MOTORESSING Has Relocated to MOTORESS.com

Greetings!

My blog MOTORESSING 

has moved to my main website MOTORESS.com 

Please join me there.

:)

Enjoy Your International Female Ride Day Women Riders!

It’s here again, the 5th year where we all get on our motorcycles or scooters, together, and JUST RIDE! Did I know 5 years ago this idea would be global? Did I believe it would be embraced by women around the world? Absolutely, YES! That was the whole idea from the get go!

You see, International female ride day was created by a female rider- yes that would be me. It was created from the heart of a woman, passionate about motorsport and with women’s best interests in mind. Five years later, it may be difficult to believe with the manner this events expanded global strength; that it is not a marketing ploy. Indeed the industry supports it as they do the woman rider segment; and yes there are industry leaders that would like to make the campaign their own (and believe me, what you don’t see is the fight, my fight and the work involved to ensure this action remains as full ownership to women riders. It’s by no means an easy task!) But it is purely about women riders– all ages, all skill levels, and all forms of riding styles! Women agreed with the concept, its freedom and it's very simple request - JUST RIDE.

Triumphantly International Female Ride Day has unified us across numerous cultures, in motorcycling-  riding together on this first Friday in May! And now, after the prep and promotion is complete, I have the chance to reflect and while I do, I imagine women in Moscow, in Yellowknife, Cape Town, San Jose, and Montreal who are on their motorcycles/scooters this very same day. Emotions stir –it’s really remarkable! But you must feel it too!? I remember the first photos I received in 2007– every woman in each photograph donned the biggest smile! That’s what motorcycling does!

This campaign is for women who enjoy riding motorcycles. It’s about creating awareness, inspiring others and simply showing we do it; we always have and we’re darn good at it. There is no fee, no subscription, no cost, simply be on a motorcycle. Women riders are still the minority – for many reasons be those choice, perception, culture, and social values. In earlier years there were larger hurdles such as not being permitted to partake in racing. But those who ignored the rules and competed, often won, without a podium, trophy or acknowledgement - simply because they were women. But over recent decades motorsport boundaries are being broken and "firsts" captured by women again and again!

I’ll be riding with you today as we show ourselves in force around the world and share in our camaraderie  for the activity, the thing I love most in life, motorcycling. I’ll especially think of “Bikerni” India’s young women rider enthusiasts. They’re still faced with challenges and cultural restrictions such as not being permitted to ride to work or respecting evening curfews. But they worked it out and will all JUST RIDE because really, it’s all we simply want to do!

From my motorcycle to yours, thanks for riding along!

A Piece of Valentino Rossi's Yamaha M1 for your Very Own

What would you do to own something that’s been used by the amazing Valentino Rossi? Just about anything? I agree. Similar to collecting art, or motorcycle’s, or say...art deco perfume bottles. But for those of us passionately rooted to the MotoGP and its phenomenon Rossi, this would be a most amazing prize. And one that as you read further, is born from simple good will.

On April 6th two parts of Valentino Rossi’s title-winning 2009 Yamaha M1 MotoGP racer tail piece will be auctioned off to help the victims of the L'Aquila earthquake. If you recall the time of Qatar opener last year, the quake struck the region of L’Abruzzo. At its tragic anniversary, now one year later, the auction will occur. Its aim to continue to provide assistance to the victims and the community.

“There’s a bit of Abruzzo in my ninth world title,” said Rossi “I’ve never forgotten the images of the earthquake and the immense tragedy that followed. This is a way to tell the people that we haven’t forgotten, and we want to support the reconstruction of the city of L’Aquila and the neighbouring towns destroyed by the quake. It’s also an invitation to focus on young people, on students to help this land and its extraordinary people and get them up and running again. We’re going to be auctioning the two parts of the tail section of the Yamaha that I used in Qatar. In that race in April, to show my closeness to the population affected by the earthquake, I put the “Forza Abruzzo” sticker on my Yamaha”, he stated. (*source Rossi press release)

The tail section has been cut into two and both halves are autographed by Rossi!
You’ve got until 5 April 10 am CET (Central European Time) to register on the website and place your bid. Its in Italian yet simple to navigate.

That Rossi, a champion in every way!
Good luck!

MOTORESSES in Ontario You’ve Still Got time to race!

MOTORESSES in Ontario You’ve Still Got time to race!

