Ducati Sporting Club UK > Model Specific - Discussion, Technical Problems and Help > General Motorcycles only > Enduro Italy with Ducati bikes

[jeff st4s]

Just something you may be interested in, I'm off to do Enduro Africa in 5 weeks, but this may look less dangerous as no risk of been eaten by wild animals.

Jeff



Hello enduros...

Just to let you know we've just gone live with a cracking ride for Sept 08 in full partnership with Ducati, and in aid of the charity we already support - Riders for Health. I thought you may be interested in joining us. In Sept 08 100 people will gather from across the globe to ride a range of brand new Ducatis from the wild dry south to the staggering high alps to raise money and awareness for this amazing cause, finishing in San Remo this is the most ambitious project Ducati have ever been involved with and we'd love your help. The website is www.enduroitalia.org and I hope that you join us and help us to raise even more money for people in desperate need. If you'd like more info or to sign up, either reply to this mail or call me on the number below. Here's to riding with you again in Sept 08. I've listed the itinerary below just incase you don't have time to visit the website right now.

Here's to riding together again...

Simon

Simon Smith
Organiser
Enduro Africa
+44 (0) 1225 333300
+44 (0) 7939 569516
www.enduroafrica.com

Day 1 - Tropea bay to Maratea
Arrive at Reggio Di Calabria airport and transfer by coach to beautiful Tropea Bay. Southwest of Pizzo, Tropea is the most beautiful of all resorts along the Tyrrhenian coast, tourists are not here in the huge numbers of some other coastal destinations, and that's why we've picked it. It also has more trattorias per square km than any other Italian resort I have been to! Tropea makes for a wonderful start to our very special event. Before we explore the many restaurants this evening we'll have a team meeting and presentations from Ducati to help set the scene for the tour, this will be held on the beach itself. Just think, you could be at work..Day 2
Today sees an early start as we fire up our beautiful Ducatis and head up the wonderful Tyrrhenian coast passing all the beautiful hideaway resorts of Italy's rich and famous. These include Paola, Diamente and Praia di Mare and also the staggeringly pretty cove of Maratea where we'll spend the night. This stretch of coastline is mountainous and great to ride. Hemmed in by the mountains with many first rate beaches Maratea is an absorbing, intoxicating place.Day 3 - Maratea to Lago di Lesina
For me this is a very special day as we get to make a 'motorcycle pilgrimage' to an unforgettable place, Pompeii lies in the shadow of brooding Vesuvius and was devastated by a huge earthquake in 63AD, the eruption of Vesuvius 16 years later finished the place off for good. Vesuvius had been spouting smoke and ash for several days and most of the town had already been evacuated when she blew her top. The famous eruption of the volcano effectively froze in time the way of life in Pompeii, as it stood, for ever . For me it is one of the most interesting places in the world.

After a couple of hours in awe of Pompeii our twin cylinder bikes bark and rumble into life and we tack fast across the region of Campania into Puglia country to our nights stop at beautiful Lago di Lesina on the Adriatic coast. This place is mercifully free of development unlike many places in the region.Day 4 - Lago to Lesina to Rome
Another early start sees us tackle the beautiful Adriatic coastal trail towards Pescara, then we head inland into the region of Abruzzo (you could spend an entire holiday just exploring this region on its own) towards the breathtaking and unique city of Rome via the stunning Appenines. The Appenines are host to some incredible road riding and they are also home to the wild and isolated Parco Nazionale della Maiella, We have to stop and see Rome, it is fantastic. Rome is in my opinion the most fascinating city in Italy, which makes it probably the most fascinating city in the entire world. You could spend a year here and only just scratch the surface. 2 nights in Rome is very special, enjoy.
Day 5 - Rome Day 6 - Rome to Rimini
After our rest and sight-seeing in Rome we will speed across country again taking in the border of Tuscany and Umbria towards sophisticated Rimini taking in the principality of San Marino before our nights stop at Pesaro. Pesaro is a bit of a backwater but still an OK place to be. Personally I'll take a trip into Rimini for clubs, restaurants and bars but it is a very pricey place to spend time hence the fact we're not sleeping there. A late night can be enjoyed as we only have a short ride to Florence to contend with the next day. Life is tough eh? Spare a thought for the people we're doing this for, and what they are doing tonight.
Day 7 - Rimini to Florence
We've allowed for many slightly foggy heads this morning and start a little later, today is a half day's ride and all being well we should see Florence by 1400pm. Camping above the city with the view of the Duomo glinting in the sun is one of the trip's highlights for me. Enjoy the evening walking and dining in one of the most beautiful and interesting cities in the world.
Day 8 - Florence to Venice
How can one small country have so much incredible history and scenery? Today you can be forgiven for feeling just a little guilty as all the experiences of the last few days wash over you. Remember you are riding for a great cause so just enjoy it. Leaving Florence we head west to the Golfo di Genova and ride the coast again before hitting the trail north then east across Emilia Romagna towards the Veneto. As the sun is setting we will ride to the outskirts of Venice itself where we will be welcomed by curious city tourists as we ride the bikes directly into San Marco Square. Traffic is strictly forbidden here and we have special permission, this is a very special honour. Go wild this evening, drink it all in - we have the rest of the next day to explore this mind-blowing city.

