Monthly Message for August 2011

Hi Folks,

The month of August has seen moderating temperatures in the Gateway area. Riding conditions have improved. Members of the Gateway Ducati Owners Group have been taking advantage of the lower temperatures and we are out on our motorcycles!

Before recounting the month’s events, some important information must be transmitted.

The September Bike Night is cancelled since it is the day after Labor Day. Also, the September group ride will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 rather than on the 3^rd. The rain date is the 17^th. Elections for GDOG officers will be held at the Bike Night on October 4, 2011. Only active members can vote for officers. Active members are those who have paid their $20.00 annual dues. Also, payment can be received as of the beginning of the October Bike Night in order to be an active member. If you are unsure of your status, please email me at president@gatewayducati.com.

Monthly Message for July 2011

Hi Folks,
 
This is a very long message, please read to the very end.
 
July weather has proved great for motorcycle riding, if one doesn’t mind triple digit heat indexes.
 
On the 2nd, the owners group started out with a ride to Bixby.  There was a brief pre-ride briefing describing our destination and the chosen route.  We left the starting point at 9AM with a total of 9 motorcycles.  Vito led the ride and kept a spirited pace.  The group split into 2 groups- fast and very fast.  At our turn to Potosi off of MO21, we lost 2 riders.  One headed back; the other met us in Bixby.  We returned from Bixby after eating.  All riders returned in one piece.

A Note from Pete at Moto Europa

Friends of Moto Europa,

We have two fun motorcycle events coming up in July that I would like to invite you to.

First, on Sunday July 3, we will have our second annual Moto Europa picnic and motorcycle riding day at my lodge outside of Hermann, MO. We will have several demo bikes to take out on the roads around the area as well as off road bikes and ATV’s to take on the 8 miles of trails at my lodge. Bring your family, we will have food, drink, and for those who stay late, fireworks. There is also fishing and hiking if you like that sort of thing.

Secondly, on Sunday, July 31, Moto Europa will be hosting Round 7 of the Missouri Hare Scrambles Championship Series, also at my property. We expect over 150 racers and 400 total attendance. I am looking for volunteers to work as course marshals the day of the race. If you or anyone you know is interested in working the event, please let me know. Of course, if you want to come and spectate, that would be great also.

Please let me know if you will be joining us on July 3 as we are trying to get a head count. Directions are as follows: Take Interstate 70 west from Wentzville, MO to exit 175 (about 35 minute drive). At exit 175, head south on Missouri highway 19 towards Hermann for about 7 miles until you reach County Road K. Turn right at County Road K for 5 miles to County Road HH. Turn right and travel almost exactly 3 miles to my property which is listed as 141 Overkamp Road (Note that the last one and a half mile is a gravel road). All in all, it takes about an hour from Wentzville.

Pete Hall
Moto Europa
3410 Locust
St. Louis, MO 63103
Telephone (314) 534-3410
pete.hall@motoeuropastl.com

www.motoeuropastl.com

MSF Advanced Riders Course Experience

Dear Gateway Ducati Owners Group Members,
 
What follows is the promised report of my day at the MSF Advanced Rider Course held at Forest Park Community College on June 18, 2011.
 
The day started with tornado warnings and heavy downpours.  As advertised, we gathered at Tower D by 7:45AM, in a heavy downpour.  Once we arrived in the room, we found out that two of the 6 participants’ significant others (husband or otherwise) were going to deliver their motorcycles at the lunch break.  The remaining 4 riders rode in the rain.

Summer 2011 Calender Dates

Hi Folks,

Here are some days for our calendars:

June 20, 2011   National Ride your motorcycle to work day
July 2, 2011  GDOG monthly group ride, rain date the 9th
July 5, 2011 GDOG Bike Night at Triumph Grille- drive or ride, just be there!
August 2, 2011 GDOG Bike Night at Triumph Grille- drive or ride, just be there!
August 6, 2011GDOG monthly group ride, rain date the 13th
September 3, 2011GDOG monthly group ride, rain date the 10th
September 6, 2011 GDOG Bike Night at Triumph Grille- drive or ride, just be there!

And most importantly:

Saturday, September 17, 2011  at 3:00PM  GDOG's family barbeque at Motorrad St. Louis.  All family members are welcome.  More details to follow.

Please mark your calendars.

Gary Kwawer
Chief Contact person and President
Gateway Ducati Owners Group

Monthly Message for June 2011

Sorry about this letter combining two months, but May was a washout for riding motorcycles in the St. Louis area.

We held our May bike night at the usual place and time, and attended to the order of business, electing Bob Oesch as our Treasurer. We discussed the upcoming rides, also the various attempts of our riders to prepare their Ducatis for the riding season.

Thunderstorms and rain delayed the official group ride until the last Saturday in May. Vito Sicola led a contingent of 6 riders on a 4-hour ride, with some riders ending the ride at the Triumph Grill. All riders returned safely.

Photos from the European Auto Show

Courtesy of Gary Kwawer: