Ducati Tours

Ducatitours Newsletter - January 2010

Administrator — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:12:42 GMT

Ducatitours/REDBIKE Tours Newsletter - 18 January 2010

To start with, a belated "Happy New Year" to everyone!

2010 is bringing some changes with it - so please read on.

To start we would like to introduce a new operating name/domain, REDBIKE Tours (www.redbiketours.com). As the above banner shows, we have decided to modify our operating name to REDBIKE Tours but we have not modified what we do!

We are still the original and best Ducatitours company, we still have the worlds biggest and most exclusive fleet dedicated to Ducati motorcycles, and of course our service, trips in general and the riding experience we offer is the same. In fact we are introducing some additional options to make the service and experience even better than ever before! (see below for details!) Why are we changing the name? We have been using the Ducatitours name with permission from Ducati for the last few years but they have asked us to release the domain so that they can offer a centralised database of Ducati tours (which will of course be predominantly our tours!)

The www.ducatitours.com domain and ducatitours.com email addresses will still work for the next 6 months but please do change your address book contacts to redbiketours.com. The format remains the same so, for example, joe_c@ducatitours.com will become joe_c@redbiketours.com

2010 is starting stronger than 2009 (is the world situation improving?) and we can already say that places for the Italian MotoGP trip are getting scarce. We are practically sold out of bikes in md May too! The World Ducati Week is being run in early June and that trip is expecting a sell out soon!

We are thinking of offering two different itineraries to the WDW. The first (as on the site here) will spend a few days in Tuscany before moving to Misano for the WDW, the second trip would be a more rider oriented route up to the Dolomites and then to the WDW. If you are interested in the Dolomite option please email us.

So, in general, if you are are thinking of coming to Italy around May and June, email us soon!

Itinerary roundup:
In 2009 we added new itineraries of the Alps & Monte Carlo and Northern Italy Adventure. Both of these itineraries worked extremely well and so are back in the schedule for 2010. The Alps & Monte Carlo trip offers an incredible mix of landscapes and an unparalleled riding experience so the itinerary is being repeated exactly as before. Although classed as a 'tour' on our scale of tours, events and experiences, the riding days on this trip are longer than some and so the trip does take more energy than, for example our Tuscan weeks.

The Northern Italian Adventure is being modified slightly due to feedback from the group as one of the hotels was too good to only use for one night! Therefore the first 'rest' day is being moved by a day to make the first double night stay in Bormio giving people the choice of riding into Switzerland for a day or having a day luxuriating in the Spa facilities of the Nuovi Bagni hotel. The second rest day in 2009 was held in Venice which, while interesting, seemed to be too far from the motorcycles for some, so we have altered the route from Bormio, into the heart of the Dolomites at Val Gardena, an overnight stop there, before a descent to Bologna where the second rest day will be held. To see full details, please click here

Our always popular itineraries of the Tuscan 7 night, Chianti 5 night and 4 night weekend trips are of course still in the schedule.

We are also offering the double option of a week trip or a 4 night weekend trip to the San Marino superbikes race in 2010. Currently we only have a week option for the Imola superbikes round, but when/if the event is confirmed we may add a weekend trip to the schedule for that too.

Superbike weekend: 4 night weekend trip for people wanting to come and ride for a two or three days and watch the race. The price has been set as low as possible while still including use of the bikes, grandstand tickets at the race and the same level of luxury and service you get with all of our trips. The price for the weekend trip is �2195 for riders and �595 for passengers. Full details of the itinerary can be seen here

Fleet update
Bikes
The fleet remain much as 2009 but we have added a couple of Hypermotard 1100s to the list plus a Monster S4RS. This is in response to the bookings we have had in 2009 with the Hypermotard clocking up more miles than any other model. In many ways it does offer the best mix of abilities for the type of riding we have here.