Day 9 - Rest in Venice

Day 10 - Venice to Drei Zennan
Heading north towards a demanding and extreme range of mountains sees us climb to serious altitude as we reach the autonomous Alto Adigio Sudtiro region. The region lies at the climatic intersection point between the bracing north and the warm south. SudTirol has therefore long been a meeting point for traders, carriers, pilgrims and keen travellers, which luckily has required the setting up of suitable accommodation. The region is rich in valleys from which you often get a different view of the same spectacular peaks. The SudTiro has a unique mountain landscape which is exceptionally beautiful, jagged pinnacles, craggy ridges and sheer rock faces are almost too much for the brain to comprehend. Welcome to some of the best riding on earth - the Dolomites .

These mountains, so often described, painted and sung about are yours to be ridden. Nowhere else in Italy has so many nature reserves and wild places to ride. If the Dolomites are the Queen of the entire region the Drei Zinnen pinnacles in the Pustertal valley are certainly the King. Our nights stop here is very special. Mountain scenery doesn't come much more beautiful than this. Enjoy.

Day 11 - Drei Zennan to Vallee D'Aosta
We'll leave Drei Zennan early heading fast across country climbing to the high village of Chiareggio then onto the awe-inspiring Passo di Sempione towards the truly mighty Vallee D'Aosta where we will spend 3 nights. Fringed by the French and Swiss Alps this region is the least 'Italian' feeling place we've stayed at during the tour, however it is by far the most scenically beautiful.

Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Matterhorn are all to be seen in the region and the place is veined with valleys and studded with castles. According to Rough Guide 'Valle D'Aosta is unsurpassed', which is why we're staying for an extended period. The other reason is that our friends at Ducati are laying on some special mountain stages for us to tackle during our stay. However if you prefer a day or so off the bikes (and let's face it no-one will argue with you) there is some beautiful glacier skiing in the area too, don't break a leg though now you've got so far!
Day 12 - Vallee D'Aosta Day 13 - Vallee D'Aosta
Day 14 - Vallee D'Aosta to San Remo
Our final day's riding will be an emotional and tiring blast down through the massive cool scenery of the Alpine region bypassing Turin heading towards the sexy fast living beach environment of San Remo. This afternoon will see us all ride in together with a police escort and everyone up on the seats, popping the odd wheelie and generally celebrating what has for all of us been an epic and emotionally tiring event.

San Remo is an amazing playground for the rich and famous and it will be a fitting end to our trip after so much basic accommodation and campsites! Enjoy - you made it happen, you finished the ride and you helped many people to a higher standard of health and freedom. No mean feat. Be proud. Be happy.Day 15 - San Remo
Take a rest for the morning and sleep off one hell of a long ride, and one hell of a party - visit the beach or catch up on last minute shopping for the loved ones. Then wave goodbye to amazing Italy and catch your flight home.