DESMOPHILES 1
August / September 2011
#51
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DESMOPHILES The Newsletter of DOCNZ Ducati Owners Club of NEW ZEALAND August / September 2011 Issue 51
REGIONAL CONTACTS Auckland Chris (Haldane M/C’s) 09-303-0624 Wayne Lyons 027-4728-343 Waikato Heath (Hamilton M/C) 07-849-1919 Manawatu Trevor Smart Hawkes Bay Nigel Taylor & Claire Miller
027 727 1883
021 273 9450
Wellington Todd (Motomart) Chris Marer
0800DUCATI 027-447-4299
Richmond Grant
03-528-0086
Greg Monahan
021-851-916
Motueka
COMMITTEE Nelson
President Chris Marer
027-447-4299
Secretary Nigel Taylor
027-828-9355
Treasurer Nick Brandon
021-974-487
Editor/Publisher Jamie Littin
editor@docnz.co.nz
webmaster@docnz.co.nz
Communications Coordinator Greg Monahan
03-578-2490
Christchurch Craig (Casbolts M/C) 03-366-4401 Phil (Desmocycle) 03-344-1916 Dunedin/Deep South Gary Winter
03-476-7515 021-206-9866
the above members and also the Ducati Dealer Network
All Magazine contributions and Membership Enquiries to:
Webmaster Nigel Haworth
Marlborough Graham McDonald
docnz@docnz.co.nz
DOCNZ P.O.Box 91-612 Auckland 1142 NEW ZEALAND Email: secretary@docnz.co.nz
www.docnz.co.nz
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EDITOR’SSAY
Last Sunday at Magny-Cours in France the World Superbike Championship crowned new champions in the Superbike, Supersport and Superstock 1000 classes. The Althea Ducati team won two of those classes: SBK with Carlos Checa and SST with Davide Giugliano. That’s not bad going for an Italian team running a bike that debuted in the championships four years ago, and up against some pretty smart machinery from Europe and Japan. In Carlos Checa we have a champion who has been chasing a world title since 1993, in GPs initially but for the last four years in the superbikes. The guy is all class, has talent to burn, and has shown that on a competitive bike he is as quick as anyone. I guess it shouldn’t be a surprise that after 18 years of trying he is achieving success, rather than looking to retire. The recent history of the superbike world championship reveals serial ancient champions: Biaggi, Bayliss, Corser. Who will be the first 40+ world champ? Would you bet against Checa to keep winning for the next few years on the 1198, and then 1199? Carlos is a peoples’ champion too. Lynda emailed him congratulating him on his championship win, and got this reply: Lynda Thanks, was great!! Ciao! Carlos Checa El 04/10/2011, a las 09:32, Lynda Blair <hamishlyndablair@gmail.com> escribió: > Hi Carlos. > > Congratulations from me and each and every one of your Ducati fans here in New Zealand on your well deserved World Superbike title win. You have ridden superbly all season and you are a true champion. > > We'll see you at Phillip Island in February. > > Forza Ducati!! > > Lynda Blair
Class. Jamie
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LYNDA AND HAMISHGO TO AMERICA—Part 3
Lynda and Hamish are in the USA for the World Superbike Championship round at Miller Motorsport Park, Salt Lake City, Utah. In Part 3 of the story Miller is history; Road America awaits... We left Salt Lake City early on Tuesday 31st May and spent two nights on the road (at Cheyenne, Wyoming and Des Moines, Iowa), arriving at our hotel in Sheboygan on the shores of Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes, late on Thursday 2nd June. Along the way we saw some incredible scenery – and the world’s largest truck stop, “Iowa 80”. What a fantastic place, we could have spent hours there. We were lucky enough to get chatting with Jim, who turned out to be one of the family who own the truckstop. He very kindly showed us around the stop…what an amazing place. The drivers can get their trucks serviced or even painted/customised while they rest. They can see a movie in a proper theatre, there’s a dentist and a barber on site, along with private shower rooms the drivers can hire out. There’s also a food court and a huge range of shops for those of us in cars. On Friday morning we headed out to Elkhart Lake to the track. What
