On Monday I rode from Milan to Torri in Sabina, about 350 miles. Partly autostrada, but including the back road from Modena to Pistoia via the Abetone pass. There was a terrific thunderstorm with drenching rain, but not until after I had arrived so I was bone dry. Multi faultless as usual, though i did stop in a lay-by to apply some chain spray. Now relaxing at the home of a very hospitable friend Z, reminiscing about biking in the 70s, Bike magazine, and the origins of Classic Bike.
Multi parked in a welcoming garage: Helping to fix a Land Rover clutch: Invited to an alfresco dinner party in the Sabine Hills:
Rode north to Urbino on Thursday, checked into the hotel I had booked, and went to another hotel (the Meridiana) to look for friends and acquaintances. Luckily found some - who had cheated by having bikes trucked to Italy instead of actually riding them - and shared a very pleasant meal. Off to Misano shortly (20 miles away) to take a look at WDW, and no doubt meet up with other friends.
Turned up at the Morbidelli Museo in Pesaro on the off-chance that it might be open. It only opens Saturday afternoons, and then only if Giancarlo Morbidelli is up to it. Sadly he is poorly in hospital, so it would not be opening today.
But by a stroke of luck, the caretaker turned up. We got chatting, and he kindly offered to give me a private guided tour of the museum. This included letting me sit on the fabulous 500cc Grand Prix Morbidelli of the 1970s.
From a collection of over 300 rare or unique exhibits, it is hard to pick highlights. This 1942 Benelli 250 4-cylinder supercharged might qualify:
Also at the museum is the Minardi F1 car which Gianni Morbidelli (Junior) drove in the 1990/91 racing seasons, using Ferrari or Lamborghini engines. When the great Dorino Serafini died in 2000, he left the memorabilia of his distinguished career racing bikes and cars in the 1930s. 40s, and 50s to his old friend and fellow native of Pesaro, G. Morbidelli, to be added to the museum collection. Etc etc.
