Motogiro d'Italia 2007 - Sicily

Motogiro d'Italia 2007 - Sicily Motorcycles are just machines no matter how much passion they inspire. What makes them special is the people that build them, ride them and love them. This s ...

2009-02-12T01:48:20Z

Ducati
Motogiro d'Italia 2007 - Sicily Motorcycles are just machines no matter how much passion they inspire. What makes them special is the people that build them, ride them and love them. This s ...

The playground - Sicily in May. Perfect weather, blue skies and seas to match. Heaven off the coast of Italy

2009-10-08T10:40:01Z

Ducati
The playground - Sicily in May. Perfect weather, blue skies and seas to match. Heaven off the coast of Italy

The bike is a 125cc Ducati single, built at the NCR workshop over a 5 day period with the help of Rino Caracchi, the most historic mechanic in Ducati's vast history, he's the C in NCR. It's ...

2009-02-12T01:49:55Z

Ducati
The bike is a 125cc Ducati single, built at the NCR workshop over a 5 day period with the help of Rino Caracchi, the most historic mechanic in Ducati's vast history, he's the C in NCR. It's ...

Rich Lambrechts. He's the "man" in this story. Well known in the US as a historian and restoration specialist with an emphasis n Ducati's, this was his third trip to the Motogiro, with the f ...

2009-02-12T01:21:05Z

Ducati
Rich Lambrechts. He's the "man" in this story. Well known in the US as a historian and restoration specialist with an emphasis n Ducati's, this was his third trip to the Motogiro, with the f ...

The bikes arrive in Sicly anyway they can, the logistics of getting here with "stuff" in tow are daunting. These bikes came from England

2009-02-12T01:21:47Z

Ducati
The bikes arrive in Sicly anyway they can, the logistics of getting here with "stuff" in tow are daunting. These bikes came from England

Thursday. Entrants begin to filter in to the hotel in Sciacca, Sicily. It's time to make sure the bikes work and renew friendships that blossom every year during the race.

2009-02-12T01:23:49Z

Ducati
Thursday. Entrants begin to filter in to the hotel in Sciacca, Sicily. It's time to make sure the bikes work and renew friendships that blossom every year during the race.

The bikes come from everywhere in the world. Many built just for this, it's all they do. Current registrations mate up with license plates on owners arrival.

2009-02-12T01:24:56Z

Ducati
The bikes come from everywhere in the world. Many built just for this, it's all they do. Current registrations mate up with license plates on owners arrival.

Details were focused on increasing reliability and making the bike as light and simple as possible. No battery is the first thing you notice - this being the biggest source of trouble on the ...

2009-02-12T01:23:59Z

Ducati
Details were focused on increasing reliability and making the bike as light and simple as possible. No battery is the first thing you notice - this being the biggest source of trouble on the ...

Machined cases take off weight, increse access to serviceable components and, well, just look cool.

2009-10-08T10:12:30Z

Ducati
Machined cases take off weight, increse access to serviceable components and, well, just look cool.

Ohio, birthplace of aviation and little Ducati's

2009-02-12T01:02:25Z

Ducati
Ohio, birthplace of aviation and little Ducati's

There is a regular cast of characters that make this event so special. From tall to small, unique, every one.

2009-02-12T01:23:41Z

Ducati
There is a regular cast of characters that make this event so special. From tall to small, unique, every one.

That's Reno Leoni. Famous in the US he's a relative newcomer to this event. After years of me telling him he would really love the Motogiro and him telling me he was retired, he finally atte ...

2009-02-12T01:21:37Z

Ducati
That's Reno Leoni. Famous in the US he's a relative newcomer to this event. After years of me telling him he would really love the Motogiro and him telling me he was retired, he finally atte ...

Some of the Reno bikes - That's Bill on the left, Jim Hunter, Burt Richmond (who has his own Lotus Tours bike he leaves in Italy, I'm not sure who the guy in the red jacket is (Matteo?) but ...

2009-02-12T01:20:53Z

Ducati
Some of the Reno bikes - That's Bill on the left, Jim Hunter, Burt Richmond (who has his own Lotus Tours bike he leaves in Italy, I'm not sure who the guy in the red jacket is (Matteo?) but ...

The hotels on the Motogiro are always great when the tour goes South. This year we were all in one hotel, which makes for a better time (if only in the bar in the evenings!) since we are all ...