an amazing circuit. People had said to us that we would be seeing the two best tracks in the USA, Miller Motorsports Park and Road America. It didn’t take me long to realise they were right. The beauty of the track with the undulating layout and the beautiful trees everywhere was just stunning. The only downside for me as a spectator is that you cannot see much of the track at once. We didn’t have to worry though, we had bought VIP tickets which meant that we had an air conditioned suite with a television monitor to watch the racing. And all the food we could eat. Wow, I Breakfast at El Rancho
By Lynda Blair
7 Lynda with Kel Edge
was in heaven! We spent Friday going all around the track and stopping at each corner to have a look and take some photos. Lots of people, many of them families, were camping at various spots around the track – there was a very nice atmosphere. Friday afternoon we spent time in the pits catching up with newly made friends from Miller Motorsports Park. Once again we were gobsmacked at the size, and number of, huge transporters. So different from New Zealand. Larry Pegram’s crew chief very kindly
showed us through Larry’s transporter – wow. Such organisation, and so much room, including a top storey to the transporter where the bikes live. There were also lots of goodies on offer to buy, so there are now more t-shirts and knick-knacks for Hamish to try to fit into our already bulging suitcases. I also got to meet Greg White, from Speed TV – it was very exciting! We spied a very exotic looking bike with the fairings, guards etc made from carbon fibre…as we approached the front from a distance we thought it was a modified
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LYNDA AND HAMISHGO TO AMERICA—Part 3—cont.
The trusty golf cart
Jason DiSalvo gets his DOCNZ cap
9 999. However, as we got closer we realised it was a Buell 1190RS, carbon edition. And even better, Erik himself was with it. Saturday morning qualifying took place, with our new mate Jason DiSalvo on pole for the Daytona Sportbike class. We were chuffed for him. And it was no surprise to us that Josh Hayes was on pole in the National Guard American Superbike class.
things about Road America. Blake Young had suggested we take our rain jackets, as “it always rains at Road America” he told us. And everyone told us we had to try the “brats” (bratwurst sausages) – which we’d never eaten before. Everyone also told us we had to go to Siebkens bar in Elkhart Lake on Sunday after the racing – it is a tradition that all the racers go there.
Well, the weather on all three days was absolutely superb. No-one could believe it – “it’s rained here The racing in all classes was fast for this meeting for the last seven and furious. Unfortunately Jason had an off in his race, but the rac- years” many riders said to us. I’m ing in Daytona Sportbike was close very pleased that the trend was bucked. and exciting. Sunday’s racing was even better – the Daytona Sportbike race was one of the best races I’ve seen in a long time. Unfortunately Jason had another DNF but he’s a true professional and will be back at the next round at Barber with a win on his mind (I just wish we could be there to see it!). The Supersport race was also very exciting with young Suzuki GSXR600 rider Elena Myers leading for some of the race. It’s great to see Elena out on track, she is a very good rider and I believe she will go a long way. We had been advised several
And the brats? Well, they were served for lunch in our suite on Saturday and they were absolutely delicious. To top it off, on Sunday they served spare ribs, which we’d never had before either. They were equally delicious. Unfortunately we didn’t get to Siebkens – we were absolutely shattered after the racing on Sunday so we headed back to our hotel for an early night. We left Wisconsin early on the Monday morning to head West. We went via Milwaukee and got a
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LYNDA AND HAMISHGO TO AMERICA—Part 3—cont.
