Bologna....

Hi, sorry that I wasn't able to post for the last two days for some reason I was having internet issues!
Anyway yesterday I was in Bologna, there is nothing to tell you about the day before as I slept most of it. I specifically went to Bologna to visit the Ducati museum and factory and I'm pleased to say I wasn't disappointed.  Whilst waiting at the factory gates I was joined by a family from Denver, Colorado.  They had driven up from Florence without booking onto the tour and amazingly for them the got on it.  The guide said that the tour was full and it was practically unheard of for anyone not to turn up but it happened yesterday and so Daniel, Ashlyn, Drake and Regan came round with me and a couple from Australia.  It was very interesting and we also had a laugh, I thoroughly enjoyed their company and hopefully we will keep in touch.
You will see a rare picture of me on this blog and I'm stood next to Mike Hailwood's 1978 TT winning Ducati.  He later crashed it at Silverstone and it is in the same condition as when he crashed.  A couple of things that  I found interesting that most of you TT afficienados will already know.  On the petrol tank there is a stripe that is clear and allows you to see how much fuel is in the tank.  He also had a tennis ball attached near to the clutch.  The top had been cut off and it was filled with water and a sponge.  Whilst racing around the course he used to take out the sponge and wipe his visor.  Just like that !!  One final bit of info about his bike that until now has remained unknown to all.  He was sponsored by Sports Motorcycles, Manchester as can be seen by the decals on the bike.  In 1978 I passed my bike test and bought my Triumph Bonneville from Sports Motorcycles, Manchester.  They were based at the bottom of Deansgate in an area known as Knott Mill.  It was where all the motorcycle dealers were but sadly they have all gone.

Ashlyn, Daniel, Drake and Regan

Rossi bike