Bologna - NCR workshop - the bike comes to life!
For the seventh time in as many summers we "the Vicki Group" as they call us on the Motogiro, referring to the ever growing group of North Americans who attend year after year, are back in Bologna for the Motogiro d'Italia 2007. This year the event begins and ends in Sicily, where we are slated to asend Mount Etna which is (unfortunatly) currently the worlds "most active volcano". Translation? It's spewing flames and ashes a mile into the Sicilian sky but somehow no one seems too concerned. Why? Because it's Italy, and that's why we love it here. Nothing is a problem, the food and people are fantastic and the riding is the best in the world. The adventure always begins in Bologna where Ducati's are born and the historic NCR shop is located. Day one begins at the workshop of Rino Caracchi, for the reunion with Rino, his family and one of the groups Ducati racebike's, which has arrived on Rino's doorstep in cartons.....
By Vicki Smith
Read MoreBy Vicki Smith
All done and ready to race. The final details: 125cc Ducati single. It's a purpose built tool, conceived and designed to be the perfect, historically honorable, Motogiro d'Italia cutting edge tool. Just under 200 lbs, with a magneto system rather than a battery, the idea was to create a machine that honored the spirit of the event. That meant it had to be fast and reliable with plenty of midrange for the mountains, low end for the skill tests, top end for the straights and at least a little comfort for the rider. It's a lot harder than it sounds. Two years of planning and the bike was ready and sitting in the Sicilian sun
