Coast to Coast (and back?) with an Italian Supermodel

musicman · Apr 12, 2013

Don't know if Vickie Smith was there, but she is a Ducati insider who pulls strings for American Ducati customers. Since USA is their biggest market, it would seem wise of Ducati to sponsor you on a similar trip around Europe even if the sponsorship was no more than a bike, air and hotels.

So many rich possibilities from a journalistic standpoint.. compare, cultures, riders, etc.

BenZvan · Apr 12, 2013

AntiHero said: ↑

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Best placeholders ever.

fifthcircle · Apr 12, 2013

As soon as Spies sat down, I would've offered to autograph my placeholder helmet for him to keep.

lurw · Apr 12, 2013

Dennis, with everyone of your posts here I think now you reached climax, now it can't get any better, surely this has to stop sometime. But it just doesn't. You keep motivating and entertaining us with awesome little glimpses of your life. To think all this started with you getting your dream bike and heading off into the unknown and ended where you are right now is unbelievable. My hat is off to you!

By the way, I did a little trip on my bike by myself through France and Italy myself the week after Easter, and felt many of the things you described. I surely could relate to some of the stuff! Will have to do a longer trip in the future.

fritzcoinc · Apr 12, 2013

AntiHero said: ↑

A slight pang of satisfaction rises when I spot my name. Then, the undulation of anxiety and relief reaches an apogee. I see whos next to me. Kevin Duke on one side, Ben Spies on the other.
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You have arrived!

AntiHero · Apr 12, 2013

lurw said: ↑

Dennis, with everyone of your posts here I think now you reached climax, now it can't get any better, surely this has to stop sometime.
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If my past history is any indication of what's to come right when things start getting good, the hairy hands of fate intervene. Perhaps that's one reason I just want to keep moving.

fifthcircle said: ↑

As soon as Spies sat down, I would've offered to autograph my placeholder helmet for him to keep.

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Classic. Next time!

musicman said: ↑

Don't know if Vickie Smith was there, but she is a Ducati insider who pulls strings for American Ducati customers. Since USA is their biggest market, it would seem wise of Ducati to sponsor you on a similar trip around Europe even if the sponsorship was no more than a bike, air and hotels.

So many rich possibilities from a journalistic standpoint.. compare, cultures, riders, etc.
Click to expand...

"Europe with an Italian Supermodel" is all I can think about lately....I fell asleep last night examining google maps and planning out routes on my iPhone.

moodfart said: ↑

This RR is inspirational, to the point of being life changing. I hope you have some understanding of the effect this RR has had on some of us. I had some time last night, so I began re-reading it (now at page 10). This RR is showing me I can take my VFR solo, cross country; that self doubt and fear are merely a precursor of growth. Thanks again for your hard work and insight... please keep us posted on when your book will be out.
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Thanks for saying so. Everyone's support and feedback has changed my life as well. The beginning and the end of the novel are 'finished' (meaning only 20-30 more proofreads/changes, etc.), which is a relief, because it has been the most difficult writing I've ever done. The middle is a mess at this point.

Trane Francks said: ↑

I'm optimistic that Ben was way laid back and just took you at face value. Authenticity wins, man. On both sides.
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Ben was super cool! More on him in the next update....which I may not have time for until Sunday!!!

(Spoiler alert: I literally just packed my gopro in and charged up my camera batteries. R/R: San Francisco coming up soon!)

manban9888 · Apr 12, 2013

Europe on an Italian Supermodel....That's gonna be a one hell of a RR. I hope you can make it happen

rico2072 · Apr 13, 2013

AH, I kind of see why you would feel out of place, but you got invited to be there because you accomplished something mighty on a bike that was not made for that. You are not a journalist for a magazine, or a factory test rider, but you have just proved to a lot of people that the Panigale is a durable, rideable bike. Plus they didn't have to spend a ton of money for it.
You deserve to be out there! You don't get publicity like that for cheap! lol

So, how about telling us about Ben!

r3mac · Apr 13, 2013

rico2072 said: ↑

AH, I kind of see why you would feel out of place, but you got invited to be there because you accomplished something mighty on a bike that was not made for that. You are not a journalist for a magazine, or a factory test rider, but you have just proved to a lot of people that the Panigale is a durable, rideable bike. Plus they didn't have to spend a ton of money for it.
You deserve to be out there! You don't get publicity like that for cheap! lol

So, how about telling us about Ben!
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Absolutely - the idea that a fragile Italian superbike could accomplish the trip that you took is a huge event in itself. The kudos should be never ending.

I continue to come back to this thread and reread the report because of the positive vibe and energy you've weaved into words and pictures.

Cheers

Tepi · Apr 14, 2013

"Europe with an Italian Supermodel" is all I can think about lately....I fell asleep last night examining google maps and planning out routes on my iPhone.
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Be sure to hit up Finland. The scenery up north is breathtaking, plus its an easy route up to nordkapp.

bills3t · Apr 14, 2013

I started reading Friday (4/12/13) just finished today. This is " EPIC " . I've never seen a RR when the writing and photo's are stunning . First off , I want to say thank you for sharing this . Second don't stop with the writing or photo's ( still amazed at the insight and the beauty ) . Third , hope all is well with the Italian supermodel .

Scooterquest · Apr 14, 2013

Wow! Just catching up, and can't believe your good fortune. First, an all expense paid trip to Texas, and then dinner with a genuine Texan- Ducati sure knows how to say thanks!

Oh yeah, something about motorcycles in there too, I think...

lmyamen · Apr 16, 2013

Man I forget to check in on this thread and more greatness happens since the last time I posted up. I am looking forward to more posts!!!

On another note it was your thread and words that actually helped me purchase my 2nd bike, You said and I quote..

