Wednesday 11th May

The area around Bologna, is popular as the "capital of motors" with its famous car factories of Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, but right here in Bologna itself, for the motor bike enthusiasts, is the home of Ducati. An easy 25 minute ride in the #13 local bus virtually from right outside our front door to their front door.
The Ducati Museum is a visit that must be included in a trip to Bologna, not only for those with motor bike blood flowing in their veins but for anybody interested in the development and evolution of an engineering icon.
The entrance fee comes with the expert commentary from a real live and passionate guide through the evolution by Ducati  of the Cucciolo - " little puppy" - engine strapped to a push bike in 1946 right through to Casey Stoner's , Troy Corser's and Troy Baylis's bikes. And all of the champions and records and developments in between. Here are some trivia Ducati questions for you.

• Have you heard of  the 1956 "Siluro" which set 46 world records in Monza? - it's in the museum.
• Did you know that Ducati used to carry the prancing horse of Ferrari on its livery?
• Did you know that Ducati developed a Harley look a like for the New York Police Dept.?
• Have you seen the ice racing bike produced by Ducati? This bike came without brakes as you apparently cannot brake in ice? Scary!!!!!
• Why did the Ducati colour scheme go from red to orange and what is the significance of the bar code on Casey Stoner's bikes?

This museum was truly memorable for someone who has only ridden a Vespa 125 and is a devoted non petrol head. But if you are planning on going, ring to ensure that factory and museum visits and tours are available. We were lucky to strike somebody with a soft spot today as apparently they were not available, although their web site said differently. This is apparently standard in Italy.
I cannot really do justice to this place in a few words and post here a link to their web site with all of the history and development notes for those with an interest in this sort of thing.

http://tinyurl.com/66sfhrn

1946 Cucciolo

Casey Stoner's bikes lined up

The record breaker - the rider could not put his feet on the ground on this bike and the bike had to be held while getting on or off and starting. If it stopped half way around a course he fell over.

The "ice bike"

The "prancing horse" on Mike Hailwood's 1960 bike with the Harley look alike and its 4 cylinder engine in the background