Have you been close? Did you before? Well here’s your chance to get back on the track and race before the seasons done!

“Toronto Motorsports Park” also referred to as “Cayuga” in South Western Ontario hosts the popular race series SOAR and for their final seasons' race on 11-13 September, there's still room in the women's only class for you! There’s nothing like the exhilaration motorcycle competition provides--the fun, the kick—regardless whether you win or not it’s just simply a blast!

SOAR racing boasts that their women’s class is starter friendly (also good for those of you who haven’t raced for a few years)—allowing newcomers the chance to give road racing a shot, you know, without feeling the pressure to produce results. And let’s face it not everyone wants to be a racer superstar –many simply enjoy the thrill of the track and the chance to occasionally compete.

Road racing can be perceived as a costly endeavour--really it doesn’t take a lot to get you and your bike on the track. That’s what it’s about--not the fancy race suit or the paint job, tyre warmers or an RV—you and the bike on the track—simple. Certainly you need experience, this is not for new riders --you’ll know if you’ve got enough operational skills to participate.

You’ll have to ensure your machinery meets track/race requirements (read here) and of course the full gamut of riding gear. Don’t panic when you open the rule book doc--if you’ve been on the track this year or own a sport bike—you're already close to having most of the requirements.

Your license fee for this one time race event is CAD$50. plus the one time registration fee of CAD$100. FAST, RACE and ARC school certificates are acceptable rider schooling criteria to get you on the tarmac.

Could there be a better grand finale to your riding season?
For questions contact SOAR and have fun!

Girls know…where there’s a Bultaco there’s a man!

“Girls know…where there’s a Bultaco there’s a man!”. . . reads the title of a motorcycle advert I came across. The advert is from the ‘60’s—are you amused as well? I know I had to chuckle aloud!

These earlier era motorcycle advertisements are time markers of "then" mentalities and social values; reminders of how women have moved steadily forward in motorcycling. Manufacturers still place their majority appeal to the guys--we can’t fault them, we're still the smaller demographic. However manufacturers DO slot in a few focus campaigns directed at women—progression! “Girls may not understand Bultaco’s Campera, but they understand men. And the fact that the Campera has a very comfortable saddle!” --as stated in the advert content. Well, today we do understand the ‘machine’, thank you very much.

Have you heard of the Bultaco motorcycle? It originates from Spain and dates back to 1958. Bultaco’s founder Franciso Paco Bulto was originally the director and partner of the former Montesa motorcycle company (founded in 1944). Montesa was an avid motorcycle racing focused company --most motorcycles had their intro debut's in racing/motorsport. Paco Bultó parted ways with Montesa creating his own company and brand BULTACO from combining the first four letters of his surname “Bultó” with the last three of his nickname "Paco".

So many brands throughout the world--eternally fascinating!

Women lovin’ their curves on Shannonville Race Track

Women lovin' their curves on Shannonville Race Track.

We had such a terrific day during recent F.A.S.T. school on Ontario’s Shannonville race track. This particular course date, along with another one on 11 August provides a woman’s only group. We had 9 women new to the track—by the courses’ completion you would NEVER have known it was their first track experience. Well that’s all due to Michel Mercier’s years of proven teaching methods.

We managed three groups throughout the day; one comprised of women the other two, men. Four of us instructors (3 fellows and “moi”). The conditions were perfect!—blue skies, dry, sunny, slight breeze accented by the scent of high performance sport bikes! It’s so rewarding to introduce women, true enough any riders, to the art of cornering and higher speed riding the circuit allows; viewing the amplified skills and techniques—those HUGE smiles are gratifying. Yahoo!

Great pics hey? (Excuse my hat –having helmet hair issues!) Special thanks to FLAIR photo for their terrific track side photo service and professional photographic talents!

SCOOTER RALLY MAN CATCHER MADNESS BUT ALWAYS TIME FOR LIPSTICK

SCOOTER RALLY MAN CATCHER MADNESS BUT ALWAYS TIME FOR LIPSTICK

I’ve got to say that was the craziest fun I’ve had in a long time—huge kudos to Rob Harris of CMG for coming up with the entire idea! Thanks to KYMCO Canada for their major role as main sponsor and rally assist.

