Issue 137 : October - November 2004
Buell City X
Yamaha T-Max
Yorkshire Pudding Rally
Ducati's "Centopassi" Event
Bristol Show
South of England HOG Rally
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Buell City X
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Centopassi
When Ducati launched the Multistrada last year as an all-round machine capable of being all things to all riders, they succeeded in most people's eyes. To prove the point, in conjunction with 'Dream Engine' they created the 'Centopassi'. This was to be an event that allowed riders to put the bike through its paces in an environment that would test all facets of the bike on similar terrain to the famous Futa pass above Bologna that inspired the bikes design. The event was also intended as something of a two-wheeled adventure for motorcyclists who wanted to test their driving skills and push their endurance on some of the most demanding roads and mountain passes in Europe, as well as generally having a great time. Such was the success of that inaugural event, that they repeated it this year in a different location. However, they kept the important elements of tight mountain roads, magnificent views and sweeping open roads along the base of valleys, integrated with a touring concept. In other words all the elements that makes up the Multistrada's DNA. While last year's route ran long and wide through the eastern alpine region of Italy, this summer's itinerary ran along the opposite side, swerving over the western border of Italy, in and out of France and running close to and on parts of the route of the Tour de France which was running at the same time. The 5-day event began at Nice in the Côte d'Azur (France) on the 21st of July and the route took participants through towns in France and Italy, eventually finishing in the Italian town of Saint Vincent on the 25th July. Despite the original concept being an event only for the Multistrada, this year like last, it was opened up to all makes and models of any year. Likewise two classes were once again run, the Competition Class and the Iron Biker Class.
The Iron Biker class is for those riders who prefer a non-competitive experience following the same route, but without the riding tests or time element. Therefore, they still get the stunning scenery, historic villages and overall flavour of the Italian and French mountain experience. Expert motorcycle guides from the 'Curve & Tornanti' alpine riding team accompany this group, offering tips on mountain riding. With the success of last years' event and the now hugely popular 'Moto Giro' which is run on similar lines, one may have thought that the entry would have been over-subscribed, but it was not so. The entry of both groups this year was made up of virtually all Italian riders, with one sole British rider on an ageing BMW twin flying the Union Jack and a few Dutch competitors to give it a true international tag in the competition class. Therefore, it was no surprise that an Italian took the win, albeit on a Honda. Apart from a large cup he won a brand new Ducati Multistrada as part of his prize, not bad for a few days low risk competition on some excellent biking roads! So, if this sounds like your kind of event and you fancy a new bike, look out for information on next year's event on the website (www.centopassi.com) and give it a go. You might not win the bike, but you will not be disappointed with the ride! Ian Kerr |
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What a terrible life : Ian Kerr gets the bends
In the former, participants choose to take part individually or as part of a team of up to three riders. They rode between 200/400 kilometres per day, covering numerous mountain passes. Although not run as a test of speed, competitors ride a very demanding route, designed for experienced riders at set average speeds. In addition they are subjected to ability/riding tests to evaluate their riding skills and motorcycle performance.