Perhaps no one summed it up better than Myrianne Gaeta, Public Relations Manager for Ducati, North America, when she stated that the Third Annual World Ducati Week was, “A Ducati lover’s dream.” With something for just about everyone, this event was truly impressive, and we at Corbin’s Ride On were thrilled to take part in the festivities.

The event took place from June 14th through the 20th of this year, and the party started in Bologna at the Ducati Plant and Museum. At that point, Hemming’s My Classic Car’s own Dennis Gage, joined the press corps’ on their ride to Misano, Adriatico, the center of the week’s event.

The week was truly an international party and we ran into people from as far away as Australia, Japan, and even Albuquerque, New Mexico! The event kicked off with three days at the Santa Monica raceway in Misano, Adriatico, and gave approximately 30,000 Ducati fans, or as the Italians say, “Ducatisti,” a chance to live the high-life with their dream bikes. At Santa Monica, enthusiasts enjoyed a large vendor area including Ducati displays from all over the world, and while there riders could even sign-up to take their own bikes out on the track and experience the thrill of Superbike racing first-hand! Another great feature at Santa Monica was the breathtaking display of stunt riding put on by Team Ducati. Now remember, these guys are trained professionals so don’t try these tricks at home! Other activities for the week included Ducati seminars, drawings for prizes including a “flaming red” 998R Ducati motorcycle, and specially priced tickets to attend a concert by Carlos Santana at the Heineken Jamin’ Festival; however, perhaps the biggest highlight of the week included a revival of the Motogiro Italia—a four-day biking tour of Italy on what else? That’s right--Ducatis!

While we were there, we couldn’t help notice the passion that Ducatisti held for their bikes. Joe Piazza, CEO of Ducati, North America, told us that he believes that what these riders experience goes beyond the bikes themselves, and he went on sum it up by saying, “It’s the passion for people, the passion for life, the passion for riding…on a Ducati it makes it all better.” Well, during our stay, we found that statement to be true as thousands of Ducatisti found playtime on the spectacular Adriatic beaches of Misano, and when the sun went down they partied into the night in the cafes and discos. The next morning it was back to riding and they all had the opportunity to experience the spectacular narrow and winding back roads of coastal Italy.

At the end of the week, one participant put it best when she said, “It was truly a week of “good food, good wine, and great bikes.” And by the way, let us not forget to mention that all week long there was a special music in the air—the distinctive sound of the Ducati engine, a sound that sets it apart from the competition.

If you would like more information on the 3rd World Ducati Week, or if you would like information about Ducati motorcycles, check them out on the web at www.ducati.com.

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