2009-02-12T01:22:19Z

Ducati
The hotels on the Motogiro are always great when the tour goes South. This year we were all in one hotel, which makes for a better time (if only in the bar in the evenings!) since we are all ...

Two of the "Vicki Team" and best friends both. That's Jim Dillard on the left and Robin Lawrence on the right. Jim entered a 175 Aermacchi, Robin a 175 Beta.

2009-08-05T13:22:28Z

Ducati
Two of the "Vicki Team" and best friends both. That's Jim Dillard on the left and Robin Lawrence on the right. Jim entered a 175 Aermacchi, Robin a 175 Beta.

That's Gabriel. He's from Spain and is actually a titled Marquis which as it was explained to me is something like a Prince. He's a regular and quite a character. He's pretty much a party in ...

2009-10-08T09:22:30Z

Ducati
That's Gabriel. He's from Spain and is actually a titled Marquis which as it was explained to me is something like a Prince. He's a regular and quite a character. He's pretty much a party in ...

Every year he brings a matched set of some sort of rare and impossible to find one let alone TWO bikes. This year I'm not sure how they fit them in the trailer between the bull head, giant p ...

2009-10-08T09:09:43Z

Ducati
Every year he brings a matched set of some sort of rare and impossible to find one let alone TWO bikes. This year I'm not sure how they fit them in the trailer between the bull head, giant p ...

That's Erwin. He's a regular since 2002. He and his son compete on a Parilla and an MV Agusta, serious machines both.

2009-10-08T08:36:06Z

Ducati
That's Erwin. He's a regular since 2002. He and his son compete on a Parilla and an MV Agusta, serious machines both.

Gabriel and Paolo Rossi, the race director, wearing one of the seemingly endless supply of Torreador hats that came from the trailer.

2009-02-12T01:20:11Z

Ducati
Gabriel and Paolo Rossi, the race director, wearing one of the seemingly endless supply of Torreador hats that came from the trailer.

This photo is not posed. This is what happens every year when the bikes come out of the trailer - this year matched Bultaco TSS's. They drew a crowd the entire event.

2009-02-12T01:21:50Z

Ducati
This photo is not posed. This is what happens every year when the bikes come out of the trailer - this year matched Bultaco TSS's. They drew a crowd the entire event.

Modern rentals were arranged from Ducati among other sources. Ducati's participation has been the heart of this event from the beginning, both historically and in spirit since the modern rec ...

2009-10-08T08:16:42Z

Ducati
Modern rentals were arranged from Ducati among other sources. Ducati's participation has been the heart of this event from the beginning, both historically and in spirit since the modern rec ...

Ducati's photo

2009-10-08T07:10:48Z

Ducati

This Benelli with the custom Rust and Dent paint job (really funny I thought) was entered in the Taglioni Memorial class - bikes from 350cc and up, and newer than the vintage class which end ...

2009-02-12T01:07:03Z

Ducati
This Benelli with the custom Rust and Dent paint job (really funny I thought) was entered in the Taglioni Memorial class - bikes from 350cc and up, and newer than the vintage class which end ...

Andrew Bremmer proudly displays his state of the art device for timing the Benelli. As you can see, he's a priceless addition to what makes this event unique.

2009-02-12T01:09:33Z

Ducati
Andrew Bremmer proudly displays his state of the art device for timing the Benelli. As you can see, he's a priceless addition to what makes this event unique.

First order of business is registration where you get your race numbers. That's Chris Jensen (founding member of Team Leoni) and Rich Lambrechts mounting the number plates on Chris's bike

2009-02-12T01:10:46Z

Ducati
First order of business is registration where you get your race numbers. That's Chris Jensen (founding member of Team Leoni) and Rich Lambrechts mounting the number plates on Chris's bike

Friday night before the event the Vicki Group gathers to meet and greet. This year we were over 40 strong, with many first timers. Here's a couple of the "newbies", Marge and Rick Lambrechts ...

2009-10-08T08:24:33Z

Ducati
Friday night before the event the Vicki Group gathers to meet and greet. This year we were over 40 strong, with many first timers. Here's a couple of the "newbies", Marge and Rick Lambrechts ...

Anyone who has ridden this event on a little bike knows this picture well. The only way to pass the trucks that litter Italy and the route is to get a few feet from the bumper and hang there ...

