Hi All,
I've been off the forum for awhile. There seemed to be a lot of non Ducati/Panigale stuff and arguments, which I didn't really appreciate. However it seems to be better now so I'll try and join in a bit more.
I'm happy to see many familiar names and also a big thanks to those who sent me mails, despite me not posting.
Just because I haven't posted anything doesn't mean I haven't been riding and doing a bunch of Ducati related stuff.
Don't actually have many pics of running in the 14 Panigales I mentioned I was going to do. Dealership here, bought 14 S models to use for DRE (Ducati Riding Experience) and for CSS (California Superbike School) which some of my DOC (Desmo Owners Club) members were invited to run in at the Yas Marina Circuit.
I'm in the back ground wearing a black T.
I then helped out at DRE and loved it so I signed up for the next one which was in February and I had the privilege of being taught the DRE Master Racing Class by Manuel Poggialli , 2 time World Champion, once in 125cc and once 250cc. He won the 250 the year after Marco Melandri and year before Dani Pedrosa, whom you may have heard of.
He retired age 25 after having stress and team issues, but has comeback and will be contesting the Italian National Championship on a Panigale ofc!!! Great guy!! Here's a pic of us together after the course.
After that I organised a free track day for Ducati Owners at the Dubai Autodrome. Good turn out with about 50 Ducs on track in 3 groups. Here's me, ahead of 2 Pani's and about to lap a Monster on a red 848, my own white 848 had some issues, so Ducati loaned me one
After that I did another level of California Superbike School at the Autodrome. Great fun and learned some new stuff!! I'm just left of Nicky Hayden's Desmo in the white T.
Just this last weekend I got the opportunity of Going on the back of the GP12, during something called Moto X2 which is organised by Phillip Morris the main Ducati MotoGP sponsor. Basically Rossi and Hayden's bikes from last season have an extra seat bolted on and are ridden by Randy Mamola and Franco Battaini (Official Ducati MotoGP test rider for last few years) and you get to go on the back. To say the least it's an experience hard to put into words, and I have a whole new definition of speed and admiration for MotoGP riders
. While there I was very well looked after by Ducati and Phillip Morris, new helmet, gloves, and leathers, drinks, lunch, umbrella girls!!!!
the whole 9 yards and more. I also got to meet Paolo Ciabatti the Ducati MotoGP project director, who was there. Totally awesome experience, and if you get a chance to do it, and manage to pass the required medical!!! Then go for it, I highly recommend!! I'm the blond guy back row 3rd from right
In between I have also been putting a few clicks on my own Pani
rather than only riding other peoples bikes. Here are some pics a member of my DOC took of me while on our weekly group ride.
This was on what we call the Camel road bowl which is in the desert and I'm doing about 210 Km/hr.
Heres another one of me on my Tri riding in the mountains, my buddy Ziad is on his Red S just behind me.
Well that's all from the last 4-5 months. The first MotoGP race is next week in Qatar, which is not too far from me so I'll be hopping on a plane to attend. If I get any good pics I'll post them up here. Any particular requests pic wise let me know!