glimpse of the Harley Davidson factory from the interstate. I’d looked into doing a factory tour, but couldn’t find any information on the HD website so decided to flag it. We had REALLY heavy rain around Milwaukee, it was really hard to see…I was very glad we were in the car and not on our bikes. We decided to spend the Monday night in Des Moines in Iowa, then headed further West on Tuesday and stayed at North Platt, in Nebraska. Both these days were unseasonably hot, with a very strong wind. The temperature was around the Rockies at over 11,000 ft above 40 degrees, and there was no cool- sea level…Mt Cook is only slightly over 12,000 feet, so we were driving whatsoever in the wind, it felt like it was straight out of a furnace. It was very uncomfortable, and the locals told us it was most unusual to get such hot weather before July/ August. Wednesday we carried on westwards (and thankfully as we climbed the temperature dropped somewhat) and down through Colorado. We stayed the night at Silverthorne, a skiing resort a bit west of Denver in the middle of the Rockies. What fantastic scenery. The Eisenhower (westward) and Johnson (eastwards) tunnels are amazing. They go through
H H
11 Hackberry Stores
Hamish with Roger Hayden’s bike
ing at almost the height of Mt Cook! ter checking into our hotel we headed to Dead Horse The elevation is very noticeable, you get very short of breath easily. Point. Once again we were blown away with the scenery and the We left Silverthorne on sheer scale of the canyon carved the Thursday morning out by the Colorado River over miland headed for Moab lions of years. in Utah. We went via highway 128, which is From Moab we headed south, as a very scenic road. It we were staying the next night in at the famous El Rancho hotel in follows the Colorado Gallup on Route 66. This hotel was River for most of the road’s length, with fan- a favourite haunt of the movie stars tastic sheer cliffs and back in the day. As we moved south, the terrain changed from amazing rock formations. Photos simply dramatic rock formations to dry desert. We started seeing small anidon’t do the scenery mals on the sides of the road, it justice. turns out they are prairie dogs – a burrowing rodent. They were very We arrived in Moab Hamish at mid afternoon, and af- cute and made a funny sound (not ackberry Stores
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LYNDA AND HAMISHGO TO AMERICA—Part 3—cont.
a while. We detoured off every so often, so we saw the famous Wig Wam motels and called in to Joe and Aggie’s café at Holbrook. We went to Winslow Arizona and stood on the corner (made famous by the 1970’s Eagles song “Take it We detoured to “Four Corners” – the only place in the US where you easy”…or am I showing my age can be in four states at once – Ari- here??). zona, Utah, Colorado and New We stopped in Williams on SaturMexico. day night. We arrived mid afternoon and decided to take in a drive When we rolled up to the El Ran-through wildlife park. There were cho there were nine late model Mustangs parked in the carpark, all quite a few different animals roaming free in their enclosures, where with “Kiwis on Route 66” emblayou could drive slowly through and zoned at the top of the windscreens. Turns out they were on a stop as you wished to take photos package tour and all having a great through closed windows. The final enclosure was for the black bears. time, they were a great group of people from all over New Zealand. They were magnificent creatures, wandering around their area and It was great to have a chat with some fellow Kiwis and to hear good taking no interest in the humans gawking and taking picture after old Kiwi accents. picture. We spent ages just watchThe hotel was full of character – the ing them, and also watching some bathroom was very small (Hamish stupid people wind down their winsaid the dead cat would complain) dows and lean out to get better picbut I was glad I’d stayed there. All tures. the rooms are named after famous stars…our room was named after After the wildlife park we headed Bob Hutton, one of the few stars I’d for the Grand Canyon as the sun was setting. It was very crowded not heard of. and we perhaps got there a little late, as the air was very smoky with We left Gallup and tried to follow what was left of Route 66, but got a the fires that had been sweeping bit lost so took the Interstate 40 for Arizona so the spectacle wasn’t a bark). They proved very elusive for the camera – we stopped several times to try to photograph some but they always stayed out of sight.
13 Lynda with Jordan Burgess
Ben Bostrom at Road America
quite as good as we’d expected…in fact in my personal opinion the scenery in Utah was more impressive. However I can say that I’ve “been there and done that”. On Monday we continued westwards and picked up Route 66 just after Williams. We stopped at several places we’d seen on “World’s Greatest Motorcycle Rides” with Henry Cole riding his Harleys (Continued on page 36)
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THE WAITIS ALMOST OVER
The wait is almost over, the Ducati 1199 Panigale on its way. The new generation Superbike will be unveiled at the EICMA International Motorcycle Show in Milan 10-13 November. The new model not only will deliver record performance, breathtaking design and technical innovation, it also breaks with our Su(Continued on page 15)
www.ducati.com
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perbike tradition by adding a name to its 1199cc engine capacity, making a significant and warm association to its historic roots in the Borgo Panigale (pronounced "Pan-ee -gah-lee") area of Bologna. In an Italian territory known as "Motor Valley" and where high performance and racing runs through the veins of its passionate people, we decided to underline our pride in being world ambassadors for the "Made in Italy" title by immortalizing our home town in the name of the best sportsbike ever built. The wait to discover all the details will continue for just a few more weeks. Be ready!
