Ducati Social Ride

Two girls, one of the most important motorbike company in the world, three young men: these are the ingredients of a very special journey.

On September 4th, Barbara Carnovale and myself, both belonging to the motorcycle club WRide, left Borgo Panigale riding two Ducati Multistrada 950 S with the purpose to ride and visit three young men virtually met, during the lockdown, thanks to a common friend. During the months of the lockdown, we stayed connected through several Apps and social networks, we organized quizzes and we shared many life anecdotes. Michele, Mattia ad Stefano share a big passion for engines but also and unfortunately the Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a severe type of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects boys.

#Ducatisocialride has become the name of the project.

Barbara and I first went to Gallarate (VA), where we spent the day in the company of Michele aka "Toro Seduto" (in English the “Sitting Bull”), rapper, pilot and founding patron of the Wheelchair Race: races on 4 wheels in go-kart tracks. We met Michele at Parco della Magana where in a very short time he became the center of interest of a group of kids, struck by the two imposing red Ducatis: dreams, passions are what allow us to live and they were dreaming with eyes opened.

The second stop brought us to Rodengo Saiano (BR) at the "Elio Raffelli" enduro school park to meet Mattia, a two-wheel enthusiast, the group's social media manager and designer. A big surprise party for Mattia who also celebrated his 30th birthday. Motorcycles, some cars and a flashback: a great surprise that saw Mattia the protagonist of an unexpected quad bike ride. Our arrival was greeted with great warmth.

The last stop has seen Stefano as the protagonist, at Nocera Umbra (PG), Stefano is passionate about racing and speed, he had the opportunity to confront, laugh and chat between real and passionate Ducati fans. Stefano has a big dream: to make an off-road wheelchair. Thanks to the collaboration of some friends Stefano had already been able to create a first prototype, the Monster Grove, which we were able to see and even try. In a moment the backyard has been transformed into a circuit: races between wheelchairs and crawlers. Fun guaranteed and Stefano secured the podium. You can visit the GoFundMe page here for more information.

We returned the bikes to Borgo Panigale and, almost by magic, we had the opportunity to meet, tell and share our experience with the two Ducati Corse riders, Andrea Dovizioso and Danilo Petrucci.

The Ducati Social Ride concludes with a total of 1294 km traveled in three days, 6 different regions across Italy to reach Michele, Mattia and Stefano.

Passion can overcome barriers, and Ducati passion always unites.

A concrete example where connectivity and digitalization have served and supported human relationships.

We hope we will continue to create awareness by sharing our journey and we can’t wait for other amazing social rides.

A special thanks to my friend Barbara for being the best companion for this adventure. To all who have contributed to the realization of this journey within the respect of the current restrictions. To Lorenzo for his beatiful pictures which will remind us of this trip for a long time (and his training on how to lift a 200 kg motorbike). To my family and my love for always supporting me with my crazy schedule.

Sara