscernible mix and their performance appears a step above the average 50cc Ape and there is no shortage of inside wheels being lifted coming into the turn. As a group I still can’t describe what it sounds like but included in the combination could be a rough running chainsaw, remote controlled aircraft and rotaries. Although I don’t know what was powering all the Apes we did manage to track one down afterwards in the ‘pits’ ... it refreshed my long held dream of throwing a Ducati engine in a classic FIAT 500.

Then the Ducati stunt team came out riding their Diavels and Monsters with their studded tyres. They spend a bit of time stirring up the dirt, chuckin’ wheelies and generally carrying on like narcissistic hooligans ... gets old pretty quickly so we head back to the hotel – stopping mid-way to watch the fireworks signifying the close of the nights activities. Once more it is after midnight ... and despite little kiddies out riding their pushbikes on the street, I think I am probably too old for all this.

Ape racing at the Speedway:


That ain't no stock Ape:


The final night is the big one and we catch the bus up to Riccione – this is effectively a public event with another huge stage setup in the square on the waterfront in the centre of town. All the dignitaries are introduced to the crowd one by one with Ducati execs as well as past and present GP and Superbike riders making their way up onto the stage.

Incidentally Troy seems to get the biggest cheer and appears to be a clear crowd favourite. Considering the proximity to Rossi’s hometown this surprised me a quite a bit. Apparently Rossi was surprised too and not too happy about it. But I s’pose this event is all about Ducati (not necessarily Italy and despite what he may think, not about Rossi) and that perhaps says something.

Other than Paul Smart & Nicky Hayden everybody speaks Italian so I have no idea what they were talking about ... at least Bayliss’ Italian is a bit slower (or maybe it’s the Aussie accent) so I can pick out a few words and get the gist.

A couple of lucky door prizes are awarded before the band comes on ... and it’s loud. Very. make the beast with two backsing. Loud. The band is a bit of an all stars band made up of Ducatisti ... being an uncultured so-and-so I have no idea who they are but apparently they’re quite accomplished noise makers. The finale is a large fireworks display above the stage and the long walk ‘home’ brings the realisation that it is nearly all over as we are well into the last day by the time we get to bed.

Tha main stage:


"I'm done", he says:


As the band begins to play:


And it all finishes with a bang:


Or two:

[Betty]

The Track

At the track there are various ‘destinations’ where events are held, ‘entertainment’ is enjoyed and people meet. Ducati called these areas Galaxies in line with their ‘Planet of Champions’ theme: the Bike Art Galaxy, the Heritage Galaxy, The New Frontiers Galaxy and the Galaxy of Adrenalin which included the Ducati Desmo Challenge Area.

But then of course there was the track itself and the pit area. The track was in use all day, every day including a special Bayliss edition of the DRE as well as a couple of two seater rides, superbike testing, Audi ‘taxi’ rides, stunt shows, practice, qualifying and races for 848 and open classes, test rides and track sessions for the ordinary punters and of course the Diavel drag races between all the MotoGP and Superbike riders plus some retired Aussie bloke.

The open class races included a mix of 999, 1098, 1198 and Panigale bikes with a D16 thrown in for good measure (from what I could tell). Equipment is not the defining element in this class of racing though and there were some decent battles throughout the field.

The pit area included a Ducati Service area and tyre fitting service, another factory outlet and all of the official race teams had a garage where you could get a look at some of the bikes, etc.

We didn’t spend a lot of time watching the activities on the track ... for example we (unfortunately) missed Raux’s track session and only managed to watch Stopintime’s session from the pit roof which is not the best vantage point (but hey, we were held up in the Outlet Store). But by the last day we had been shown to the grandstand and watched some of the racing with Raux, Stopintime and Geoffduc (along with his entourage of fellow poms).

Kudos to Stopintime for his on track session on his, not quite stock, S2R. As I said our view wasn’t the best but the big fella was taking no prisoners yet claiming plenty of scalps much to the astonishment, frustration and apparently the embarrassment of some riders on some more track oriented and much more powerful bikes.

Watching the drag racing was an interesting experience as we were crammed on to the pit roof with thousands of others craning for a glimpse at a couple of bikes tearing past. Combined with this we were standing on a slab of concrete with the sun bearing down and temperatures over 40 degrees ... not very comfortable.

The drags start with the competitors running individual time trials to establish the qualifying order, then they are paired off to race head-to-head. The boys are all riding Diavels – standard or modified, I assume they are all the same. Hayden finishes third and that Rossi fella was done over by some old retired bloke in the final ... and he seemed not too pleased – but the photographers didn’t seem to mind.

