part 696: D(RE)-Day
part 696: D(RE)-Day
the ride of a lifetime
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999 is a number known to all Ducatisti—
—and a fitting marker for the realization of my longheld dream, on the ninth day of the ninth month of oh-nine.
Forty-five years ago, I first laid eyes on a lovely Italian bike (see the entry “once upon a time, there was this teenager”), but I never rode it.
Thirty-three years ago, I stopped riding motorcycles entirely (see the entry “it happened to Hannes; it could happen to me”).
Ten years ago, my passion was rekindled at the mere sight of, and close-up admiration for, the work of art and genius that is a Ducati motorcycle.
And today I finally rode one: a Monster 696.
(photo of 999: Ducati Motor Holding; photos of Monsters and TF by Christine “Watch Out, Annie Leibovitz” Finnegan)
Wednesday, September 9, 2009