Cigars and... Ducatis (of course!) - Ducati.ms

DUCeditor · Sep 14th, 2006, 8:37 am

Here is a brief Ducati story to cheer your cigar-lovin', Ducati-riding, hearts.

About 12 years ago, when Ducatis were truly rare, and the Monster had just been introduced, I had a part in starting what may have been the first 'on line' (pre-web) Ducati club. We called it "CD-ROM" (Crazed Ducati-Riders of Massachusetts) to tie together this new-fangled computer craze and our love of Ducatis.

That club attracted an amazing mix of people and we had some absolutely wonderful rides. The most memorable to me was a two-some. Just me on La Bella Rossa and a club member who was until then a total H-D person, but who had fallen in love with the Monster. Tattooed from here to places I had no desire to see, a real wrench turner, and a very capable and experienced rider, he and I shared little in common except two things: Our love for our bikes and of good cigars.

Oh yes, and this fellow was a Cuban-American. (you can likely see where this is leading)

One day he and I met early for a long ride through the White Mountains. He led and took me on road after fabulous road, many of which I have never yet been able to rediscover. But the highlight was on one I knew well: The fabulous Kangamagus Hiway; affectionately known to riders everywhere as "The Kank."

There are several scenic turnoffs on The Kank, each with a glorious view of the majestic Presidential mountain range. And at the grandest of these he pulled over and said to me "Now I have a surprise for you." Reaching into his saddle bag he pulled out two neatly wrapped cigars. "They're Cuban" he said, "The real thing."

We lit up together there, sitting on some large rocks with our Ducatis glistening in the sun behind us and a bright sun shining on the mountains in front of us. If heaven really exists, I thought, it must be something like this!

For me the CD-ROM experience ended sadly. New and less skilled riders made several rides in a row end with a wait for an ambulance. And then 'politics' entered in. After two years I decided not to run again for club president, and then, not pleased with where the club was going I left and started DUC. But the smell and taste of that cigar - my fist real 'cuban' - remains with me still, along with memories of my companion's laughter and warm smile.

Friends. Good bikes. A sunny day. Good roads. A fine cigar. Life doesn't get any better than that.

-don

WKinNJ · Sep 14th, 2006, 12:54 pm

Nice story - I have to get back up there! Many years ago I did some technical climbing near North Conway. I remember looking down the street through the center of town and seeing a great view of Mt. Washington off in the distance. Regrettably I have never been on two wheels every time I've visited.

**geospencer** · Sep 14th, 2006, 6:28 pm

Great story! Thanks.

I almost always carry a cigar along for the ride . . . just in case I get the chance to stop and contemplate things.

**egrafx2006** · Sep 14th, 2006, 8:43 pm

I'll drink to that...

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUCeditor

Here is a brief Ducati story to cheer your cigar-lovin', Ducati-riding, hearts...
-don

ozmanyyy · Sep 15th, 2006, 7:32 am

Quote:

Originally Posted by DUCeditor

For me the CD-ROM experience ended sadly. New and less skilled riders made several rides in a row end with a wait for an ambulance. And then 'politics' entered in. After two years I decided not to run again for club president, and then, not pleased with where the club was going I left and started DUC. But the smell and taste of that cigar - my fist real 'cuban' - remains with me still, along with memories of my companion's laughter and warm smile.

Friends. Good bikes. A sunny day. Good roads. A fine cigar. Life doesn't get any better than that.

-don

Don,

Thats a nice story. I'm a fan of cigars, though I'm not that sophisticated. I love cheap backwoods. And lately I'm into Acid Blondies.

I've been on the CD-ROM list for a very long time, but I guess, after you left. Sorry to hear that you had a bad ending. I have met some really good people, and still stay in touch with those guys and see them now and again. We were having a yearly holiday party that was fun too. Again, sorry you left with a bad taste, but I will say thanks to starting it in the first place...

Best

DUCeditor · Sep 15th, 2006, 9:55 am

Oz,

In any group there comes, over time, to be different visions of what the group should be and how it should function. The same things that made me choose to leave CD-ROM may have been the drawing card for others. Main thing is: I'm glad to hear that you are enjoying yourselves. Please say "hi" for me to any old friends we may have in common.

Cheers!

-don

Mac900 · Oct 11th, 2006, 12:29 pm

In about a month or so I should be done with a long list of modifications. I'm debating between a Cuban Montecristo #2 or Opus X Perfection #2 to celebrate with.

DUCeditor · Oct 11th, 2006, 12:53 pm

Hmmm... Sounds like it'd be worth celebrating twice.

-d

Duc800 · Oct 11th, 2006, 4:39 pm

You could go with a Payne-Mason Reserva Selecta Double Corona Maestro #4 or perhaps a Reserva Selecta Torpedo Barber. Of course I'm biased as I'm part owner of the company ... so if you like cigars and/or chocolate and/or coffee check us out. Doug

bruce19 · Oct 12th, 2006, 8:07 am

Actually, Don, you may not remember this but it was you who got me started in this insanity of Ducati ownership. After 16 yrs. of BMW-ness I posted a question about what it was like to own a Ducati. Your advice, as I recall, was, "Don't ride one unless you intend to own one." And, you were right. So, now since 1998 I've owned a Duc. The latest being my '02 998 that I bought from a guy in Manchester, NH. Great stuff.

bruce19

aka: Bruce Bellm
Mansfield Center, CT