my695

Saturdays Just got Better

I had a chance to take a longer ride this past Saturday after some small jaunts during the week.
It was a ride filled with friendly faces, allot of riders including Harleys, buses and of course cafes!

I headed out and got warmed up in the neighborhood first. Warmed up the tires and did some turns in my "safe" zone before heading into the real world. The previous week I had headed out like a car to my destination and it didn't;t feel right -too much too soon.

I took the back roads to the nearest gas station, going around the block so I would approach from the least busy and/or crowded entrance. I felt much more relaxed yet still alert as a pulled up to the pump.

After gassing up I still took some back-roads to continue my ramp up into the days adventures. As I was waiting to turn right at a stoplight in the south end of the city -two Harley riders passed in front of me, one waving back after my initiating wave. (I once read the "Harley Riders" don't acknowledge other bikers/riders but these guys proved the cliche wrong.

I took the right and fell in behind them for my first "unofficial group ride". I stayed with them trough some stop and go traffic magnified by the new Metro crossing that they had decided not to put underground. Yes the one a quarter mile away was underground but this one at a very busy and pivotal intersection had been left up-top creating 2 miles square of havoc.

I crossed my second second set of rail lines with the Harley guys straight on rolled right over, no slips or squirming.

The Harley guys turned right and now I was back in my own zone. I was headed over an old bridge and up a steep hill that I knew since I was a kid but had never rode on a motorbike. Basically this was the one of only ways to the neighboring town. Steep uphill, steep descent. The Ducati manual says to vary the load, so I was just following directions.

I ascended the hill in 2nd gear still with my revs at 'recommended levels" with two cars behind me. As I reached about a 50 yard plateau I put my turn signal on and pulled over to the right.

I was happy to let the cars go by and wanted to descend the hill at my own pace not worrying about tailgaters, etc.

I road down the steep in 2nd gear and then shifted up to 3rd as I approached the base. I bumped my way along an old "concrete" road and up yet another ascent that was tree-lined with beautiful patches of sun and shade. I was all by myself on my side of the road. I reached the crest, this time with no stop and descended an even steeper grade. My experience in descending fire roads kicked in and I felt in control but aware of the weight of the bike and the rock hard surface underneath.

I was now back in the Matrix twisting down an open blvd. "Hey there's that cool cafe with some people still outside", I said to myself. I thought they closed early on the weekend!  With no one riding my rear it was time for "fuel" and a quick pit stop and I came to well defined emergency stop.

The owner was there and she was glad to see me and "I didn't know you rode". "Neither did I", said I as I was having "deja vu" from two weeks prior. A young couple was sitting outside and before I took my first sip of espresso, I was engrossed in conversation about bikes. It turned out he worked for a Moto supplier and we hit it off real well. Just then, the two Harley Riders passed by. I guess I had taken the shortcut, "the road less traveled".
                                                                                                                                                      I finished up and the couple went strode off arm in arm. It was a good day.

I took some pics with the camera phone, courtesy of the Treo 650 and continued on.

Before I knew it I was on the other side of town headed for my destination cafe # 2 the one they call the "paradise".

As I rode by side streets I spotted a yellow monster waiting to turn, we traded waves and I continued on. Wish I could have stopped but the pace of traffic and density pushed me several blocks before it dissipated. Catch you soon yellow jacket-

I was more bold on the open blvds this time but not cocky. I led the pack and kept a safe pace staying out of blind spots.

I was doing about 40 in the far right of a 3 lane when ahead I could see a parallel parker. I had left on "out" next to me and eased off the throttle as I took a quick glance over my shoulder and then switched left and left a wide birth for the parking car. Smooth, cool and onward I rode.

I made it to the cafe and settled in for some lemon cake. I parked at the upper end of the block just before the red zone leaving ample room for parking cars and good visibility.

It was getting late now and I wanted to be back before dark. I took my time putting my gear back on and stuffing my pockets with cookies I had boughtfor friends and family.

As I rode off I came up next to a large bus at my next stop. The noise from the bus drowned out the sound of my bike and I felt as though one of my "senses" were missing. The bus took away one of the key ingredients I use to ride! As the light turned green I relied totally on the feel of the engine and 695 as I released the clutch, I revved it a bit more as I jumped to 2nd still deaf to the sound of that awful bus. Its might be cleaner burning but whisper quiet it is not!

I finally came to my senses as I was out in front and finally pulled to make a left. I rolled up on another biker, Kawasaki and rode behind him for a mile before he turned into a Starbucks parking lot. As he parked and stopped I passed his view in the street, he shot me a thumbs up and I couldn't help to think how synchronized it felt. I guess it was that kind of day.

