Bologna’s best on show

The Ducati Owners Club of NSW, now in its 39th year, has just held their annual Concours d’Elegance on a not too sunny Sunday in September. The event, as well as the display, for lovers of Ducatis and other fine Italian thoroughbreds is also a fundraiser for the Club’s chosen charity, the Royal Rehabilitation & Disability Support Network (Royal Rehab) and was held on the hospital’s grounds at Putney. A festive atmosphere was the order of the day with the addition of food stalls and the omnipresent sound of Cappuccino machines. The Club’s Regalia and Merchandise marquees did a roaring trade selling apparel and raffle tickets to the benefit of the charity. Many of Sydney’s better known Ducati workshops displayed their wares and this year Fraser Motorcycles brought along their big red truck which was bursting at the seams with the latest from Bologna. A great crowd of bike enthusiasts braved the inclement weather to see this year’s display of fine Ducatis, from early Singles and Bevel Twins, to the latest Panigales, Multistradas and Diavels, all competing for unique trophies designed in-house by a Club Member and donated by Fraser Motorcycles and Sydney’s newest Ducati concessionaire, Sydney City Motor Cycles of Lane Cove. Winner of the “Best Racing Ducati”, was a 350 Single owned by Hugh Grant, alongside a tastefully modified Diavel, winner of “Best Ducati Muscle Bike/Cruiser. George Pethard took out the “Best Sport Classic” with his immaculate Paul Smart 1000. The “Best Bevel Drive Touring” was won by Gary Peters with his 1972 750GT.