Ducati factory visit

[Ned]

Well after being back at work for just over two months following the broken leg whcihc is pretty much all well now, Mrs Ned and I are buggering off on an OE becuse we're both fed up. I haven't been back on my FJ because its rego has now lapsed and I've put it on hold for another 3 months while we swan off around Europe on a SKI holiday. Included our plans are Bologna - home of the Ducati factory and museum which can be visited for free - so it would be rude not to visit! We also plan on getting to Sammy Miller's museum in Pomgolia where I have always wanted to go having met the man twice at classic meetings in NZ. We originally planned to go and work in Japan after that for another year but the contract I had lined up has fallen through due to the recession so I have a year's leave of absence from work and no income!

I might post a few pics - I probably won't be doing any biking as we're back packing and can't lug all the riding gear around. See you in about 3 months...

Ned

Glossary
SKI hoilday = Spend the Kid's Inheritance
OE = Overseas Experience (as in what most kiwis do some time in their life, 3rd time round for us)

[Arnie]

Ned,
Have a great time.
Don't worry, we'll still be here when you return :-)

Cheers,
Arnie

[gradice]

Onya Ned,

You & the Missus have a Blast Mate!!!!

[Yamifj1200]

Ned, enjoy yourself, be careful dont mess that leg up again. Your FJ misses you......... Keep in touch and let us know where you are having fun...

Eric M

[Ned]

Thanks Eric and co.

The ole legs pretty good but it looks like I may need another minor op to reattach a ligament that is not doing it's job properly. Doesn't effect my walking but makes standing on one leg hard - and balancing an FJ. I'm really looking forward to Italy but I've hired a car for part of it and driving an LH drive car on the wrong side of the road will be new. I've done France and Germany in an RH drive and that was easy. Using the wrong hand to change gear could be a bit of a challenge - a bit like swapping from an old Brit bike to a Jap bike - lots of locking up of the back wheel every time I stomped on the brake instead of the gear change. However all things can be overcome!

Ned - Only ten sleeps to go....

[Harvy]

Ned.... good to hear the undercarriage is almost back to OEM mate.......apart from the alignment anyway.

Hope you and Mrs Ned have a blast in Europe.........I will, as usual, offer my baggage carrying abilities to you if you so desire.....lol.

Not good about the lack of income for the coming year mate........ hope something turns up fairly soon.

Enjoy
Harvy