Two reasons to celebrate
The Ducati Owners Club of Queensland were invited along to the Queensland launch of’ San Pellegrino’s Ducati Special Edition launch. San Pellegrino is of course Italian and they sell mineral water. They have joined with the famous Italian motorcycle brand to release Ducati-branded San Pellegrino water. 15 or so Ducatis gathered and left on mass to arrive at Superior Fruit at Graceville for the Brisbane launch. The parking area out front of the shop was sectioned off so we could display our bikes to the public. To add to the Italian flavour we were flanked by a couple of black Ferraris – a 458 Spider and an FF (Four wheel drive 4 seater). San Pellegrino had set up a display on the footpath. It was a rather clever representation of a podium with large stacks of the new labelled water each side, a TV showing motorcycle racing and a cut-out picture of a Monster was hung centrally above the podium to cap the display. On arrival we were generously offered bottled and flavoured water by courteous waitresses as were the passing public which gathered like bees to a honey pot. The most interesting part of the day came when Qld Minister for Transport Scott Emerson took an interest. He must live close buy and popped over to see what the commotion was about. He took a particular liking to my Silver Shotgun and wanted to know more about it. A few photos were taken and the conversation swung around to the recent motorcycle survey on proposed changes to Queensland motorcycle laws. Scott went on to suggest that many of the proposed changes were a pretty sure bet for approval. I was actually rather impressed with his seemingly genuine enthusiasm for our bikes. Since then it has indeed been announced that lane filtering, internationally accredited helmets, and being able to now take a hand off the bars or foot off the pegs will be legal in Queensland by early 2015. More information can be found on http://tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Queensland-road-rules/Motorcycle-road-rules.aspx Now that is probably the only good news we’ve had as Queensland motorcyclists since the now infamous bikie laws were introduced. Two great things happened that day which urged me to crack open another celebratory bottle of San Pellegrino. Gaven Dall’Osto Aspley, Qld