Equipment
For rental clients we can still offer set of Ducati panniers for the Multistrada, a Garmin Zumo 550 GPS navigation system (which can be connected to any bike) and Ventura bike packs for the Monster 1100 and Monster 696 (we also have these available for 848 and 1098S - if you really want!) and of course full luggage for the ST3. The ST3 now also sports a set of heated grips and a set of Ducati Performance exhausts. To add to the 'touring' options, the GT1000 now has a set of leather panniers to complement its all round abilities.

How about a family holiday in Italy with a Ducati at your disposal

After last years lauch of 'family Ducati holidays'. For 2010 we have structured the offer a little more. On the basis that there is a large number of riders out there who can't take a week holiday in the summer without their family, we offer a solution to keep everyone happy!

The Tuscan Ducati Holiday is planned for two weeks in August starting on either 14th or 21st of August. The week includes:

* Transfer from Pisa or Florence airports to the hotel in the heart of the Chianti region

* 7 Nights of 4 star accommodation for up to 3 people in one family room or a 4 person family in a double and a twin room (rooms have basic cooking facilities so you don't need to go out everynight!). The hotel provides breakfast, has a glorious pool and can organise optional extras such as massage, lunches etc

* Access to a choice of Ducati motorcycle located at the hotel (there will always be one more motorcycle than riders booked!)

* On site motorcycle guide/driver for anyone wanting escorted rides

* On site hire car with two days of dedicated use per family/rider (additional days 150 euro per day)

* On site van for evening transport of families to/from restaurants (10 euro 'taxi' fee applies)

* Transfer back to airport

* Optional day excursions including (subject to availability):

Guided trips to various locations with a driver (van based -50 euro per person per day)
* Quad trips (150 euro for a half day - up to 2 people)

* Enduro ride (250 euro for a day)

* Horse riding (price TBC)

We can also organise mountain bikes to be at the hotel (child & adult - prices TBC)

So you can ride as many days as you want, often on a different, spend a day by the pool, partake in an adventure activity or have a family day out; all for a rock bottom price! - prices starting at 2100 euro - click here for details

Remember!!!!
If you are interested in a personalised trip, extensions (or shortening) of any of the tours as described on the site or have a possible group booking to make, email us at ducatitours@gmail.com with your requirements and we will always do our best to provide for your particular holiday needs.

Email your suggestion to ducatitours@gmail.com or Redbiketours@gmail.com

A New Name and an Improved service

Administrator — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:16:48 GMT

Ducatitours is changing its name to REDBIKE Tours. We are still exclusively running Ducati motorcycles and we still provide THE BEST motorcycle holidays in the world, so we remain the original Ducatitours company and we remain better than all the newer pretenders!

We are changing the name as Ducati are due to release a centralised tour database later this year for any licensed companies offering such trips. We have been using the Ducatitours name with the permission of Ducati since our creation a few years ago and we continue to work with Ducati to offer touring solutions on Ducati motorcycles.

Reduced Rental Rates

Administrator — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:39:58 GMT

To help usher in a good new year to everyone, we have brought down our rental rates across the board.

Daily rental rates now start at 165 euro and weekly rates start at 850 euro. We have modified the conditions on 1098, Streetfighter and 1198 models so that these now have a minimum rental period of 4 or 7 days (depending on model)

The second piece of good news is that we have reduced the liability that clients face with the bikes. All bikes up to 1098 level have only 3000 euro of security deposit with the 1098, Streetfighter and 1198 having 5000 euro.

We have simplified and re-written some other terms and conditions. Please follow the link below for full details

Budget for your trip ahead of time

Administrator — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:45:54 GMT

We pride ourselves on offering the best motorcycle holidays and the best service. In order to make our trips even more convenient for our customers, we now give you the chance to pre-pay for food (excluding drinks) for you and fuel for your bike.

So whenever we stop to fill the bikes up, you just follow the tour guide to his pump and he will sort it out for you. Lunches and dinners are included with a free choice from the menu at whichever restaurant/trattoria the group stops at.

For full details, please follow the link below

New options for making your customised trip something really special!

Administrator — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:34:21 GMT

We have created some partnerships in order to offer our clients more exciting options: Now you can add a half day Quad ride, a day of scooter rental or a day of enduro riding to your tour!

