This past weekend, the international cycling community descended onto Northern California for an event called the Sea Otter Classic. Yea, it’s a strange name, but it’s a pretty massive event.¬†They have racing for all levels of both road and mountain bikers. There are event for first timer groms all the way up¬†to international World Cup professionals.

 

One of the vendors that were on site to demo their product was Ducati. You thought I was going to say something like Gatorade.. But no,¬†I’m taking about Italian sex on wheels Ducati.¬†Basically, if you had a motorcycle license, insurance, and riding gear, you could ‘check out’ one of their 1100cc¬†Hypermotard.¬† How is it possible for¬†something with ‘tard’ in the name to be this cool?¬†

 

 

 

I borrowed riding gear from anyone I knew that was anywhere near my size and signed up.¬†They sent us out on¬†a 30-minute winding road route.¬†The event was at Laguna Seca Raceway, but unfortunately, we didn’t have access to the track.¬†

 

Hopping on a machine with 90 hp, and 76 lb-ft torque that weighs less that 400lb is exciting to say the least.¬†It would likely be more accurate to say it was horrifying.¬†As if the power wasn’t enough, this bike has two¬†massive 300mm front rotors with twin monoblock, 4 piston calipers.¬†I think I could get my eyes to come out of their sockets the brakes were so powerful.

 

It was a long weekend of working outside, but this 30-minute escape was the highlight for sure. 

 

“It is so choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up.”¬† Ferris Bueller.