part 696: D(RE)-Day

Ducati Riding Experiences

________________________________________________

The DRE was the pretext on which I, um, enticed Christine into overcoming the “yeah-buts” and dreaming of a return to Europe after so many years away. (We lived in Italy, Greece, and Austria from 1976 to 1984.)

DRE Day was, for me, the experience of a lifetime, anticipated for decades.

Christine swears that she too had a great time that day, even without riding.

What has drawn thousands of people from all over the world—at not inconsiderable expense—to events of this sort? What’s it like suiting up and riding a Ducati on a racetrack? or being an instructor? or working behind the scenes?

Here’s a cluster of stories, in part 696, from the creators of the DRE, men and women participants, instructors, and Ducati personnel.

I think I can speak for all the contributors in saying that this is goose-bumps territory for people who pursue such a life passion. May you share in some of the thrill as well!

(Note: contributors are listed in order of entry creation. Point at an image or a name below to see if the contributor’s blog entry has been published, as the materials come in. If not, please come back another day and try it again.)