"I briefly considered the advantages and disadvantages of particular makes and models of bikes, but when it comes down to it, comfort and convenience are overrated; masochistic machines cultivate will and test mental fortitude, so something built for mileage was totally out of the question. In the end it came down to only one choice: the 1199 Panigale S"

For me I was not in a place to be able to purchase a Panigale I was on a limited budget but I purchased something I wanted rather then something that was made for "built for mileage" like a 1200gs or Tenere. I did purchase a 03 Z1000 which I have put 1,200 miles on in the past few weeks and plan on doing some larger trips this summer on it...

Just wanted to say thanks for the inspiration to through practicality out the window and purchase what you want rather then what everyone tells you that you need to have.

MotoTex · Apr 16, 2013

Thanks!

For so eloquently relating just where your motivation came from to take the road less traveled and to do what some may consider to be beyond their limits. Isn't "limit" just another way of expressing the boundaries of one's "comfort zone?"

Even when you were sitting in stopped traffic, in a tunnel, moving at a snail's pace, still, the road less traveled was beneath your tires, though not necessarily to be found beneath the tires of those around you. This has so little to do with the road itself and was more only because of the rider making an adventure of life.

It is a pleasure to follow you on this journey pushing boundaries and discovering your adventure along the way.

Happy trails!

AntiHero · Apr 17, 2013

Thanks for the suggestions, comments and positive encouragement guys! More Austin to come in just a few....

GeorgiaBound · Apr 17, 2013

This has been my favorite RR on here so far. Keep up the good work Antihero you really are an inspiration to new riders such as me. I cant thank you enough for sharing what has been an extremely personal part of your life. Its folks like you that inspire people to push thier personal boundaries of whats possible. I honestly hope you can make the Euro trip happen you have given me so many hours of pure entertainment, tips, hints and tricks I cant thank you enough. You should come up with your own little sticker LOL.

Sticker slogan submissions:
"Antihero doesnt know limits"
"WWAHD"
"Antihero says F@#$ it lets ride!"

Ok sorry just havin a little fun back to your RR

AntiHero · Apr 17, 2013

So Ben sits down, Kevin Duke is next to me and Waheed is across. Banter begins and all we do is talk bikes, racing, traveling and more bikes. Mr. Spies was super cool. He was suffering from allergies and not feeling very well, but expended the last amount of energy he had talking to all of us. We talked a little about long rides (cycling, he's a rabid cyclist) and he entertained the table with some pretty f'in funny stories of him and Schwantz and bloody hotel rooms (literal, not figurative). And he talked about some of the downsides of being a professional motorcycle racer...like the fact that you spend months out of the year on planes and in airports. You definitely could tell that he was a little shy, not exactly comfortable with attention and very modest. Anyone who didn't know who he was would think he was just a normal guy from Texas.

Absolutely riveting to see someone with superhuman abilities who doesn't think everyone around him is a demi-human. The Ben Spies Method, in action. Great guy and I wish him much luck in 2013 and beyond.

Once dinner was over I figured all the journalists would head to strip clubs and bars, but everyone piled into the elevators and up to our rooms we went. What a bunch of professionals! Alarming and refreshing. These guys take their jobs seriously.

I walk into the lobby and see this:

I get restless and need to roam. Yes, I know what's coming in the AM, but I can't sleep so I wander around Austin, which I've now spent more time in than any other city outside of places of residency. Lots of good memories.

And a little sorrow, perhaps:

At night cities stop. SF stops. NY stops. Paris stops. So of course Austin does, too. Maybe not on Friday and Saturday, but on Mon, Tues, Wed, Sun, denizens and party-goers, coeds, bus drivers, business people and anyone else who feels the sting of responsibility, retreat. I wandered alone in the cold and saw a total of three people. Surreal, tantalizing. At night, in solitude, the world reveals so much more than it does in the presence of others.

The morning felt like Christmas in a shuttle filled with a bunch of 9 year olds heading to the North Pole.

If there was a Lexus "December to Remember" or a "De Beers" ad that aspired to answer the question, "how can I show how much I appreciate, love and appreciate (yes, I said it twice) my man, the love of my life?," this is what it would look like, minus the glare on the perspiration-coated bus window:

Unfortunately there's less women in the world who ask that question than there are 1199 Rs in existence. The only way to not feel slighted for all your unrewarded good deeds is to buy one for yourself.

x

AntiHero · Apr 17, 2013

GeorgiaBound said: ↑

This has been my favorite RR on here so far. Keep up the good work Antihero you really are an inspiration to new riders such as me. I cant thank you enough for sharing what has been an extremely personal part of your life. Its folks like you that inspire people to push thier personal boundaries of whats possible. I honestly hope you can make the Euro trip happen you have given me so many hours of pure entertainment, tips, hints and tricks I cant thank you enough. You should come up with your own little sticker LOL.

Sticker slogan submissions:
"Antihero doesnt know limits"
"WWAHD"
"Antihero says F@#$ it lets ride!"

Ok sorry just havin a little fun back to your RR
Click to expand...

Perfect timing! I've designed a logo and just submitted an order for die cut stickers about 4 hours ago. :) Very cool design I think y'all will like.

GeorgiaBound · Apr 17, 2013

AntiHero said: ↑

Perfect timing! I've designed a logo and just submitted an order for die cut stickers about 4 hours ago. :) Very cool design I think y'all will like.
Click to expand...

Im in let me know when they are ready!!!!!

fritzcoinc · Apr 17, 2013

AntiHero said: ↑

Perfect timing! I've designed a logo and just submitted an order for die cut stickers about 4 hours ago. :) Very cool design I think y'all will like.
Click to expand...

Of reflective material?

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