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PERSONAL BLOG - ALISON BRADLEY #5

22 September 2009 | Events | Italian Legendary Tour

The sun is shining. The next section involves over 35 consecutive “tournates”. I pat the tank on the Morini and open my AGV visor just a little to let in some of the cool mountain air. I watch as the quicker riders speed off down the mountain, and marvel at their corner speed on the tighter turns. I’m no regular mountain pass rider but on the Morini shod with the ever dependable Pirelli rubber, I am happy to cruise down taking in the breathtaking sights, followed by my new riding companion astride a Ducati Multistrada (another winner taking it easy). We ease down the turns in formation, safe in the knowledge that our tour guide will wait at each junction to ensure we are following the correct route. As the road unwinds and smooths out down in the valley, I get the opportunity to twist the Morini throttle a little harder. Each time we encounter a tunnel cutting through the hills, I can’t resist drawing in the clutch and blipping the throttle just to enjoy the sound reverberating of the walls. If I knew how to wheelie, I would hoist the front wheel aloft. Unfortunately I can’t so instead I simply applaud when our tour guide offers a 50m back wheel show while standing on his foot pegs. Awesome. Some of the riding talent on show is just legendary. But then it just wouldn’t be anything else on this trip would it?
We break again for our final group lunch. Once again, the food does not disappoint and we enjoy another 4 courses of fine cuisine. Giacomo Agostini wanders past, and stops to ask me which motorcycle I am riding today. I mention the Morini and he nods. “You like?” he asks. I nod but suggest that the v-twin bikes are somewhat of a departure to my normal Japanese 4 cylinder experience at home. He smiles. “Yes, for sure. The Italian and Japanese bikes are different. Yes.” Agostini. Talking to me about bikes. Just like the bloke you might chat with in the café on a Sunday morning blast. Another legendary experience courtesy of Dainese.

Alison Bradley