The event was a total blast! I am entirely addicted and can’t wait until the next one—2011! I didn’t tell you that my “Mad” entry was as the “Man Catcher”—--as you can see I managed to catch a few fellas—with surprisingly, little resistance. I think it was the red bra bait! What is a “Man Catcher” you ask? Well, after snaring men, they're then put through training courses (hence the army garb they wear once captured) and when ready they’re released for the greater good of woman-kind. They’re taught how to efficiently cater to women’s needs from all levels-- the etiquette's of domestic duties--taking out the garbage, cleaning & repairing motorcycles, washing the car –you get the idea!
The entire theme of the rally is ‘madness’ plus the fun of a competition to obtain “mad points”. Well, I didn’t do too well, yet not too badly either. But because I decided to speed through the rally (the roads were so fine)—I ended up flying by some valuable mad point opportunities. However, I did arrive 2nd back to home plate though, accompanied by Dean and Jason (thanks to their great map reading--by the way, that's another great benefit of the 'Man Catcher' training program!--tsk tsk I know). Ah well, it's always about the ride for me— and this time, the added bonus of being surrounded along the way with such fun lovin’ crazies! I particularly enjoyed the antics of team "Zeppo". Gentlemanly nutty madmen who all brought such fun to the whole deal!

You will notice however, that a few of my men went “AWOL”! Here pictured one trying to get away on one of team Zeppo’s scooters— and the Zeppo’s were assisting!

Read more about the event here on MOTORESS.com.
PS—there are more photos on facebook under Mad B rally! And on our MOTORESS facebook fan page!

And yes, there's always time for lipstick--no matter the activity!**photos provided by the talented "Mondo Lulu" website here!

RACEGIRL'S FINAL FINISH

Today is a heartbreaking day as the original RACEGIRL has been officially retired; removed from the Internet. True enough, she'll not entirely disappear, and we'll keep her history alive on MOTORESS, yet her decade of worldwide motorsport contribution has, and is now finished.

MOTORESS was created to replace RACEGIRL even so, it's not easy pulling the plug on a community that millions enjoyed.Its been thrilling and rewarding beyond expression bringing to the motorcycling community the first truly female motorsport focused website, the only one like it, ever, worldwide (we do our homework and research and with confidence can make such a claim). It was back in 1998 creation started which in January 1999 saw RACEGIRL launched into the world wide web. And what a gigantic hit she became, growing each year with interest and admiration by many. She did so well and became so popular that she even generated Internet traffic which assisted sales for the totally unrelated American t-shirt brand of same name RACEGIRL (introduced just after, and around the same time we did but with a focus on clothing and the famed American car cult of NASCAR).

Now a decade later, the world has many more "racegirl's" and woman's only motorcycle race disciplines--Canada's Women's Cup and the European Women's Challenge, France's Dream Cup etc. and websites abound.

MOTORESS was born to provide a broader community than RACEGIRL could since RACEGIRL rather obviously spoke of racing--admittedly not a realistic goal for most women. MOTORESS relates to all women and even though many saw beyond RACEGIRL'S reference to racing, appreciating the portrayal of women in a new light, one of no limits, of intelligence, of skill, sophistication—and femininity, MOTORESS speaks to all.

For one decade she encouraged, supported and motivated women of all ages, of diverse origins and countries worldwide to pursue and discover motorcycling. So as many bid farewell to RACEGIRL she'll never be gone from our spirits, especially mine as she was created from my own passion for racing--a true RACEGIRL'S soul.

Three cheers RACEGIRL and in the language of your birth country, The Netherlands —“Gefeliciteerd--Lang zal ze leven in de Gloria”.

THE MOST SPECTACULAR MOTORCYCLING YEAR EVER.

Another year in our riding boots is behind us.

For many women, 2007's been a year of firsts. Perhaps the mastering of a new riding skill never before managed, standing on the podium as an achiever, or finally buying that dream motorcycle and taking it for a journey through adventures' roads--and for many taking the first step by learning to ride. For others there were experiences of the harder kind—perhaps the loss of a riding friend, or our own mishaps that changed the plans we had made for ourselves—yes, those things that make you stronger.

Reflecting on the past year; reflection, a great thing because when we recollect scenes or situations and the manner we handled ourselves amidst challenges or successes—we make discoveries.
It's in this reflection we can set out our goals and aspirations for the year ahead.