These options are generally added on to the end of your tour as an additional day but we are happy to try and arrange them as part of the itinerary if required.

So all you have to do is let us know what you would like to try and we will organise the rest!

Happy New Year

Administrator — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 21:20:14 GMT

Wishing all clients and visitors a happy New Year for 2010 from Ducatitours/REDBIKE Tours

New Videos

Administrator — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:52:39 GMT

The 2009 season has now started so we have started uploading new videos and new gallery images!

For 2009 we have invested in some new on-bike video equipment so hopefully you will see some really exciting new footage here soon!

We will soon be announcing a DVD option to tour clients too. For more information email us at ducatitours@gmail.com

Monster 696 and 1100S for short rides........

Administrator — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:15:44 GMT

We have ordered a lowered seat that will fit the Monster 696 or 1100S for any riders who are a little shorter in the leg. The seat is a high quality item from the Ducati Performance catalogue and so if you find it more comfortable that the standard seat for your Monster you can always get one too!

The seat has a 70 euro per week equipment rental charge

Fleet Update

Administrator — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 18:10:41 GMT

We have a couple of very exciting new additions to the Ducatitours' fleet!

The first is a brand new Streetfighter S, powered by a development of the 1098 engine and incorporating traction control, Brembo monoblocs and Ohlins suspension. This is going to be a very interesting ride!

We also have added a limited edition 999R to the fleet. This carbon fibre clad superbike has enough power, technology and heritage to transport any rider from their normal ride to a special place on the Superbike grid!

Both bikes are available for tours and rentals (tours subject to a 150 euro surcharge)

30 March Newsletter

Administrator — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 21:14:54 GMT

With the season about to open with out first 'summer season' tour on April 7th, so we thought we should get this email out before its gets too busy!

We still have a number of places available for most itineraries this summer with the (not surprising!) exceptions of the Italian MotoGP and San Marino MotoGP trips and the June 4th Tuscan Tour which are more or less full if you are thinking of coming to any of those trips, email us immediately!

For anyone already booked to come out to us, for a tour or to rent a bike, please remember to email us if you have any questions and/or special request. We look forward to seeing you this summer and will be doing all we can to make your holiday a positive and memorable one!

New Itinerary: San Marino Superbikes Weekend

We have inserted a new itinerary into the calendar. For some reason, one of the best events of the year, the San Marino Superbikes round at Misano, is currently under-subscribed so we have created a 4 night weekend trip for people wanting to come and ride for a couple/three days and watch the race. The price has been set as low as possible while still including use of the bikes, grandstand tickets at the race and the same level of luxury and service you get with all of our trips. The price for the weekend trip is �1895 for riders and �495 for passengers.Full details of the itinerary can be seen here

We are offering a special discount for the Tuscan Tour of September 9th 2009. Any bookings received before May 10th for this trip will qualify for a discount of �150 per person (so a �300 discount for a couple!) Email us to take advantage of this offer

Competition tickets
We have a few more prize draw tickets to sell before the draw scheduled for the end of April. For your chance to win a free holiday, click here

New Bikes & Equipment
Bikes
We have now completed the "run-in" of the new Monster 1100S and very nearly completed the process on the 1198S.

The Monster has already proved itself to be a highly flexible bike capable at tackling all types of riding and roads with a nice spread of power, stable and responsive chassis and powerful brakes. It does get to my "old man's knees" after a few hours but we can probably blame the lack of winter riding as much as the bike for that!

We are debating whether to install any 'extras' to this bike (Termignoni, cams, slipper clutch etc). Feel free to let us know your opinion when you book the bike!
This bike is already booked out for a number of weeks over the summer but if you fancy a go, I am sure we can fit some time in somewhere

The 1198S is as expected. Its not as light or powerful as the 1098R but it does a credible impression of a rocket launcher anyway! The traction control isn't really called for at running in revs but its there when we need it! Please remember this bike is only available at our discretion to people with sufficient experience.

