Hi Folks,
Mother Nature has made it difficult to enjoy life on two
wheels for most of January and thus far in February. Regardless, we shall continue to do what we can to prepare
for the upcoming riding season as spring is around the corner!
I recently attended the International Motorcycle Show in the
Chicago area. Ducati unveiled the
Diavel Strada and the Hyper Strada.
These two motorcycles are designed to be commuter and traveling versions
of the Hypermotard and the Diavel.
Both add a small windshield and panniers. Once I learn how to post photos, I will show them on the
website. Ducati also put on a
fashion show at the event that I did not attend.
Given that riding season is around the corner, let me ask
you the following questions: Are
you prepared? The downtime of
winter allows us to complete the necessary service on our Ducatis. Have you completed the required service and adjustments? Is your operator’s license still
valid? Is your motorcycle
insurance still in force? Have you
inspected your riding gear? Does
it still fit? Are there repairs
that need to be completed?
Continuing on the above theme, let us focus now on you. Are you in physical shape to begin
riding the twisties for hours on end?
What about your riding skills?
Do you need to enroll in any MSF programs to improve your skills? In our owners group, we have two
members (Mark Schomaker and Jeremy Seavey) who are MSF rider coaches. I am certain they can provide us with
information on the schedule of courses in Eastern Missouri. Also, are you an AMA member? Last month I discussed one of the
benefits of a membership- roadside assistance. This is very useful.
Moreover, the AMA advocates on our behalf regarding legislation that
affects motorcycling. Also, if we
have five AMA members in our club, we will be able to become an AMA affiliated
club. Becoming an AMA affiliated
club may increase our visibility and allow us to attract new members and
provide additional benefits.
Please consider joining if this interests you.
We held the February Bike Night at the Triumph Grill on
February 5, 2013. The meeting was
well attended given the weather and time of year. The focus of the meeting was the upcoming activities for
2013. All in attendance were in
favor of 2 group rides and one bike night per month. The first group ride will be held on the first Sunday of the
month with the rain date being the next available weekend day, either Saturday
or Sunday. The second group ride
is on the third Saturday of the month.
Rain dates will be the next available weekend day.
Bike nights will still be held on the first Tuesday of the
month as proposed in earlier an earlier message. The next one is March 5 at 6:30PM. The locations will be at various restaurants and pizza
places around the St. Louis area.
Members on the email distribution list, members of our Facebook group,
subscribers to the Ducati.ms bulletin board, and readers of this website will
receive advance notice.
Speaking of the Gateway Ducati Owners Group Facebook page, I
encourage all members who are on Facebook to become members of our page. While many members of our owners group
peruse the ducati.ms bulletin board, it is becoming less relevant as people are
migrating to Facebook. I will also
continue to use email, Facebook, and the website to inform our members.
Please remember 2013 dues should be paid.
We are awaiting the word as to whether we are able to move
to step 2 in the DOC certification process. When I know, you will know.
Should you have any questions, concerns, comments, and
suggestions, please contact me via email, telephone, or text. Do expect a telephone call back
so we can discuss those items of interest and/or concern.
Thank you.
Gary Kwawer
Chief Contact Person and President
Gateway Ducati Owners Group
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