So I wish you time to reflect and that the riding roads you choose to navigate in 2008 lead you through a journey of new found glories giving you your most -- spectacular motorcycling year ever!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

TRACK DAY GROOVE

Can’t believe its one month since the last time I’ve written in my blog. I could use the ole' "time flies when you’re having fun" cliché because the past weeks I've spent planning some great stuff for the track day (this past Sunday) which has been, yes, enjoying near all my attention.

It was a superb day--rewarding for me to see so many people, riders of various styles having a blast on the track. The first component is weather, and we had it—on the warm side in the afternoon, yet heat, dry, sun equals track day fun, warm tyres and grip. There were those who were more expert such as Peter Marcelli from Team Suzuki OTSFF Pro Supermoto competitor and those such as Shana and Lis who had not yet experienced track life. Even though I was not able to ride my Ducati 1098S—I fed off the exhilaration and excitement of those who were able to. In addition, my focus was to assist, aid, and in any manner possible add to riding experiences.

It's amazing how much can be seen by observing. In fact when I took the California Superbike School, 3 day camp in Almeria Spain, I’d already been racing for 5 years. Their video camera pointed out quite some sit position and body input factors that needed adjusting. Once known I could address it and boy were there improvements!

As an instructor there are many things I can see by watching riders. When they roll off before a corner, when they apply braking, at what point they turn in, what line, body positioning in a corner, where they look, elbows, steering inputs acceleration points, shift points, how the suspension reacts, much to examine. So even though I wasn’t out there myself I was able to coach. Riding on the track is fun; more fun however is leaving it a better rider, an improved rider than when you arrived.

No matter the level, there’s always something to work on, something to challenge yourself to. I like to get riders focused on a goal and am renowned for this even during my European race weekends. I’d ask my race colleagues what their plan was for this race—I think the guys (90% of my competitors were men) really didn’t being prompted--I caused them to think! Those that didn’t have a plan always replied “to go fast and win” whereas I worked on the entire week prior on specific corners that I had challenges with where with different tactics I could reduce seconds in; thought about suspension changes that might affect handling in specific areas. How could I knock off seconds and where.

When a rider goes to a track day (first timers excluded), having a plan or an idea of what needs work, improving, is a good thing. Track time is expensive and limited. Sure, you might say it’s a day to play, yet isn’t part of the fun the new stuff you learn taking you to yet another level of skill meaning more pleasure?!

We all had a blast! I personally enjoyed making the acquaintance of many wonderful riders and personalities--sharing the fun with TEAM KYMCO CANADA and having an exceptional bunch of people around me helping out. I’ll get the photos on the website shortly.

BLISS IN FEMALE RIDERS SMILES

Have you ever noticed how anytime a woman is photographed aside, on, or with her motorcycle bliss radiates through her smile? You sense the happiness, you feel it. The emotion comes directly through the camera's lens portraying excitement, pleasure, pride, and her love of the activity. Just have a look at the National Female Ride Day photos!

Here's one photo in particular, a recent favourite I captured of fellow rider friend Andrea Goodman. In the mirror is a happy, enthusiastic face. Even though Andrea is always positive and an incredibly good natured person with a contagious laugh, I caught her "havin' fun feeling" reflection in her own motorcycle mirror. This was just prior to moving off for the yearly WROAR ride (Women Ride Out Against Rape), 10 June Toronto. The photo also shows the background image of another female participant as she heads out to join the main group.

I’m reminded of one of my own photo moments while exiting famed seaside Dutch Zandvoort Circuit spring 1999 —after my very first race!

I had a Ducati 750ssc at the time and this picture taken on 2 May 1999 captured the true "high" I was on. Now so many racing years later, I recollect those 12 laps of sheer adrenaline induced motorsport pleasure!

The smile you see under my helmet was an uncontrolled product of numerous genuine feelings, not a pose for the camera -- the very day I became hooked on racing.

HAPPINESS IS . . .

. . . a post-box full of National Female Ride Day photo submissions from across Canada and the United States. Each photo portrays the delight and enthusiasm enjoyed in this activity ---motorcycling.

Not only that, the photo here was one submitted on the CD by Clare’s Cycle & Sports Ltd in Fenwick Ontario, showing the T-shirt they designed and produced especially for NATIONAL FEMALE RIDE DAY. The logo is incorporated ---brilliant!
How fortunate being the recipient!