I made my way back to hometown, old-town filled with Saturday, restaurant eaters, moviegoers, shoppers and revelers. The warm dry wind wafting in from the foothills proclaimed that Summer was not quite finished. The shop entrances glowed a warm hue as the sky turned to a lazy shade of purple.

At the next red light my poetics were interrupted by the sound of sirens. As you know most of us bikers are perched a little further forward when we are at the front of the pack. It has become a natural habit to maintain visibility and remain safe. As the light changed an I could finally see the approaching fire truck. I knew at this point no other car could see it coming. I honked my horn and raised my right hand in a stop formation and all the cars followed my signal and remained idling. The fire truck passed swiftly without hinderance. The light turned backed to red and I lowered my arm.

I glanced over to the car on my left and the driver gave me a big thumbs up and a head nod. A big smile came over my face as I had done my good deed for the day. I headed down the street a few more blocks before stopping before a red. A gentleman and his wife/girlfriend pull up next to me in a convertible pull up next to me. He asks "where did you get one of those?" "Pro Itlalia", I reply " the best shop around. He says " I used to race those in the 60's when they were 250's." I gave him the thumbs up and he rode off to the right as the light changed.

What a great day it had been, I thought as I cruised down the densely tree lined street almost like a tunnel in the twilight hour.

A I reached the top of the drive way I cut the engine and just sat there for a moment. Crickets in the background, dust passing though my headlight beam, my content breath underneath my helmet. All so vivid, so just right. I guess that's what owning a Ducati is all about.

 

 

 

Breaking the 100 Mile Barrier

No it's not breaking the 100 mile an hour barrier, simply topping over 100 miles on the Ducati 695. Somewhere between mile 90 and mile 130 I became a true rider.

As I seem to be posting every other time I'll take you back just a bit.

I was on a quick jaunt to the local Peet's again and something happened. Everything fell into place. All the thinking, the training and accumulated miles just flowed through me into the bike and stuck to the road. I was one with my surroundings, the cars, the trees, sky and my shifting leg were in an unspoken unison of speed and movement.

Everything that I had thought riding would be fell into place in those few miles. I knew what I had seen and heard as Motorcyclists road by - I was now experiencing as it is - as it should be.

The ride was short sweet and to the point and proved an great appetizer to what would be this weeks Saturday 37 Mile ride.

I had been working up North and had no chance to ride for a week and I couldn't wait for today.

I felt great and did a quick jaunt again in the morning, surprised to find out nothing had been lost since the day I became a true rider. I skipped out of the sun for a few hours and then headed back into the streets in the afternoon hours.

The sweet spot was back as I headed through a dozen stop signs and worked my way across the quiet part of town. I had told myself, if all felt well I would finally attempt a ride to the neighboring city to yet another cafe-bakery. along out with all the espresso, cake cookies deli and the best Armenian coffee in Los Angeles.

I felt mentally alert, nothing cloudy I knew I was ready as I would ever be. I headed "out of town" across the old bridge with it's own easy "S" turn. I stopped just short of a crested plateau. I was behind about 5 cars in single line of traffic. I was so happy to be headed to "new" territory that the realization I was on a slight slope came a bit late. When I came to I realized my acceleration would have to be swift and smooth. No time for stalling on this one. I rocked back as I released the brake, clutch engaging, I was off. Smooth and cool.

I took up space and was cruising about 38 MPH. I descended into the neighboring city down a steep wide street that was now turning into a boulevard. I got into the right lane and let the cars blur by. As I entered the green light intersection my antenna was way up. Opposing me was a car ready to tun left I slowed a bit engaging in a lower gear but still keeping pace. He saw me and accelerated out of the intersection and into a long right banking turn.

I made my way across this smaller city down the boulevard keeping pace and making sure every one around could see me. This felt like a true adventure with new happenings and new biking territory opening up my world.

As I reached the 3rd city border I pulled into "you guessed it" a cafe's parking lot. I was in such a good zone, I just needed to pull over and pinch myself to see if I wasn't dreaming! After a 2 minute break I was back in action passing a few Police cars "representing" for the sane biker crowd.

The biggest treat was the final open, tree-lined boulevard on my way to the cafe. I led the pack of cars, setting pace and keeping a good rhythm in my shifting. It felt great to be out there and riding naturally.

