Ducati test ride

I attended the last scheduled Ducati test ride today (sunday 6/19). I got to do a 40 minute test of the new Diavel. I wanted to test it as I hoped its low seat would allow me to touch the ground easy, and it would be a comfortable reach to the bars. The stock seat (I rode a Carbon model)(not worth the extra $3000 for the 12 lbs saved) was very comfortable, held me well. The bike can change the power delivery, but it doesn't change suspension like the Multistrada does. The 100hp urban mode had enough power, but it felt heavier, and I needed to use more throttle to do the same thing as the 162hp modes did. Clutch was very smooth. Suspension was a little rough, but there is an easy to reach knob that allows me to adjust the rear, but I didn't have time to try it out. Power delivery was smooth, even at low RPMs. As a naked bike, airflow was there, but smooth. Noise was low too. They make two different windshields, I wonder how much difference they make. The digital dash said I made 42mpg the time I rode. Dash has 2 trip odometers, and I can change the fuel display too.

I can see buying the regular $16,995 model if I were to get a new bike. It's a better motorcycle than the Thunderbolt, but the T-Bolt has bags, mabye better wind protection, a more upright seating position. So, it's better, but not better enough for a switch.

p.s. They took some pictures of me astride the bike with an umbrella girl, and they gave me a USB drive when I left, but pictures of me are absent from the drive. How's that for a dagger to the heart? "Thank you for coming, here are pictures of everyone else having fun." Of course, after hearing about the pictures, I decided not to take any myself.

Greeley Blues Fest 2011

Ditched work FRI night to attend the free concert evening. It started with an outdoor concert attended by hundreds, and they served food and stuff. I missed that. Afterwards, at 8pm, 10 acts played at the same time at bars and restaurants all over downtown. I planned on listening to a bit of each and having a beer at each venue, to support downtown businesses. These are my views:
-Started at Patrick's and listening to Clam Daddy's. 3 guys, guitar, stand up base, and harmonica. Loved their sound. Had a Left Hand Milk Stout and a Arrogant Bastard. Place was standing room only.
-Went next door to the Mad Cow. Place was packed, but no music. Between sets?
-On to the Penalty Box. Again no music, swapping bands.
-downstairs to Jager Bar, again no music.
-Over to the Rio. Rob Wilson was performing. Enjoyed his music. Had a margarita.
-Down the Street to Dutch's. Jack Handley Band was more Funk than Blues. Had a Corona.
-Missed Sky Nightclub. Don't know why.
-At the Kress, Felonius Smith finished a song and went on break.
-Walked to the Clarion, Sammy Dee Morton was almost funk, playing a big room. Had a Ginger Bee. It didn't taste as sweet as I'm used to.
-Over to Roasty's. Enjoyed Gretchen Troop Band, even waiting through a 20min break for more. Had another Corona.
-Trying to pickup the missed locations. Again no music at Mad Cow. Back to the Penalty Box, but skipped do to line. Downstairs at Jager had a 20 oz PBR, as I listened to Willie Houston. Couldn't finish the beer, awful, and I was full.
-Finished up back at Patrick's. Winding down, loved the Clam Daddy's. They finished about 12:30a. Was offered a shot, drank Jameson.

Fun evening, but I paid a bit for it today. I wish downtown was always this hopping.