FLUSTERED BY A BUNCHA MOTORESS'ES

During National Female Ride Day, after the kick off at the beginning of our Toronto city ride—we, the females (and a few accompanying males) experienced an incident that's been supplying us with giggles ever since.

Here we are, a modest sized group of motorcycles, admittedly looking impressive. The young urban fashioned KYMCO team--the Benelli custom designed "cafe racer", Robin’s downtown film trés feminine style on her Harley Davidson and my MOTORESS DUCATI 1098S. A pack of motorcycle riders on a downtown Friday morning rush hour--a sight to draw attention amidst the usual bustle.

As we departed the Princes' Gates heading city North, passing under the downtown expressway, a fellow motorcyclist was stopped on the shoulder, curbside of the on coming traffic lane. His motorcycle had stalled and he was attempting to kick start it. He had his left foot on the ground and was leaning to the right, against the road side curb (actually sidewalk) as he attempted to steady the bike and kick-it into operation. It was some type of retro motorcycle. In the midst of kick-starting, along we came captivating his attention on the other side of the street. He kicked the bike, looked at us, looked back, looked at us, looked back at what he was doing, but is was too late—in a chaotic scramble for balance and coordination, over he fell! It was as a classic slap stick comedy routine—whoa WHOA, WHOA, over he went overcome by our approach.

We were laughing and laughing! Not intending to be cruel, it was just plain funny. The fella didn't have far to fall—the motorcycle was already leaned over somewhat against the curb while trying to kick start it. Certainly there'll be a scrape or two, nothing significant.

A priceless memento on Female Ride Day.
Still "giggling"--you too Carol Anne? (no that's not him in the picture)

National Female Ride Day-to-Remember

What a beautiful National Female Ride Day Toronto kick off last Friday May 4th under a glorious blue Friday sky at the Canadian National Exhibition entrance—the Princes’ Gates lending to a superb back drop and an easily accessed city location.

Women riders arrived from outside Toronto North, East and West to participate and share in the kick off. RTI (rider training Institute) management, also a sponsor of the campaign joined in. Then KYMCO Canada arrived with the team, the branded truck, their scooters. Bob Calwell, Kawasaki's Sales Manager arrived from Guelph en route to head office but stayed to join in the kick off as well. When I arrived at 7.15, City TV was already waiting to get this on film. Then Inside Motorcycles showed up and well we had a wonderful supportive group.

After the kick off we went on a city tour, very challenging on an early Friday morning—should have been called a city stop light tour as all we did was sit at traffic lights.
After the city riding we headed to the BEACH where we had breakfast. After, everyone dispersed going on required ways. I went riding around the city and stopped at a few dealerships. Ducati Toronto/Lamborghini who noted all the goings on this morning by Princes’ Gates. Then later by Cycle Canada where I spied the National Female Ride Day poster hanging in their entrance window. I spoke to a sales guy inside and mentioned it was National Female Ride Day today; he said, “Yes that’s right, I know all about it”.

A little later a phone call came in from Global TV saying they caught about 15 women pulling away from a stop sign and wanted more details of the day. Later I saw their TV bit on the evening news, they had captured and interviewed some members of the famous MOTOR MAIDS.

The Ottawa Citizen released an article on 4 May which enabled many females who still hadn’t’ heard about the day, to get out there on their motorcycles.

Many women riders enjoyed the day—their details including photos are arriving. Astounding to say the least. Some with a little story and many accompanying thanks for initiating such a day. I've even received a photo from Jackie, from the Ottawa area, of herself and her 1952 Harley—she had learned to ride in 1949. Brilliant!

Then there are the “VTwin Mama’s” in America who not only participated but also had members include a pink flower in their photo— terrific contrast. A delicate pink flower and the power of the motorcycle.

Yes very rewarding, the first National Female Ride Day a great success—awareness heightened, spotlight brightened as it shone on the varieties of women riders, all ages and all types.
National Female Ride Day also made obvious the numbers of women riders—those new to the activity and those who’ve been motorcyclists for most part of their lives.

One remark that's been shared in many of the emails is that next year should be international —this was always the plan so yes, International Female Ride Day 2008 May 2nd.

KYMCO Scooter Received

Scooter life has begun! I received my new KYMCO Bet & Win 150cc scooter yesterday with custom MOTORESS design inclusive logo and star design--fantastic. It had but 2km showing on the odometer.