We have installed a slipper clutch to the bike (we have also just put one onto the 1098S and would like to appeal to all buyers of 1098 and 1198 bikes to email Ducati (the factory not the dealer) about installing these as standard!!!!

Equipment
For rental clients we have added a couple of items to the list including a full set of Ducati panniers for the Multistrada, a Garmin Zumo 550 GPS navigation system (which can be connected to any bike) and Ventura bike packs for the Monster 1100 and Monster 696 (we also have these available for 848 and 1098S - if you really want!)

Support Vehicle

I am sure you are all very excited to hear about the new support vehicle! 9 Seats and 4 wheels (about 8 seats and 2 wheels too many in my opinion!) so that we can get more people more comfortably to the restaurant/bar at the end of the day!

On the plus side, for any passengers that do not want to ride on the back of the bike for a day, the van has plenty of room, air conditioning, privacy glass and a new navigation system to help the driver get you to the sights/shop/health spa you require!

If you arrange to meet us at any place other than the standard airport arrivals area, the van is the one with 2 metre long "Ducatitours" stickers on the side..........

[img http://www.ducatitours.com/images/family.gif width=770 height=100]
How about a family holiday in Italy with a Ducati at your disposal

We have a couple of 'partnership' proposals for you if you are in the position of needing a holiday with the family but would love to have a bike available too! We have two self catering properties available, one a city centre apartment in Lucca's beautiful historic 'centro storico' the other a country house just a few minutes ride/drive from the centre of Lucca. Both apartments are fully equipped for a family stay, with high quality kitchens, linens, etc. We will deliver the bike(s) to you (if you want more than one bike, please let us know and we will organise a quote) and even pick you and your family up from the airport!

Apartment della Cervia
This fully restored and luxuriously furnished apartment is right in the heart of the city. It includes two bedrooms (a double bed in one and two single beds in the other), 2 bathrooms, living room, kitchen and dining area plus a large terrace outside with table, chairs and gas bbq. The apartment has Sky TV, high speed internet, DVD and CD system and is perfect for a family of up to 4. The normal summer price of the apartment and bike hire would be 1900 euro for a week but we are happy to offer a special Ducatitours' price of 1400 euro which includes the apartment for a week a Ducati motorcycle for the week and secure garage parking for the bike. If you are interested in this (and subject to availability) please email Joe at ducatitours (ducatitours@gmail.com). Full details of the apartment can be found at here

Casale dei Tigli
This fully restored and stylish farm buildings have been divided to create two self contained holiday houses, one with two beds, two baths and the other with three beds 3 baths. The apartment has Sky TV, high speed internet, DVD and CD system and is perfect for a family of up to 4. The normal high season price of one unit and bike hire would be 1650 euro for a week (for the two bedroom property) but we are happy to offer the same special Ducatitours' price of 1400 euro which includes the holiday property and a Ducati motorcycle for the week. If you are interested in this (and subject to availability) please email Joe at Ducatitours (ducatitours@gmail.com) The Casale website is under construction at the moment but pictures can be seen here

Superbikes Competition:

Congratulations to Robert and Sarah Beckett who won the star prize of a free holiday for two from the February/March Superbikes Magazine competition and are coming out to join the April 7th trip. We are hoping to re-run a similar competition towards the end of the summer for a 2010 trip so keep buying the magazine! We hoping to get a quick follow up in the magazine too so keep an eye out to see how Rob gets on.

Remember!!!!
If you are interested in a personalised trip, extensions (or shortening) of any of the tours as described on the site or have a possible group booking to make, email us at ducatitours@gmail.com with your requirements and we will always do our best to provide for your particular holiday needs.

And Finally - Everyone else is doing it, so captions for this please!
As you all know, a certain "MM" has moved away from Ducati Corse to ride some japanese dinosaur, so here we have tried to put his coming season into a single picture.The best caption (as judged by Ducatitours) will win a free Ducatitours 2009 t-shirt!!!

Email your suggestion to ducatitours@gmail.com