Ducati Riding Experience (DRE)

I did it in 2004 at Imola. I was happy with the experience and thought it was well worth the cost. I understand the price now has gone up if you want to ride 1198s.

Imola's a great track with lots of elevation changes, reminds me a little of Laguna. Its an old track that is under-rated IMO. I can only imagine how fantastic it was before they started to add the chicanes to control the speed. I think they recently added another coming onto the front straight.

One amusing bit is the track is fully integrated into the town. It flows through the neighborhood and you can see folks in their backyards as you go screaming along the back half of the track.

I remember pulling onto the track for the first session and looking back at my buddy thinking ...yes, this is sweet. By the way, he went on to crash later that day. It was a minor lowside and they immediately wheeled out another bike for him. No questions asked.

There were very few people running the event that understood english. We were lead around by David James who I think is still there. BTW, ask for free passes to the Ducati Museum.

That's me pushing for a podium.
 
If you have some extra cash to burn (and who doesn't these days, hah!), you might sync up with Dynamic Ducati Driving in Vicenza. www.jpbari.com They are officially licensed by Ducati SpA and they organize "tours" around DRE. You could take some guided excursions on epic mountain roads on a Ducati in northern Italy to go with your on track experience.
 
I didi it! DRE at Imola...a hole day at the tack (848)...absolutely amazing, a lot of fun, great bike, great track...is a "must" to do!
 
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