As I approached the cafe, many cars were parked in front. I saw no spots and opted to go around the block,as to not hold up traffic. As I came around I found the sweet spot just at the end of the line up with a driveway entrance bordering the other end. The car in front was older model Camry and was low enough to have my bike in full view if he/she should back out of his space. If it had been a SUV with tinted windows I would have opted for another spot.

I got my Armenian coffee and treats and grabbed a seat in the air conditioned bliss. An older Armenian woman, one of the bakers at the cafe tuned from talking with her friend smiled, did a once over of my gear and said, "Superman". I replied, "...more like Batman". It is beautiful she said. I thanked her and was beaming as I recalled my great ride.

Espresso and the Real World.

I wanted to ride. I wanted espresso. I needed to finally deal with the "outer burbs" a.k.a. the "real world" and to put the two together into a cohesive whole.

I picked the route by the old high school with the wide boulevard and light traffic. I knew once I made that final right and descended into the business parks and village that things would change and rapidly.

I mentally rehearsed starting off the line and picturing myself with cars all around. Was I ready? Not really. Did I need a shot of espresso, my Peet's fix? Most definitely. + I knew it would be fun to show up at one of my favorite cafes as transformation of Ducatisti.

As soon as I was headed for the village I was dealing with lane changers, more abrupt stops - due to traffic backing up and smooth rolls on the throttle. I combined them all together. I could feel the adrenaline rush and minute by minute rewards of the skills I had been building up.

By the time I was in the village and turning right into the parking lot (a sharp right and high angle), I was on another planet. As I entered the parking lot a sigh of relief washed over me. Still scanning and on alert I pulled into a small compact space next to Peet's. I'd done it. WOW.

I slid a piece of aluminum between my kick-stand and the hot paved tar parking lot.

Slipping into the interior of the cool air-conditioned cafe, I rattled off my order about a half-caf double espresso. I was "half there" as I went over the ride in my mind, going through the motions of ordering and receiving my drink order as if I was floating in space. I had reached the oasis, safely and I was so proud.

Putting Espresso in the Cafe Racer

2-rides ago - I simply needed to get gas! I did a mental search of all the local stations close to my house and pictured the road ahead and the entry and exit of each station. Even though the 76 was my first choice it was me at avery busy intersection and the exit would not be so fun. The Chevron put me by a City College and that would be even more treacherous given my "newbie" status. I opted for he Mobil and realized I could take sweet side streets all the way with one last dash down a major though-fair to round out the event.

I mentally checked and went through details like how I would pull up to the station, approach, what side the pump would be on - cutting the motor, taking off my gloves how much gas I would be buying etc. Automatic details to an auto driver but a detailed list to the new Ducati rider.

It was nearing sunset in at least an hour and I wanted to take a short spin to the local station. I geared up, hydrated with some H20 and headed out into the Sunset. The visibility was still quite high as I headed out. A couple of straights, lefts and rights. I was at the Mobil.

I approached the sloped drive and eased the throttle in first and pulled forward to the pump. I came to a stop and cut the engine. Kick-stand up and properly dismounted. I took off my gloves and reached into my riding pants for that cool $3.50. As I strode into the min-mart I was real rider to the rest of the world. Everyone present - simply saw me a motorcyclist in a world of my own.

I snapped out of my Super-hero daydreams and put my money on the counter. $3.50 please, on number 6. I was extra polite- I am usually-but I went overboard just to "represent" for the rest of "us".
The "true riders".

Before I knew it I was back at the pump, pumping that first gallon ever so slowly. Bling, bling -$3.50 in.

I started my bike just as I would in front of my house following all the MSF instruction to the "T".
I throttled out to the exit drive and saw it was steeper then expected. With no one right behind me I waited a bit and then power-walked down the slope to street level while scanning the blvd. for anything unexpected. My hesitation and extra caution payed off. I was on flat ground. I know I could have made the dip and turn and have since but the extra time just felt right at the time.

With twilight settling I headed home. This was just enough of "night riding" for now. I had crossed a another hurdle and was one step closer to "real world" riding.

Email to a rider.

A reader and fellow future rider who is just about to take the MSF emailed me about advice this was answer.

Hello and Congrats,

You don't know how to "ride" that's true but at least you have the guts to admit it.
That's a healthy and mature attitude to begin with.
For an "individual" sport like motor-biking there sure is allot of peer pressure right from the start.

For my part I am trying to live by the rules and practices of great riders, not show offs, not for the moment because I'd like to be around for a while.