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MCNMACHINE OF THE YEAR
The Ducati Diavel has been named as MCN’s Machine of the Year 2011 at a glittering awards ceremony attended by the heads of the Motorcycle Industry and the MCN team. The Diavel took the prestigious award despite stiff competition from other manufacturers, but it was its ‘rule-changing’ and ability to ‘redefine the cruiser class’ that impressed the MCN judges. MCN editor and head of the awards judging panel was ‘blown-away’ by the Diavel and commented: “There was no hesitation here because I have never known a bike exceed expectations by such as huge margin. It has massive presence as a cruiser and should clearly appeal in an entirely new market for Ducati, yet the performance and the feel of the bike is fabulous. It’s easy to forget it also has a world-leading electronics package which otherwise would have been five years away in this sector.” The Diavel has not only exceeded MCN’s expectations but also Ducati UK’s with sales surpassing initial forecasts and continuing to do so. Tim Maccabee, Managing Director of Ducati UK collected the award last night and spoke of his delight at receiving the award: “Receiving this award for the Diavel endorses our experience in the market, both in the UK and around the world. When people test ride a Diavel they invariably want one and demand and has been high since the launch.” Ducati has continued to innovate and build on the relationship with AMG by recently introducing the Diavel AMG Special Edition, the flagship model for the Diavel family.
TREASURER’SREPORT
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Below is a summary of income and expenses for the period 1 July - 31 August 2011.
Cheque account
Savings account
Balances of accounts as at 30 June 2011
$ 6,184.54
$ 409.91
Less expenses for the period 1 July – 31 Aug 2011
$ (6,018.42)
$ nil
Add income for the period 1 July – 31 Aug 2011
$ 1,360.09
$ 5,007.64
Closing Balances 31 Aug 2011
$ 1,526.21
$ 5,417.55
Very short report this month - work has been keeping me quite busy lately but can’t complain as the previous 12 months were very challenging. In August I transferred $5,000 out of the cheque account into the savings account which gets a better rate of interest. There should be enough funds in the cheque account to cover our normal costs leading up to the new year. We should receive a bit of a boost in December and January as subs and NDR entries are paid. In the meantime - keep the rubber side down. Nick
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DUCATI SPECIALIST Dave McDonald NZ agent for ‘Vee-Two’ performance parts Bel-Ray and Penrite Motorcycle Oils Over 20 years Ducati experience and expertise! Bevel Drive and Belt Drive Two Valves a specialty 28-30 Joseph St
Palmerston North 027-682-7083
INSPIREDBY AMG
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Ducati has celebrated its partnership with AMG by producing the Diavel AMG Special Edition, inspired by the German maker's unmistakeable styling. Combining exclusivity with high performance, the Diavel AMG Special Edition is the perfect synthesis of two unequalled brands with a shared passion for exceptional achievement, unique design and conscientious attention to detail.