Convinced a friend of mine with his Vintage Honda 125cc scooter to join me on an urban, inner city "scoot". It was but 3 degrees Celsius, chilly--yet we explored downtown Toronto. We "scooted" and had many laughs as we cruised along downtown's' Yonge Street--its simply a fun form motorcycling. We went to the heart of Yorkville an upscale trendy area of the city. Zipping here and there, so easily done. TWIST AND GO. The scooter manner, being that you feel as though sitting on a chair with wheels. Your legs and feet snugly yet freely mobile behind the scooter front shield.

You may think in reading this that I've not ever been on a scooter before--not the case. I'd just not been on a 150cc scooter in, nor on one on the road for many years.

I tested its stopping power (emergency stop) and brakes are excellent, smooth, responsive--kind, not aggressive. A quiet ride as well, hardly hear the motor. I did however like the click sound the turn indicators made when in use. These you could hear and I felt this a bonus feature they remind you to if you've indicated or cancelled after use. Handling, turning an absolute ease.

Going to be a fun summer as a city dweller with my KYMCO scooter. Plus I filled the gas tank. The cost was $7.00CAD and gas is rather expensive right now $1.01 per litre. Parking in Toronto is free as well.
I did however keep pushing my right foot down each time I came to a stop--habitual street riding use of a rear brake :)

Harley Davidson Questionable

Came across this Harley Davidson advert. What do I say about this? Well ...its' implications leave me rather puzzled —you? There's no need to point out or underline the meaning --rather obvious ja? I wonder what is going on at HD — they've been running such great pro-female campaigns this one seems to come out of nowhere. Yes the prevailing market is male focused is it necessary to go to this extent? What are your feelings /views?

Montreal Moto Show

Last week at this time, I departed for home from the 3 day Montréal Moto Show. What a delight to experience the moto culture of Canada’s French city from the very busy Ducati stand. Not much different from the Toronto shows—I did sense a greater attendance and appeared, to me, there were far more females—female riders. I did expect this as Montréal has a greater rider populace.

One of the major highlights for me was meeting my Ducati 1098S for the first time—to actually climb on board. Exciting! He has that Ducati fit and feel and now, most anxiously I want to ride! A few more weeks and I’ll have delivery.

The show shared three days of great atmosphere, super pleasant people who spoke English most willingly (I did do my best to speak French) --familiar industry faces and a Sushi restaurant in the congress centre for lunch each day!
Yet one thing that’s left me puzzled — during Saturday breakfast, I was reading the Montreal Gazette newspaper (English) I came across the advert for the very moto show I was working. Within this advert, within the ad itself, bottom right hand section, a notation, stating that there will be two blood donor clinics so please donate. How strange. In the midst of promoting motorcycling, the start of season 2007 —spring around the corner and here an ad, a plea for blood donors. I think you’re with me on this one—odd ja? How can we affect the image of motorcycling while we have Canada’s show leaders / organisations allowing such an association with the activity we are so passionate about? What’s next? Funeral service promotions? I understand the logic and admittedly, I’m a realist so I get it—but come on-- is this appropriate? Picture this, family breakfast “hey honey lets go to the motorcycle show---oh, but wait a minute, give blood? Hmm, let’s go to the movie matinee with the kids instead”. Motorcyclists accept higher risk factors that go with riding—we do pay attention when we hear of bike accidents--learn from others theory. Perhaps we are more sympathetic, hence quicker to part with our haemoglobin. Was that the intent of this association? Are they playing on our empathy—our camaraderie? I sit on the fence on this one. Nonetheless, the show hosted happy, energetic attendees awaiting the end of winter to roll out on to the streets and ride.

KYMCO Scooter

-- at this very moment, a KYMCO scooter is being personalised specifically for MOTORESS! The KYMCO team is developing a unique female themed, MOTORESS branded unique look and design. Curious?

MOTORESS LAUNCH AT DUCATI TORONTO

Motoress launch party at Ducati Toronto was a great experience and success. Had to officially launch her into the market. A wonderful attendance of friends and family. This pre-launch the official launch will be within 2 weeks by way of press release email. Even though I was totally exhausted, was still capable of putting the info forward. Really appreciated BlackDot being there and family who had travelled about 2+ hours. We went to dinner to celebrate. A wonderful hug received from my mother. Ducati Toronto did all they could in support of the day!