2009-07-23T11:43:51Z

Ducati
Anyone who has ridden this event on a little bike knows this picture well. The only way to pass the trucks that litter Italy and the route is to get a few feet from the bumper and hang there ...

Eric Clarke. In this story he's the "trusting soul". We met Eric at a car show in Boca and a couple of months later he's wired vast sums to a total stranger in Italy, flown halfway across th ...

2009-02-12T01:06:44Z

Ducati
Eric Clarke. In this story he's the "trusting soul". We met Eric at a car show in Boca and a couple of months later he's wired vast sums to a total stranger in Italy, flown halfway across th ...

Eric and Rich, Day 2.

2009-02-12T01:10:48Z

Ducati
Eric and Rich, Day 2.

Sicily is known for it's difficult route, the challenges make the event more satisfying in a way, and keep you on your toes. That's Rick Hammond from Canada riding past a brush fire.

2009-02-12T01:10:50Z

Ducati
Sicily is known for it's difficult route, the challenges make the event more satisfying in a way, and keep you on your toes. That's Rick Hammond from Canada riding past a brush fire.

The bikes compete on public roads in traffic with the blessing of the Sicilian President who personally sanctioned this years event

2009-10-08T07:48:25Z

Ducati
The bikes compete on public roads in traffic with the blessing of the Sicilian President who personally sanctioned this years event

The views are often spectacular

2009-06-26T08:46:29Z

Ducati
The views are often spectacular

Rick Hammond gets ready for a skill test, the way this event is won or lost

2009-02-12T01:08:11Z

Ducati
Rick Hammond gets ready for a skill test, the way this event is won or lost

Jim Dillard. He's done all 7 of these with me. The Italians have told me "my face is the face of the Motogiro" but for me, Jim's is.

2009-02-12T01:08:18Z

Ducati
Jim Dillard. He's done all 7 of these with me. The Italians have told me "my face is the face of the Motogiro" but for me, Jim's is.

Rest stops vary from coffee in a town square to this, a museum of Sicilian artifacts. That statue is about 5 stories tall. It was like something from a movie.

2009-07-27T15:58:00Z

Ducati
Rest stops vary from coffee in a town square to this, a museum of Sicilian artifacts. That statue is about 5 stories tall. It was like something from a movie.

That's a working excavation in the background of Eric Clarke's bike.

2009-02-12T01:10:32Z

Ducati
That's a working excavation in the background of Eric Clarke's bike.

Rest stops were short but some riders found peace and quiet for a moment or two

2009-02-12T01:06:26Z

Ducati
Rest stops were short but some riders found peace and quiet for a moment or two

I took this shot driving by. Greek ruins in Sicily

2009-10-08T08:22:46Z

Ducati
I took this shot driving by. Greek ruins in Sicily

Ducati's photo

2009-02-12T01:09:49Z

Ducati

Giuliano Maoggi, winner of the 1956 event. Still riding fast. Last I saw him he told me he would see me in Sardinia for 2008

2009-02-12T01:10:40Z

Ducati
Giuliano Maoggi, winner of the 1956 event. Still riding fast. Last I saw him he told me he would see me in Sardinia for 2008

That's a bar, just off the Autostrada if you can believe it

2009-10-08T08:10:47Z

Ducati
That's a bar, just off the Autostrada if you can believe it

Wildflowers. Whole hillsides of them were everywhere

2009-02-12T01:09:27Z

Ducati
Wildflowers. Whole hillsides of them were everywhere

I come from Florida and I thought I knew a little about oranges. I don't. The oranges we were served this year were the most amazing fruit I have ever tasted.

2009-02-12T01:04:58Z

Ducati
I come from Florida and I thought I knew a little about oranges. I don't. The oranges we were served this year were the most amazing fruit I have ever tasted.

That's John Gumina rubbing it in about the oranges. He has a house in Sicily.

2009-07-14T10:57:26Z

Ducati
That's John Gumina rubbing it in about the oranges. He has a house in Sicily.

Ducati Corse services the press bikes and helps the modern bikes as well. One woman fell down on a Monster and while her tumble was minor the bike fell off the hill. These guys had it runnin ...

2009-02-12T01:06:44Z

Ducati
Ducati Corse services the press bikes and helps the modern bikes as well. One woman fell down on a Monster and while her tumble was minor the bike fell off the hill. These guys had it runnin ...

Chris Jonnum from Road Racer X relaxing in one of the many town squares along the route.