Afterwards there was plenty more shenanigans with some product testing in front of the unwashed masses. As evidenced earlier, the consumer demands for these bikes seem to dictate that the bike needs to cope with enforced wheelspin and/or repeatedly troubling the rev-limiter. So all the riders get in on the act with special mention to Nicky Hayden who appears most dedicated to ensuring the product is up to the task.

Some of the close racing:


Stopintime ... don't worry chaps, I won't hold you up for long:


Stopintime ... doing some circle work all alone out in front:


Just after I pulled into the pits :


Sorry the margin was too big to get them in the one frame:


Some anti-social behaviour:


Product testing:


Boys will be boys:

[rendang]

   

The main group is headed by the Polizia with their sirens blaring followed closely by hundreds of Ducatis ... most revving their bikes as they enter the driveway – all so childish.

    Childish     What do you mean childish  ?

[braando]

The main group is headed by the Polizia with their sirens blaring followed closely by hundreds of Ducatis ... most revving their bikes as they enter the driveway – all so childish. The main culprits seem to be those riding Diavels where keeping the engine bouncing off the rev limiter seems the done thing. Of course one decided it was only appropriate to up the ante by ruining a rear tyre – at least many of the hungry mob seem to approve.

A few of the bikes as they rocked up (they didn't all fit in the carpark) ... and a tyre being vapourised in the background:



Then the Ducati stunt team came out riding their Diavels and Monsters with their studded tyres. They spend a bit of time stirring up the dirt, chuckin’ wheelies and generally carrying on like narcissistic hooligans ... gets old pretty quickly so we head back to the hotel – stopping mid-way to watch the fireworks signifying the close of the nights activities. Once more it is after midnight ... and despite little kiddies out riding their pushbikes on the street, I think I am probably too old for all this.

Other than Paul Smart & Nicky Hayden everybody speaks Italian so I have no idea what they were talking about ... at least Bayliss’ Italian is a bit slower (or maybe it’s the Aussie accent) so I can pick out a few words and get the gist.

.

Thats pretty ordinary Mark,  BUT.........it happens over here too mate.  Yep, remember this episode..?   In one of Sydneys most pristine National Parks......  need I say more.......   


Men Behaving Badly 2
 

[Betty]

   
    Childish     What do you mean childish  ?

You know what they say, if you have to ask ...

[Betty]

Bike Art Galaxy

This area included the most important area at the track – the gelataria.

It also included:
•   the Cyber Cafe with a few bikes, bits and some more noise makers
•   the Desmo Art Space had some airbrushing activities going on (and apparently some bodypainting) – unfortunately if there were any photos of such activities they could not be posted here as they would contravene forum rules
•   the Ducati Garage Contest included a select few wild and mild custom bikes with a separate section for Diavels for some reason – but there were a few other interesting bikes outside in the ‘paddock’ and a varying group adjacent to the official tent
•   there was an area where it was possible to have your bike washed (for a tiny proportion of attendees) ... but I had heard there were complaints about a lack of attention to detail and that the bikes themselves weren’t really being cleaned too well, if at all
•   Art of Brands also had a stand in this area where you could buy limited edition artistic prints and Jukie made a minor contribution to one of four boards that were to be presented to Ducati after being decorated by WDW attendees

The Ducati Art Space:


Where they did things like this:


And this (hopefully it isn't too graphic):


Some of the bikes in the Garage Contest:














The Bike Wash Girls:


Monsters are always the centre of attention:


This one must have been dirty though as it needed two to clean it:


Whatever they were paying these girls, was not enough as they seemed in need of a good feed:


Heritage Galaxy

In this area was Scrambler World with a large collection of the iconic model. There was also a couple of hospitality marquees including one of the major sponsors Effenbert.

It also included a collection of historic bikes including those ‘missing’ from the museum. I am sure some, or most, of you would have understood the significance of the bikes more than I.

Scrambler World:


The Effenbert Arena:


Where they danced:


There were some old bikes kicking around too:


The Boss trying a Scrambler on for size ... yellow, of course:


New Frontiers Galaxy

This area included a few smaller ‘stalls’ including Lamborghini (with a couple of cars), test ride / tour departure point and the wheelie simulator. Unfortunately the simulator didn’t seem to be operating very long or often. I was keen to get Jukie on to have a crack (it was set up with a 696) and I would have even liked the chance to embarrass myself. But with only a handful of opportunities for the tens of thousands present it was an impossible ask.

For us the main section of this area was the International Village – this seemed (unsurprisingly) to be the non-Italian tent and was the place that we met fellow DMFers and others. It is where we met up with DutchieAl, Raux and his German/American mate, Stopintime, Geoffduc and all his pommy mates as well as Skippy and his keepers.

We used it as a place to gather or re-group, sit, eat, drink and get out of the sun. There was always something going on whether it be singing, dancing or building engines against the clock.