I opted for the Honda Nighthawk 250 in the MSF because it was little higher and had more oomph then the Kawasaki 125's.
I wanted something relatively close to the 695 and that was the best they had.

I would suggest that if you live more then 5 miles from the dealer you have it delivered or take allot of side streets and break up your first ride even with a break in between.

I've been taking it slow as my weblog says with 5 mile rides. If I start to feel tired or a bit unsure I just head back to the "ranch". My longest ride has been 16 miles, last Saturday.
The great thing is that the 695 is not jumpy even if you give a bit of throttle, I just ease back immediately and the 695 just follows my lead. It's got the feel of great Italian leather jacket, broken in from day one but has the preciseness like a BMW M5. You will love it.

I'd even go back to your parked bike roll it out to the driveway or street, turn it on, feel the weight put your feet on the pegs etc.
Remember the tires need to be "scrubbed" the first 100 miles, basically broken in so you'd want to avoid excessive lean or stopping too abruptly - same goes, when the tires are cold and you are starting a ride.

Best of Luck
and keep in touch.

Best,

Alan

And on the Seventh Day...

I rested! Had it really been 6 straight days of riding?! Some were jaunts, some were "sessions" but all were worth while. It is a Ducati after-all.

It was a beautiful Saturday (the 5th day) the kind that makes your imagination wander. The possibilities, the ability to finally go for a longer ride. Yes, it was the day when I found the sweet spot. The shifts, the controlled braking, some minor twists and dips all coming together for one sweet ride.

I had no expectations except to ride safe and within my abilities. I knew something good would happen, I just didn't know it would "16 miles" (3 times my average) of exhilaration tempered by an espresso stop. You'd think I was in Italy or something.

I knew I wanted to to go back to the light and cross that main boulevard again. I know I wanted to ride and ride as much as I could before my last day of the MSF course. What I didn't know is that I would go past the second major boulevard opening me up to another cool residential area. I made my way down a beautiful tree lined street and about 3/4 of mile to that next light. I felt "spot on" and decided to pull over just before the light. I idled a while, asking myself if I was ready to go little further out of my comfort zone. The answer was yes. The little voice said go for it. It wasn't bravado, it just felt natural, like a smooth roll on the throttle.

I pulled up to the red light and eyed a car easing up behind me. "checked my mirrors"
Nice, fluid acceleration - is all I wanted off the line and a smooth and a nice shift to second. I got it. I was going with the flow and I bet that car didn't even know I was newbie. I was so proud. Now back to riding.

I went down a few blocks and pulled over by a small park. I was so happy to be out there in real world.
Controlled fun at its best.

I made a small u-turn and headed up towards the old high school. At that point I had decided to ride on the wide open boulevard that wrapped around the high school and planned community in a half moon that flowed to a loose "S".

Best of all no cars! I accelerated smoothly past the high school shifting up to 3rd, then 4th, a small lean with the curves and just felt the road. It had all come together for this moment. Before I knew it I was at the next big intersection. Traffic was light as I approached. My downshifts paid off as the light turned green about 25 yards in front of me. I was in the perfect spot to be able to give it just a bit of throttle and continue up the boulevard. I kept scanning and could see are car pulling out from a side street. He saw me and I continued on.

Once I was alone again I picked a nice right by a church and rolled through and up towards some nice rolling hills of residential area. This was a day to remember and I was living every second of it.

2nd Ducati Day

Well when the MSF instructor said to practice, perhaps I had taken it too seriously. I had just ridden my first day on my 695 and I wanted to duplicate the thrill and keep improving. I wasn't really tied or fatigued but didn't feel as "spot on" as the first day. I still opted to ride and take it slow. My first throttle off the line was smooth. I was back in the saddle and it was finally starting to feel familiar. I made my way over to the large residential street and did my up and down loops, concentrating on smooth shifts and controlled braking.

For whatever reason by the 3rd or fourth loop my mind started to drift. I was hydrated. It wasn't too hot. I couldn't figure out what was up. I had to make a concerted effort to bring my self into the zone. After a few more loops I mad a left at the end of the street and a quick right and headed down to another large street. This one was even wider and the blocks about 30 yards longer, with very little traffic. I was branching out and spreading my wings. It felt great.

I continued in the same "looping" tradition, starting out into the turn using the friction zone to it's optimum and then getting the bike squared off, revving up shifting to 2nd, 3rd then back down as I came to a complete stop.

I would always pull off to the right at the end of the loop, signaling first. I drifted in and out of complete concentration and when I was off by shifts and control hurt. It wasn't really bad but just enough to remind me that I needed to be in the zone 100% of the time not 90%. This was a great place to learn such lessons in a semi-controlled environment.