2009-02-12T01:07:21Z

Ducati
Chris Jonnum from Road Racer X relaxing in one of the many town squares along the route.

Sicily is known for it's sweet treats. Knock it off guys! I'm referring to the cookies.

2009-02-12T01:07:19Z

Ducati
Sicily is known for it's sweet treats. Knock it off guys! I'm referring to the cookies.

Sorry Chris, this picture was too funny not to use.

2009-02-12T01:09:51Z

Ducati
Sorry Chris, this picture was too funny not to use.

That's Frank Smith, he has been on the Motogiro both ways, by little bike and modern rental as well. This year he had a mishap and his event ended early but he seemed none the worse for wear ...

2009-10-08T07:42:32Z

Ducati
That's Frank Smith, he has been on the Motogiro both ways, by little bike and modern rental as well. This year he had a mishap and his event ended early but he seemed none the worse for wear ...

CT's are the heart of the event. Every stop is a timed check in, many include a "skill test" a timed to the hundreth of a second run through some cones.

2009-07-13T03:30:09Z

Ducati
CT's are the heart of the event. Every stop is a timed check in, many include a "skill test" a timed to the hundreth of a second run through some cones.

Rich Lambrechts does a skill test

2009-02-12T01:07:47Z

Ducati
Rich Lambrechts does a skill test

Quiet time for coffee

2009-10-08T07:52:07Z

Ducati
Quiet time for coffee

English Pete takes the start. This year his team was in the running and he was taking the racing serious

2009-02-12T01:03:43Z

Ducati
English Pete takes the start. This year his team was in the running and he was taking the racing serious

Racers gather at the skill tests to share tips and tricks. Here Eric explains which side of the cone to start on and why it matters

2009-02-12T01:07:23Z

Ducati
Racers gather at the skill tests to share tips and tricks. Here Eric explains which side of the cone to start on and why it matters

That's Manuela. She's leaving the event after this year, after so many years of her making every detail smooth for us she will be hugely missed.

2009-10-08T07:53:18Z

Ducati
That's Manuela. She's leaving the event after this year, after so many years of her making every detail smooth for us she will be hugely missed.

The first bike off every day was this Moto Guzzi Guzzino 65cc. It never missed a beat and made every time stop. He was given the new "Georgio Nepoti Award" for Outstanding Courage. The room ...

2009-02-12T01:06:53Z

Ducati
The first bike off every day was this Moto Guzzi Guzzino 65cc. It never missed a beat and made every time stop. He was given the new "Georgio Nepoti Award" for Outstanding Courage. The room ...

End of the day. Some bikes need more than others but every bike needs something if only a "general look over" maintainance

2009-02-12T01:10:47Z

Ducati
End of the day. Some bikes need more than others but every bike needs something if only a "general look over" maintainance

The Brucolli Village hotel. Three days in heaven

2009-10-08T07:30:41Z

Ducati
The Brucolli Village hotel. Three days in heaven

Jim Dillard takes the start on Day 4

2009-02-12T01:09:32Z

Ducati
Jim Dillard takes the start on Day 4

Ducati's photo

2009-09-20T05:04:28Z

Ducati

View from the square where we start the day

2009-02-12T01:04:14Z

Ducati
View from the square where we start the day

Sometimes creativity is required to make the finish. This guy had a problem that kept oil from getting to the head so he just pulled the valvecover off and manually oiled the valves every 50 ...

2009-02-12T01:06:10Z

Ducati
Sometimes creativity is required to make the finish. This guy had a problem that kept oil from getting to the head so he just pulled the valvecover off and manually oiled the valves every 50 ...

It's running in this photo

2009-02-12T01:08:32Z

Ducati
It's running in this photo

Mount Etna. A highlight of the route (that's lava in the background) My bike broke early so I rented a scooter and kept riding with my group. Everybody knows scooters just make you feel like ...

2009-02-12T01:04:56Z

Ducati
Mount Etna. A highlight of the route (that's lava in the background) My bike broke early so I rented a scooter and kept riding with my group. Everybody knows scooters just make you feel like ...

You never know what you will come across on the road......

2009-08-09T07:52:10Z

Ducati
You never know what you will come across on the road......

