📸 by Ange, Ducati
Ducati dreamin'
Every year, except during the dreaded Covid era, Ducati put on the World President Meeting/Tour (WPM & WPT), where DOC Presidents from around the world gather for an absolute blast!
This year, the two-wheeled dream took place on the stunning island of Sardinia, Italy.
Get ready to be jealous!
The first day kicked off...
with a briefing where Ducati heads and officials showered us with appreciation for our work and dedication back in our respective countries. Then came impressive Ducati stats (the stuff that makes us proud to do what we do), followed by a fancy dinner. When asked, I kindly obliged and sat with the head honcho of Ducati Global Sales, Francesco Milicia, at the luxurious Hotel Cala di Lepre. Think: small-town girl asking for a friend, how come we aren't getting Ducati E-Mountain bikes in NZ... Nudge, nudge! Watch this space...
📸 by Ange, Dario, Ducati
Day two was all about the RIDING!
I was lucky enough to plant my bum on the legendary SFV4s. What. A. Thrill! We tackled the tight, twisty roads on a loop tour of the Olbia area, stopping for lunch at Chiesa di Santa Reparata, to indulge in delicious traditional Sardinian cuisine. Unfortunately, rain and thunderstorms unleashed for the ride home. But hey, nothing a hot shower, 5-star food at Agriturismo La Colti, and some cheeky fun in great company couldn't fix!
📸 by Ange
Day three? More riding, of course!
The roads dried up, and I found my place behind our ride leader Andrea Rossi, of Multistrada and Enduro fame. From there, we conquered more grippy, twisty roads, this time heading inland for lunch at Su Gologone. We sat among blooming flowers, savoured locally grown fare, and shared tall stories while taking in the breathtaking vista! WOW. I'm still dreaming about the ravioli we devoured. Stuffed full of pasta, we trekked out to the coast and checked into the luxurious Smy Carlos V Wellness & Spa in the picturesque Alghero. Next up: aperitifs to music, and banter on the rooftop bar as the sun set, followed by dinner at Emperador Restaurant, at the hotel. BLISS!
📸 by Ange, Renato, Ducati
On day four, we had a choice:
Rest, wine tour, or ride. WE RIDE! What a stupid question! We're a bunch of two-wheeled maniacs, and I love it!
Day five, still loving the Streetfighter V4S...
It was a struggle, although I thought I'd better play nice and SHARE with Darryl. I swapped for the Multistrada V4S and sat at the back, as it was my first time on a beast of this type. While Darryl pushed Andrea swiftly through the twisties! They actually lost the rest of the group for a while! When the rest of us caught up, we made our way back to the East Coast, ditched our riding gear, and hopped on a boat for a tour of the breathtaking Maddalena archipelago. Picture this: clear blue waters, stunning islands, and a group of Ducati lovers swimming and soaking up the sun!
📸 by Ange
Sadly, the final day arrived.
It was a mix of Ducati workshopping and brainstorming because we're not just about the bikes, we're also about the brains behind them.
The week came to a close with the last aperitif at sunset, a gala dinner, and an epic closing party at Rocca Beach Club where we partied like rockstars! The perfect finale to an unforgettable week!
We're one big, revvin’ Ducati family!
It was so fab to reconnect and meet fellow Ducati presidents from different countries and share our love for these magnificent machines. We exchanged stories, tips, and laughs, forming bonds that spanned across continents. The Ducati community truly is a global family, and the WPM & WPT showcased that in the most incredible way.
We had a few proud moments when seeing other presidents rocking DOCNZ club tees during the event (thanks for dishing those out last year Ross Dixon 😎). It was like a little piece of our club was being represented on an international stage. Our stickers were in high demand too! People wanted a piece of our club's spirit to take home with them. It was a small and meaningful way to showcase our unity and passion.
The universal Ducati spirit was felt throughout the event. It didn't matter where we were from or what language we spoke; we all shared a common love for these incredible motorcycles. That sense of camaraderie and belonging was palpable, reminding us that no matter where we go, the Ducati spirit is always there to bring us together.
Whether we're riding through our local streets or exploring foreign lands, I’m excited to continue to foster the bonds that unite us as Ducati enthusiasts. It's not just about the bikes, eh?! It's about the incredible community that comes with it.
Till next time!
Ange | DOCNZ President
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✍️ Ange 📸 Ange, Renato, Dario, and Ducati