I always double and triple "looked" before I took off from my starting position it paid off twice when a car turned left onto the street just in back of me, I was able to wait and let her pass. The other time it was a large white chevy pulling out from a parking position behind me. That extra look always gave me better judgement and time.

Well it was time to head back home. It had been a shorter jaunt today but I was satisfied. I didn't want to push it. It is like when you ski or snowboard and say to yourself just one more run at the end of the day, it usually is forced and does not feel safe or fun. I took that lesson and applied it here. It's better to have tomorrow's ride in the palm of your hand then your bike run up into a bush!

Left, right then left again back to that little, narrow residential street again, you know where I encountered that car turning into my side of the road and heading straight towards me. Yeah that one.
Well almost in the same place eat the same time - a large bread or milk truck turns into the street towards me! I slow down. There are two parked cars on either side and the space is SMALL I completely slow down. He sees me now. He slows. I almost stop but I feel more in control as I put along. I nod and pass him as he waits. Well done. I'd wipe the sweat off my brow but I've got my helmet on. I couldn't have finished up today a moment too soon. I couldn't wait to get back. All in all a lesson learned but not my favorite ride.

Miles Ridden - from 14-19. (5 )miles.

The first Ducati day!

The magic words from the MSF instructors were..." if you have access to a bike and have your permit already, practice, practice until next week".

Well I couldn't argue with that! I took one day off from riding and on the following day, decided to hop on the 695 in the late afternoon, when there was still good visibility, lighter traffic and little or no glare. I didn't have the luxury of practicing in a parking lot so my neighborhood streets would have to do.

I did my pre-ride inspection in the driveway with the motor off. I then pushed my bike down the driveway to the street and picked out as even part of pavement as I could find. The odometer was still at 9 miles, as it had been for month after delivery. My 695 was begging to be ridden.
I started the 695 and let it idle. There was no need to increase the idle as the day was warm and friendly.

As I anticipated my ride I tried to feel relaxed and confident about the lessons I had learned in the first MSF course day. I wouldn't go beyond my ability. I wouldn't speed and I would not let other vehicles, dogs or playing children throw me into a panic. Smooth , smooth smooth I repeated.

Then I stalled the bike. No problem, I pressed the clutch lever in and started the bike. I tried not to let myself think too much and just got back into the "feel" of the friction zone. The 695 definitely had more power then my Nighthawk 250 and required a bit more throttle off the line.

As I took off I could feel the sweet spot of the friction zone and the bike rolled forward effortlessly. My feet were right up on the pegs as I applied steady throttle as I turned left and pulled out into the road. I stayed in 1st gear for the remainder of the block clearing two speed bumps with steady throttle and easy up just a bit as I cam off each one. I came to a nice steady stop at the stop sign and realized I was on my bike and on my first ride, what a blast!

Ok concentrate, I told myself. Checked in all directions. CLEAR. I put my left signal on and power walked the bike beyond the painted lines. Still CLEAR. Steady throttle looked through the turn and went left. A short block and then signaled again and a quick right. That's when I reached the Oasis!

An open and wide residential street with little traffic. What a place to practice. I checked to make sure I was in first gear. I rolled on the throttle and could hear the bike revving up. It was time to gear up to second, clutch lever in rolled off the throttle and pushed up with my boot. It was just like the MSF but on the 695 I could really feel the thump of the gear engaging. I liked that allot.

This was an average size block so I needed to decelerate by the time I was comfortably in 2nd gear.
I applied steady braking trying to match both the front and rear brakes in application while down shifting as I came to a stop. My senses were buzzing now with all the information and physical application that I had applied in such a short time. I knew right then that without the MSF the whole experience would have been different, more intimidating and worst of all I would have been teaching myself. The MSF had given me a palette of practical tools that I could now apply. Cooooooool.

Back to riding. I continued going up and down the block about 8 times. Shifting. Applying the brakes in a steady controlled manner and just concentrating on the moment.

I decided it was time to branch out and change the scenery a bit. I also did not want to annoy the neighbors too much. My bike is not loud even for it's engine size but I felt it was better to move on.

I turned left at the bottom of the block and aggressively scanned the smaller more populous, tree-lined street. My first "would -be" obstacle was a a car pulling out of a driveway. I looked directly at the driver and we made eye contact. His car braked and stopped. I slowed, making sure he remained stopped and continued past accelerating just a bit as I passed his rear bumper.