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SUPERBIKEWORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2011
February 27
Phillip Island, Australia
March 27
Donington, United Kingdom
April 17
Assen, Netherlands
May 8
Monza, Italy
May 30
Salt Lake City, USA
June 12
Misano, Italy
June 19
Alcaniz, Spain
July 10
Brno, Czech Republic
July 31
Silverstone, United Kingdom
September 4
Nurburgring, Germany
September 25
Imola, Italy
October 2
Magny Cours, France
October 16
Portimao, Portugal
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2011 World Superbike Champion Carlos Checa Althea Ducati
2011 World Superstock Champion Davide Giugliano Althea Ducati
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MOTOGPWORLD CHAMPIONSHIP 2011 March 20
Doha, Qatar
April 3
Jerez, Spain
May 1
Estoril, Portugal
May 15
Le Mans, France
June 5
Montmelo, Catalunya
June 12
Silverstone, Great Britain
June 25
Assen, Netherlands
July 3
Mugello, Italy
July 17
Sachsenring, Germany
July 24
Monterey, USA
August 14
Brno, Czech Republic
August 28
Indianapolis, Indianapolis
September 4
Misano, San Marino
September 18
Alcaniz, Aragon
October 2
Motegi, Japan
October 16
Phillip Island, Australia
October 23
Sepang, Malaysia
November 6
Valencia, Valencia
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BOOK REVIEW: THE DUCATI MONSTER BIBLE
By Nigel Taylor
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DOCNZCLUB NIGHTS
Auckland Headquarters Restaurant and Bar, 132 Beaumont St, Westhaven 1st Wednesday of each month from 7.30pm
Hamilton Hamilton Motorcycle Centre, Te Rapa Road, Hamilton 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm
Wellington The Featherston Bar and Grill, Corner Featherston & Johnston Streets, Wellington 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6.00pm (although Lynda is usually there from about 5.15pm)
Nelson Mapua Village Inn, Nelson 3rd Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm
Christchurch Dux de Lux on Montreal Street. Start time 7.30pmâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;1st Tuesday of each month from 7.00pm Our Advertisers and Sponsors Support Us Support them and Support your Club Whenever you see the services of one of our advertisers (and isn't that all the time?) let them know that you saw the ad in DESMOPHILES. That way they will know that their advertising dollar is being spent wisely. It will help your club, the service provider and above all it will help you (there may be a club member discount available). DISCLAIMER Unless expressly stated, the opinions and comments in this newsletter are those of the contributors only, and are not club policy. Nor does the club guarantee any advertisers products or servicing suggestions made. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the editor or DOCNZ.
CLUBCLASSIFIEDS ARROW EXHAUST FOR DUCATI 748R 996 Kit Racing Exhaust Stainless 52mm Fits Ducati 996 1998 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;> 2000 Ducati 748R 2000 -> 5 pieces of hand finished horsepower Pipe in excellent condition, mufflers ok (never been on ground ) Comes in original box $2000 ono Ph Jason 021329280
Ducati 748RS velocity stacks Ducati Factory Corse Racing velocity stacks / bell mouths from a 2000 or 2001 748RS Understandably extremely rare and hard-tofind genuine part A must have for the serious Ducatisti ! $200 ono Ph Jason 021329280
29 REAR BRAKE DISC FOR DUCATI Alloy, CNC cut, suit race bike Saves 700 grams over OEM part Fits most Ducati 748, 900, 916, 996, 998, standard, S and R models $40 ono Ph Jason 021329280
Front Subframe For DUCATI Alloy Suit race bike Fits most Ducati 748, 900, 916, 996, 998, standard, S and R models Professionally made by Steve Bridge Engineering $100 ono Ph Jason 021329280
Ducati 748R clutch pushrod Ducati Original spare part # 11720431 Brand new, in original packet, genuine spare part You can never have too many spares !! $200 ono Ph Jason 021329280
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DUCATIOWNERS CLUB NELSON
Letter of introduction to Ducati Owners Club of New Zealand. Attn:- President, Communications officer, Secretary, Treasurer, Committee members, Club members. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the newly formed Ducati owners club Nelson. After attending world Ducati week in Italy, and a number of group nights hosted by AB’S motorcycles (authorised Ducati service centre, Nelson) the discussion arose about forming a club in Nelson. Potential club members had a preliminary meeting, where it was discussed joining the New Zealand club or forming a stand-alone Nelson club. They unanimously voted for a stand-alone Nelson club. This was an incorporated on 21 April 2012 and to date we’ve had 45 members join us, ranging in all ages, shapes and sizes. We meet at 7.30pm, on the first Tuesday of every month at the Verdict Bar in Bridge Street, Nelson. The club’s aim is to promote the passion that is Ducati motorcycles. To accomplish this we have a reasonably busy calendar for club members. You may be aware that Nelson is hosting the Italian rugby team for the Rugby World Cup and to coincide with that we have a number of events planned in conjunction with other festivities going on around the town.
