Information of our Timed Speed Rally.

Please email me at president@gatewayducati.com if you are planning on participating.GDOG Timed Speed Distance Road Rally on Sunday, 10/21/12Here’s the concept of a TSD Rally;

TSD Rallies are run on public roads at speeds that are at the legal limit for that section of road. TSD rallying is not a race. The object of a TSD Rally is to maintain precise times and precise average speeds on various segments of a predefined route. Hidden checkpoints capture your time and record your score.

September 2012 Group Ride

The September 2012 GDOG group ride is in the books.

The ride was held on Sunday, September 9.  Joe Henderson led a total of four riders to Gerald, MO via back roads, twist, and lots of turns.  Traffic was minimal.

Vito Sicola, Rob Menendez and Gary Kwawer joined Joe Henderson on the ride.  It was similar to past rides from over 3 years ago as these three riders were used to riding together.  The pace was comfortable for the entire ride and there were no surprises.  All riders returned to their houses safely.

For next week, on Saturday, September 15, weather permitting, Gary is going to plan a ride to the Missouri State Capital in Jefferson City to bag some scavenger hunt points.  The ride will leave at 8:30AM from the QT station at Highway 94 and O'Fallon road in St. Charles County.  This will be a long day, so the earlier departure is a good idea.

On Sunday, September 16, weather permitting, a ride to Hannibal, MO and Mark Twain's house is planned.  This will also be an opportunity to bag some scavenger hunt points.

Please email president@gatewayducati.com if you are interested in going.

September GDOG Group Ride Redux

The September Group Ride was rained out last weekend.  Never fear, we have a plan!

We shall be riding on Sunday, September 9, 2012.  Meet at the QT on Route 109, south of I-44 at 8:30AM and leave at 9AM.  The route is as follows:

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?vps=2&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=217378808863132038012.0004c84074c635f0cb183


We look forward to seeing you there.  The forecast looks like perfect riding weather!

August Message for the Gateway Ducati Owners Group

August was a busy month for Ducatistas in the United States.  The end of July had MotoGP at Laguna Seca.  The early part of August had the Pikes Peak race where Multistradas demonstrated their excellence.  The final US event was held the weekend of the 18^th, MotoGP at Indy.  One week after Indy, the MotoGP race at Brno in the Czech Republic was held.  Lots of racing for Ducati fans.

Activities for the Weekend of 8/25/2012

While the Gateway Ducati Owners Group has no official activities, Vito Sicola (our Vice President) is riding on the morning of 8/25/12.  The meeting point is the Shell Station/Circle K located on Lindberg Blvd, South of I-44.  Meet at 8AM, leave at 8:30AM.  This ride is Vito's ride and he is inviting people to join him.

On another topic, I did a Bixby ride today (8/24) and discovered that in a short amount of time, highway C will be have fresh oil and gravel.  Please ride carefully on that road.

The information for the ride on September 1, 2012 follows:

The ride starts at 8:00AM from the QT on route 109, south of I-44.

Joe Henderson, our Ride Captain, and Giorgio Tortora did a pre-ride and amended the route.  Here’s the revised route for September. Joe shortened it due to a pea gravel covered state hwy and it just seemed to take them awhile. The ride will be 62 miles each way, about 80-90 min each direction. Destination is Gerald, MO. We can plan a stop mid-way if the guys want.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?vps=53&hl=en&ie=UTF8&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=217378808863132038012.0004c7df0f18b38cf5593

Hi Folks,

The month of July is coming to a close with a day of welcome rain (29^th), MotoGP at Laguna Seca, and somewhat cooler temperatures than the dangerously hot weather we have been experiencing.  Around the St. Louis area, the heat has made motorcycling uncomfortable, if not dangerous.

Believe it or not, the member kits from DOC arrived at my house during the first week of July.  In order to receive your member kit, especially if you are a non-dues paying individual, you need to show up at our bike night on August 7 at Triumph Grill.  The night should be very interesting with lots of information regarding touring on Ducatis, the direction of the factory and the clubs, and the relationship between the clubs and dealers.  I look forward to seeing you on the 7^th.

Looking forward into August, we have two planned events:

           

            August 4- Group Ride- destination to be determined.  Leaving the QT at

8:15AM to avoid the heat.

August 7- Bike Night at Triumph Grill.  The presentation is by Jeff Pittinger, Ryan Harrison, and Gary Kwawer on touring on Ducati Motorcycles.  Also, important information regarding the direction of the Ducati Owners Groups, as presented by the factory, will be discussed.

  

The remaining I-70 MCRA Series dates are as follows:

§  Gateway Motorsports Park - Aug 4-5

§  Putnam Park – Sept 8-9

§  Heartland Park Topeka - Sept 29-30

§  Gateway Motorsports Park – Oct 13-14

The July bike night on the 3^rd was cancelled due to the proximity of July 4.  On July 7, 4 riders braved the heat, humidity, and cars to ride to Bourbon and back.  Joe Henderson led the ride.  On the outward leg, we had cool temperatures, many curves, and shade.  On the way back, we had hot temperatures, many curves, no shade, and lots of cars in the way to make the ride more interesting.  All riders returned safely on the vehicles they started on.

The last days of July, with the exception of the 29^th, are ending with very hot temperatures. The forecast for the beginning of August is for very hot temperatures as well.  In order to avoid most of the heat, the August group ride will leave from the QT on MO109, south of I-44 at 8:15AM.  The ride will not be an all day ride due to the projected high temperatures. 

For those of you who are MotoGP fans, Vito Sicola and Andrew Quinn are arranging the ride to Indy for this year’s event.  Vito can be reached at vicepresident@gatewayducati.com for more information.

Please ride safely.  I shall see you at the events.

Sincerely,

Gary Kwawer

Chief Contact Person and President

Gateway Ducati Owners Group