Another left and another left and I was headed back home. This had been the first and best ride ever!
With a grin on my face I proceeded down another small, narrow, residential street on my way back home. At about half way down the block a car turned right onto my street and was heading towards me.
I slowed down instinctively and now could see he was drifting over to my side of the road! What's going on?! I slowed even more and now could see he was pulling over to my side of the road facing me. Once I could see he was completely pulled over I picked up the pace from my near idle speed and passed by him with generous distance. Here again I was confronted with a strange challenge. I feel without the MSF training I would not have been as comfortable staying steady and straight ahead at such low speeds.

A right another left and over those speed bumps and then a quick right with easy throttle right up my driveway. At the driveway plateau I came to a smooth stop in front of the garage. I cut the the engine. Put the bike in neutral, kick-stand up and dismounted the bike.

A grandmother sitting on her porch across our street waved. I gave her the thumbs up. "Very nice", she said. A fitting end to a great day. My first ride on the 695.

Miles Ridden 9-14 (5 miles)

The Wait is Over

Well the wait is finally over! I finally taken my 695 out for a spin...well not quite yet. What I have done is taken the first 'hands on" class of the MSF Riders Course. All the anticipation and 4 weeks of waiting have finally paid off. I was able to find an opening at the Cerritos course and hopped right in.

The anticipation the questions all answered with the first turn of the throttle. Although it was on a Honda 250 Nighthawk, I will take it with a grain of salt a perfect step to a dream bike.

The class members made it really enjoyable also. They came from all walks of life and had one defining trait that united everybody - that gleam in their eye. The one that says, "I want to ride" or I'm a rider. The instructors were top notch. The pace is fast and from the moment the class starts it is time "to swim". It looked liked everybody had studied their manuals and now it was time to ride.

It started with a walk around the bike. We went over our pre-ride inspection and the main instructor went over the basics of riding. soon after we were walking our bikes over 100 yards to the staging area. It was a good way of getting used to the weight of the bike.

We were broken down into 3 groups and started with power-walking the bikes and getting familiar with the "friction zone". Our next lesson consisted of slow throttle with feet up on the pegs. We were really riding! After each lesson the instructors asked what we were doing out there? what we were feeling? and what we could have done better? I tried to participate as much as possible, keeping me in the zone of listening and enjoying the ride.

When the instructors exclaimed that we would be shifting to second in our next lesson, a glazed and color draining look washed over our group. This is when it was going to get serious. This is when we would become true riders.

Up, up and away we went, hearing the revs, heart pounding, ease on the throttle, clutch lever in, then the press up with the left foot, click, ease out the clutch lever and applied steady throttle. WHOA I was second gear. Now I'd have to stop, just when things were getting good.

Break time. All that adrenaline had gone to our heads and we were trying to process just what we had done. It was complex yet so easy in the hands of the MSF. Helmet off and a steady breeze under an exceptionally cloudy sky helped to sooth me as I walked back to the car.

My 1st course day eats consisted of coffee(Kona of course), a bowl of cereal and half a piece of toast before I arrived. I followed up with a mix of Kirkland trail mix from Costco at the course - walnuts(brain food), banana, Gingko drink, white ice tea, a small glass of OJ and just snacked and alternated as our breaks permitted. I also grabbed a PEPSI for that extra zing about 3/4 of way though the training time.

Now back at the course we were going shift to 3rd! We would start out, shift to second by the two cone marker and then shift to third by the tree cone marker. Seemed easy enough. What I realized after this exercise is that we had shifted to third in what was not exactly a turn but a gradual arc to the right. Had the instructors pointed out the angle before hand we all would have been pretty scared. As it stood, the tactic paid off. We simply followed the instruction and our skill level grew evermore faster then would have given ourselves credit for.

Before I knew it, we were calling it a day. Wait I wanted more! The second half of the Pepsi was kicking in and I could smell the asphalt, feel the lean, imagine the throttle. Yes it was over, at least for now. My first experience on a motorcycle(excluding scooters etc.) had come to and end. The smile and utter bliss of the day lived on well into the night and the next few days. Thanks MSF!

Welcome to my695!

This is the place where it all starts. The butterflies, the thrill, the realization you own one of the world's best motorcycles. I've started this weblog to let people into the process of owning a Ducati and learning to ride.
It's for "newbies" it's for the Ducatisti, it's for all.

I'll let you know about the "realization" that I need a Ducati, my first ride and gear, et. all.

The journey of owning a Ducati starts right here!