By Nick Marer
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We have held a show and shine (with spot prizes, and signed posters from Troy Bayliss to be won) and parade in conjunction with the Italian festival at Nelson airport on September 17th. There was also a display of bikes with the Italian club at their premises on September 10th. In October we have prize giving for the show and shine, and a member of St John's coming and advising us on what to do if we come across an accident, and basic first aid treatment. Of course we think all members should undertake a first aid course. In November we have a “enhanced skills rider training day” planned for Ruapuna. Scattered amongst that we have fortnightly rides around the Nelson countryside. It is our intention that the Nelson club is to be very supportive of New Zealand club. To build this relationship we had Greg—the New Zealand Ducati owners club communications officer—at our last club meeting. He came and spoke about the national Ducati rally in Hanmer Springs in March 2012. Greg’s presentation was warmly received, and it is my understanding that we have at least 10 members of the Nelson Club booked or about to book. We would like to keep the lines of communication open and let the NZ club members know what we are doing here in Nelson so they can be involved in the events we have planned if they are interested. If there are events that the NZ club may be having in other parts of the country that Nelson club members may be interested in travelling to please let us know. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and wishing you all the best. Club President. Nick Marer Contact:Ph (03) 5424402 M 0274 480 465 Email tlpb@maxnet.co.nz
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MALCOLM FOSTER#160—by Lynda Blair
You may recall last issue that one of our members had bought a new bike a few days before the July Victoria Club Winter Series round. The proud owner is Wellington’s Malcolm Foster. The previous owner was a bit nervous about his ex-baby going out onto the track, but I was quick to reassure him that Malcolm would give her as much loving as he had while he owned her. Well, at the August meeting at Manfeild Malcolm had a ball. The bike looked great with the fairings from the previous race bike (a 749) fitting like a glove and looking very smart. The weather was fine and Malcolm did a personal best lap time – he was STOKED! Well done Malcolm, your new baby is lovely, and it’s heartwarming to see the huge grin on your face when you get back to the pits after each race. And your 999 leathers look great too, though we’re looking forward to seeing the first outing of the new set of Celtic leathers!
Malcolm had his best ever result at the September meeting of the Actrix Victoria Motorcycle Club Winter Road Race series. The weather was very changeable, and as the racers sat on the grid waiting for the lights to go out, the rain started pouring down. The racers took off and Malcolm was around mid field. The rain kept coming down and slowly but surely Malcolm picked them off one by one, and at the white flag he was in second place. He was looking for a place to pass during the last lap, and in the final sweeper before the chequered flag he overtook the leader to win the race. I deafened the timekeepers in the timing room yelling "GOOD ONE MALCOLM!!!" and then ran down to give him a huge hug. Making the right choice of tyres in the changeable weather conditions proved a wise decision. Well done Malcolm!!
DEVIL’S DUCATIFROM BURGER FUEL
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For a limited time, Burger Fuel stores have a “Devil’s Ducati” burger on their menu. I’m not sure how they got the name, but the minute I got the email telling me it was on sale, I knew what was on the menu for tea that night! I’d had the burger previously a couple of years ago when they’d had them on sale for a while – I recalled them as being lovely. So on the way home the other night we called in to our local Burger Fuel store. The Devil’s Ducati are not cheap at $13.50, but in my opinion they are great value for money as they are a big burger, and have a lot of ingredients. They are very moist and tasty. The store had run out of red capsicum, but the burger was still lovely without (I actually wasn’t too upset as I’m not that fussed on red capsicum, though it would be fine in the burger with the other ingredients). The salami is very hot, but makes the burger very tasty. We also had the beer battered fries, they are really delish, especially dipped in the aioli. Very moreish indeed. All in all, I highly recommend both the burger and the beer battered fries. I’ve attached some photos to show the scale of the burger alongside one of my Ducati pens. Hamish’s favourite burger from Burger Fuel is the B astard Burger, and that’s what I normally have – but as long as the Devil’s Ducati burger is available that’s what I’ll be having! Give one a try if you decide to have takeaways one evening – see www.burgerfuel.com for store locations. Sorry Mainlanders, there are not yet any Burger Fuel stores in the South Island. Lynda
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CLUBREGALIA
SALE NOW ON!! Due to the change of club logo we are selling off our collectable caps. T-shirts are already sold out, so get your cap now!
