The Ducati Riding Experience
For the fifth year in a row, Ducati will be organizing a series of riding courses aimed at those who would like to learn how to ride a motorcycle or improve their street or track skills.
The 2004 edition of Ducati Riding Experience saw a massive influx of attendees, both male and female, with a total of 1300 registrations (an increase of 27% over the previous year).
Among those 38% were women with an average age of 32 and 62% were men with an average age of 35.
Another interesting figure is that 10% of people registering in 2004 had also completed a course in 2003, while 9% enrolled for a second course (at a higher level) in the same year.
The courses, which will take place from March until October, consist of a full day of riding sessions combined with classroom time. All the courses will take place in the prestigious “Enzo e Dino Ferrari” circuit of Imola.
The DRE school presents an impressive line-up of instructors including World, European and National champions and features five different classes for all skill levels.
As a brand new feature for 2005, two extra courses have been introduced.
The Men’s Basic Course is aimed at men who are absolute beginners, have never ridden a bike and would like to become involved in motorcycling.
The Master Racing Course, is for expert riders who want to take part in racing (such as the new Ducati Desmo Challenge series) and wish to build upon their existing track skills.
The following courses are usually available:
Women’s Basic Riding Course
Aimed at women without riding experience who would like to get involved in the motorcycle world. The course will take place in the paddock using reduced power Monster 620 motorcycles. Price: 216 Euro, taxes included.
Men’s Basic Riding Course
New for 2005! Aimed at men without riding experience who would like to get involved in the motorcycle world. The course will take place in the paddock using Multistrada 620 motorcycles. Price: 216 Euro, taxes included.
Intermediate Riding Course
This course is aimed at men and women who already have some riding experience but want to improve their skills. The course covers common road situations and tips on how to tackle them using specific riding techniques.
The exercises are designed to help riders maintain better control of their bikes and avoid potentially dangerous everyday situations through better technique.
After a practice phase in the paddock, students will be able to try out their new skills on the track. Monster S2R and Multistrada 1000 motorcycles will be used for this course. Price: 280 Euro taxes included.
Racing Course
Aimed at expert motorcyclists (men and women) who have the desire to increase their knowledge of riding technique on the track. 999 Superbikes will be used for this course and students will be divided into groups based on experience (declared by rider). Price: 750 Euro, taxes included.
Master Racing Course New for 2005! This year’s new master course is aimed at riders who wish to participate in competitive races on the track such as the “Ducati Desmo Challenge”.
2005-spec 999 Superbikes will be used and, in order to ensure the best possible learning environment, student groups will not exceed three per instructor. Lessons will focus on improving circuit riding techniques and maximizing each rider’s overall performance. Price: 999 Euro, taxes included.
The cost of the course includes: the use of motorcycle, lunch and the open café area, welcome kit, the presence of a photographer and special rates at nearby hotels. It does not includes any type of insurance. This year’s edition of the Ducati Riding Experience also introduces an opportunity to rent riding gear (leathers, helmets, gloves, boots) at the time of registration.
Schedule of Events
The sessions will be held on March 24, April 14, April 29, April 30, May 10, June 30, July 7, September 6, September 23, and October 20 of 2005.
Registration and Information
The registration will be done exclusively through the Ducati website from the end of February. Payment can be made by credit card or bank transfer.
Those who participated in previous Ducati Riding Experience courses and participants who attend more than one course at the DRE 2005 and Official Ducati Club Members will be offered a special price on the purchase of the 2005 DRE courses. The reduced price will be calculated upon registration.