Ducati's photo

2009-02-12T01:04:17Z

Ducati

You could see Etna from the hotel, in the morning it was in the mist but by afternoon you could see it puffing away

2009-02-12T01:01:29Z

Ducati
You could see Etna from the hotel, in the morning it was in the mist but by afternoon you could see it puffing away

Mother Nature calling!!! I woke up each morning to this incredible bird symphony just outside my window. You could set your watch by these guys. Love it or hate it, I had never heard anythi ...

2009-01-25T20:23:15Z

Ducati
Mother Nature calling!!! I woke up each morning to this incredible bird symphony just outside my window. You could set your watch by these guys. Love it or hate it, I had never heard anythi ...

umbrella reflections in one of the many hotel pools

2009-02-12T01:00:56Z

Ducati
umbrella reflections in one of the many hotel pools

That's where you caught the ferry to the square. 1 euro and to come back you stood on the hill and waived your arms to signal the man to put down his bierra and bring the boat

2009-09-20T05:04:28Z

Ducati
That's where you caught the ferry to the square. 1 euro and to come back you stood on the hill and waived your arms to signal the man to put down his bierra and bring the boat

That's my personal police escort to the freeway - we asked directions and this is what happened. Could NEVER happen at home

2009-02-12T01:02:54Z

Ducati
That's my personal police escort to the freeway - we asked directions and this is what happened. Could NEVER happen at home

Federico Minoli, ex-CEO of Ducati, current Ducatisti

2009-02-12T01:02:01Z

Ducati
Federico Minoli, ex-CEO of Ducati, current Ducatisti

That's a 125cc Marianna worth about $100,000, a 10,000 rpm GP bike

2009-02-12T01:02:54Z

Ducati
That's a 125cc Marianna worth about $100,000, a 10,000 rpm GP bike

The channel seperating the hotel from the start square

2009-10-08T08:02:59Z

Ducati
The channel seperating the hotel from the start square

The card. Your event revolves around this

2009-02-12T01:02:50Z

Ducati
The card. Your event revolves around this

Ducati's photo

2009-07-14T10:11:23Z

Ducati

Rich does the skill test

2009-09-11T21:04:04Z

Ducati
Rich does the skill test

Rick Lambrechts watch's his son ace the skill test - 4.97 seconds on a 5 second test

2009-02-12T01:03:57Z

Ducati
Rick Lambrechts watch's his son ace the skill test - 4.97 seconds on a 5 second test

Ducati's photo

2009-02-12T01:04:11Z

Ducati

Paolo Rossi, of the Motor Club of Terni. It's his event, he's the man

2009-02-12T01:00:20Z

Ducati
Paolo Rossi, of the Motor Club of Terni. It's his event, he's the man

That's a policeman standing on the footpegs of the two matching Bultaco's. Things are different here.

2009-02-12T01:01:49Z

Ducati
That's a policeman standing on the footpegs of the two matching Bultaco's. Things are different here.

The whole town comes out, even the mayor (who is in this crowd somewhere)

2009-07-14T10:30:29Z

Ducati
The whole town comes out, even the mayor (who is in this crowd somewhere)

Winners past and present

2009-02-12T00:59:38Z

Ducati
Winners past and present

The finish. From left, Burt Richmond, Rich Lambrechts, John Gumina and Rick Hammond

2009-02-12T01:00:13Z

Ducati
The finish. From left, Burt Richmond, Rich Lambrechts, John Gumina and Rick Hammond

The finish is an event, here Rich get's interviewed by Emerson Gattafoni, a well known Italian motojournalist

2009-02-12T01:00:58Z

Ducati
The finish is an event, here Rich get's interviewed by Emerson Gattafoni, a well known Italian motojournalist

DONE!

2009-02-12T01:03:48Z

Ducati
DONE!

Congratulations from the race director and the crowd

2009-02-12T01:04:07Z

Ducati
Congratulations from the race director and the crowd

2nd in the 125cc class, the winner finished 2nd overall, a good effort and a great time.

2009-02-12T01:00:44Z

Ducati
2nd in the 125cc class, the winner finished 2nd overall, a good effort and a great time.

That's Jack Silverman. He's where this story ends, I asked him if he would do it again next year and his answer was "I'll do this every year until I die!" And that laugh is what came next. I ...

2009-02-12T01:03:20Z

Ducati
That's Jack Silverman. He's where this story ends, I asked him if he would do it again next year and his answer was "I'll do this every year until I die!" And that laugh is what came next. I ...