Anyone interested please contact secretary@docnz.co.nz
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LYNDA AND HAMISHGO TO AMERICA—Part 3—cont.
(Continued from page 13)
along Route 66. The pile of souvenirs was growing fast…. We had a chocolate malted at Mr D’z Diner and a coke at the Hackberry Stores sitting beside the red Corvette. We spent Monday night in Barstow, well towards Los Angeles. We left there Tuesday morning (after having found a Walmart to buy another suitcase…) and drove alongside Edwards Air Force base for a while, noting the “danger bombing range” signs on the not-very-inviting fences.
Just like the guidebook says...
We were booked into a hotel for Monday and Tuesday nights in a suburb of LA called Pasadena, on Colorado Boulevard (so we could look for the little old lady…or am I showing my age yet again with the Beach Boys song??). We arrived in the outskirts of LA midafternoon and after miles of freeway found our hotel. We spent the evening re-packing all our stuff into our four suitcases (we’d left NZ with two, and bought two along the way). Tuesday was our last full day in the US. We found an In’n’Out Burger company store and bought a whole heap of stuff from there.
Lynda chats with the Denver constrabulary
37 We then headed to ProItalia, a Ducati shop in LA. We spent some time there browsing but I resisted the urge to buy more stuff. We then made a beeline for the Petersen Car Museum in downtown LA. It had some neat cars (such as the new Bugatti) but to be honest I think Southwards on the Kapiti Coast is just as good, if not better. We headed back to the hotel for an early night. Wednesday morning we packed the car and headed to Manhattan Beach shops. We had a chocolate malted on the sidewalk tables and took a leisurely drive around the beach suburb.
We then headed to Santa Monica Pier, the most westward point of Route 66. From there we headed to the Hertz depot at LAX and left the car. We spent a few hours waiting at the airport for our flight to depart (check in time at LAX is three hours prior to departure) and soon enough we got our boarding call for the flight home. We didn’t get much sleep, despite being in premium economy seats. There is definitely more room than in “cattle class”, but there is not enough room to elevate or completely stretch out your legs. However, eventually we landed in Auckland, and then transferred to our flight to Wellington. We arrived home absolutely shattered but what a wonderful time we’d had. My overall thoughts and some memorable moments? Overall, I am SO glad that we made the trip to the USA. First up, the racing at both Miller and Road America was fantastic. We travelled through nine states, some of them twice, and clocked up almost 9,000kms in 26 days.
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LYNDA AND HAMISHGO TO AMERICA—Part 3—cont.
It was our first ever trip to the USA…and what friendly helpful people we have met. I cannot get over how people go out of their way for us because we are from another country. I would like to think that I have been as friendly to overseas travellers I met in New Zealand. I will certainly make sure that I am from now onwards, as it makes such a difference.
the Utah scenery. Was I sorry I wasn’t on my bike? To be honest, no. I would not have been able to do so many kms if I were riding – I would have been too tired after the riding to enjoy the racing. Also, it’s much easier to stop and admire the scenery or have a coffee stop if you’re in the car. And it’s much easier at the race tracks without having to cart your helmet around everywhere. Plus, of course, I wouldn’t have been able to buy all the stuff I did if I was limited to panniers. So for us, it worked really well to be in the car.