The wheelie simulator:


Skippy in the Village:


Where everybody came to relax:


And let their hair down:


Galaxy of Adrenalin

This area included the Audi taxis (race cars), more offerings from the likes of Arai and Dainese and the Minimotard and Freestyle areas/tracks. We managed to see a little bit of the ‘entertainment’ with moto-cross bikes and quads playing up ... but the heat and exposed position made it difficult to put in any continued effort.

The Ducati Desmo Challenge area was the pits/paddock for the bikes/riders/teams competing in the racing. Some of these guys have a pretty good set-up and make a huge commitment to put their bikes on the grid ... money is needed and plenty of it.

Airheads:


Doing what they do:


My type of pit bike:

[Betty]

DMFers

We had been sending PMs to Geoffduc (Team GB ... just in case you haven’t seen any Olympic coverage) and Stopintime (the Norwegian God of Monster Modification) prior to our departure seeking information from these WDW veterans. We met these guys along with Raux (an American in German clothing and an unashamed advocate of the new-style Monsters) for the first time in the International Village.

Interesting that in a sea of thousands ... and having never met them before ... they managed to pick us out without any drama. For an anonymous nobody like me this could have been a challenge but I have become conditioned to Jukie constantly pulling a crowd – anyhow something made us instantly recognisable.

We also unexpectedly met Dutchieal ... a one- time/some-time member here, mate of many and driving force in the NSWDOC. He had borrowed (I think I remember him saying) a troublesome Paso from a mate in the Netherlands so not all ‘Aussies’ were sneaking in under barely tolerated non-rider rules. Again he had no problem identifying the Boss ... something about her appearances in a TV show featuring the Ducati Concours while wearing some Ducati branded, umm, clothing made her instantly recognisable. But to be fair, at least they had met before.

Geoffduc was travelling in convoy with a massive entourage of mad poms including one happy couple on their honeymoon. Seriously who does this for their honeymoon? Obviously a bloke who doesn’t mind sharing with a bunch of hot, smelly, leather-clad fellas ... oh and a wife who is a willing participant. We didn’t see all that much of Geoffduc as he abandoned us and left his mates behind. He has hinted that Jukie may have been a bit too much for him ... but I am unsure whether he was just sneaking off for a nanny(grandpa)-nap or just out making the most of the ‘what happens on tour, stays on tour’ philosophy. We spent some time chatting in the Village and watching a small part of the racing before he disappeared again.

Raux had an adventurous journey on the way down from Germany (which you may have already read about elsewhere) but he still managed to make it in time for his track session (unfortunately this was before we met). He had another mate from Germany with him (you may have seen his garage elsewhere) and oddly they both seemed to talk with American accents. The poor fella seemed a little hesitant and I can’t be sure if it was my enigmatic nature, the confronting excitement of my wife or the odd hesitance that new new-style monster owners have around the rest of us ... but by the close he seemed to tolerate us to a degree.

We spent some time chatting in the Village and caught up again at the big Party in town where he seemed far more interested in the band than I. Back at the track we watched some of the racing and cruised the ‘paddock’. Oh and there was that time he practically crash-tackled Paul Smart ... but don’t worry I managed to dust him off while Jukie distracted Paul with a little affection and we made our escape with some photos and a couple of signatures.

So ... the big man. Despite his omnipresence online and being such a riding force on the forum apparently Stopintime is a little shy. Perhaps not shy, maybe a little intimidated if his first encounter with Jukie set him back ... a few of you have also experienced the leaping monkey hug greeting (not one for those with a bad back). After having a strange woman hanging off him he became a little quiet for a bit.

But the track session brought him back to life ... as I mentioned above, he was far from shy on the track. Afterwards he also joined us in the grandstands to watch some of the racing and lament the poor efforts being put in during the WSBK testing ... don’t worry mate I am sure you will be discovered soon enough. We chatted about politics and Norwegian history ... so maybe WDW isn’t just a big party.

Jukie and Dutchieal getting reacquainted:


Raux’s far from stock 696




Stopintime’s far from stock S2R


Geoffduc’s far from stock Tricolore S4R ... oh wait a minute. Not sure if it was a touch of senility or something else but is there really an excuse for not taking his Monster to an intergalactic DMF gathering?


At least he told us it was his bike:


Jukie, Raux and Stopintime at the inter-continental DMF gathering ... hey at least one of them seems happy to be there:


All the top track guys have their groupies (Raux, Stopintime & Jukie):


But only the truly great will join you in the stands:


Speaking of racers and groupies ... Raux with an honorary DMFer:


He sure was a friendly bloke:


Even if he was a little prone to defacing other people's property: