We awoke the next morning to snow falling outside. Donning our
gear we realized we were going to have to brave the elements for at least the
first couple of hours of the day. Motorcycling is an adventure sport, and I am
prepared to deal with whatever nature dishes out—provided I get to recover at an
Armentarola at the end of the day.
The roads were wet, but the Alpine asphalt is grippy and the
Multistrada wasn’t fazed. The roads often have no center lines, but there is
plenty of width. Traffic is light—there are few cars and even fewer law
enforcement officers—so the Dolomites are clearly sportbike heaven.
 RIDING STYLE {HIS+HER}
Helmets: Dainese Airstream Course
Jackets: Dainese 8-Track
Gloves: Dainese Air Carbon
Pants: Dainese 2L Gore-Tex
Boots: Dainese D-23 Gore-Tex.
Although they punctuate the Italian Alps, the
Dolomites are named after
French mineralogist Déodat Gratet de
Dolomieu. Photograph by Mike Quindazzi. (Click image to enlarge)
There is an ancient and unspoiled ambience; I was very much
aware of the billions of years it’s taken to create the mountains and
environment we were traveling through and I felt incredibly fortunate and
humbled to be a guest here. As the road’s altitude lowered, the snow turned into
a light rain and the road glistened. On through Sagron, we reached Mezzano and
stopped for lunch.
Artisan architecture and natural colors blend
seamlessly with Ducati
motorcycles to create uniquely Italian
landscapes. Photographs by Mary Buch. (Click images to enlarge)
As we descended through the final part of our journey, the
clouds parted, and there was one final stop for the day that Paolo wanted us to
experience. Situated in the lowlands and about a 30-minute drive from Vicenza is
the medieval walled-town of Marostica, famous for its Human Chess Game that
dates back to 1454. Played every other year, it is a festive occasion. When the
game is not being played, the coffee shops and bars that line the town square
are a perfect place for a wandering motorcyclist to stop for refreshment. We
took full advantage with an espresso as we sat outside in the late afternoon
sunshine.
Arriving back at Nogarazza, that evening Mary and I had a
chance to think through all that we’d seen and experienced in the last few days.
Paolo’s Dynamic Ducati Driving experience is a fabulous vacation in a beautiful,
friendly country. The ride through the Italian countryside and Dolomites is
spectacular and the accommodations are excellent. If you are a sporting rider
with a penchant for combining adventure with your luxury, then you will have an
absolutely unforgettable experience on this trip.
www.jpbari.com | www.desmorosso.com
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