I cannot get over the number of huge trucks on the roads carrying freight…literally hundreds and hundreds of trucks, some with a tractor unit and three trailers. And the freight trains – so many travelling across the US – and they are so long (some over 100 carriages) and If anyone is interested in doing a similar trip or go to the racing, with four or five massive engines. please feel free to contact me for a The toilets are shaped differently to chat – I’d be very happy to talk in ours, and the water sits halfway up depth about our experiences. the bowl. The first couple of times I I would very much like to go back used a toilet I thought they were blocked. And the light switches are to the USA next year and do both race meetings again. I’ve promised opposite to ours…up is on and Hamish that I’ll save my money to down is off in the US. enable this to happen, and I truly I will never forget the Wyoming and will! Nebraska prairies, the beautiful wooded hills of Iowa and Wisconsin. PS: I hope those of you who watched the World Superbike covI will never forget seeing my first hummingbird, at Zion National Park. erage from Miller noticed Jakub What a tiny, elegant, graceful bird. Smrz wearing his DOCNZ beanie And I will never forget the beauty of in the pits prior to the racing!!
Bla
A
ake Young at Road America
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PJ Jacobsen on the Celtic 848 gets on the podium
Some facts... Kms travelled: almost 9,000kms in 26 days Vehicle: Hertz rental Mazda 6 sedan Overnight stops: Los Angeles airport, California Las Vegas, Nevada (for 3 nights) Beaver, Utah Salt Lake City, Utah (for 6 nights) Cheyenne, Wyoming Des Moines, Iowa Sheboygan, Wisconsin (for 4 nights) Des Moines, Iowa North Platte, Nebraska Silverthorne, Colorado Moab, Utah Gallup, New Mexico Williams, Arizona Barstow, California Los Angeles (for 2 nights) Cost: not telling as Hamish will read this and heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll know how much I spent on shopping if I tell!! Enjoyment on a scale of 1 to 10: 100 (this is not a typo!) Greg White from SpeedTV meets Lynda
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NDR2012—cont.
DOCNZMEMBERSHIP FORM I ........................................................… [first name] [postal address] [postcode]
...…….................................................… [surname]
of ......................................................… ..................................…
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...........................................................… [suburb / city]
..................... ...........… [Home telephone]
…......................................... [Cell phone]
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Y/N)
[email]
hereby apply for Full m/ship [$50.00] Family* m/ship (family members or partners living under same roof) [$60.00] Associate m/ship (non Ducati Owner – no voting rights) [$50.00] of the Ducati Owners Club New Zealand. In the event of my admission as a member, I agree to abide by the constitution and by-laws of DOCNZ. I enclose payment of $....................................... by cheque made out to DOCNZ. I wish to pay by direct credit. (Our account details are: DOCNZ National Bank-Palmerston North 060746-0276337-00 Please ensure your name is included in the information. Please note that you must still send in your membership form, noting you have paid directly.)
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Please note that memberships expire at the end of January. Applications and renewals received between November and January are registered as a membership for the following year. Particulars of motorcycle/s: ________________________________________________________________ [model and capacity] [year] [VIN / Chassis or Rego #] ________________________________________________________________ [model and capacity] [year] [VIN / Chassis or Rego #] ________________________________________________________________ assoc. [make, model & capacity] [year] [VIN / Chassis or Rego #] -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------OFFICE USE ONLY Cheque No ____________________ Rcvd: ___/___/___ Amt: $__________ Clearly state name on back of cheque DOCNZ Interim Membership: Received the sum of...……......... from……………….....................................being for membership renewal / application. (to January 31st 2012) Signed .................................................... on behalf of DOCNZ Committee Ducati Owners Club New Zealand. P.O.Box 91-612 Auckland 1142, NZ Email: secretary@docnz.co.nz
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CONTRIBUTIONS Magazine Contributions should be sent to: The Editor DESMOPHILES P.O.Box 91-612 Auckland 1142 Email: editor@docnz.co.nz Deadlines are the 1st February, April, June, August, October and December for issues due out towards the end of the month. Display advertising is available for business â&#x20AC;&#x201C; please contact the secretary. Rates above.
PICTURECREDITS Cover photo: Lynda Blair Centre spread: www.ducati.com
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