Santa Cruz to San Diego aka F1 rescue!

Ducati of Santa Cruz had a mission to drop off an RSV4 in San Diego and we figured why not pick
up one of J’s many bastard children that are spread around the world.
Yes, Jason has bikes not only across the state, at buddies shops, but in at least 2 different countries…
I think the “Buy It Now” button is easy, but the “Pick It Up” button is missing
One of my (Jason Beatty) favorite Ducati’s is the F1 750. My old boss John Hoffman from Cycle Specialties of Athens raced them and taught me to work on them in my early 20’s…I love them.
So Jay (Jason Putris - owner of Moto Italian/ Ducati of Santa Cruz) mentioned a road trip to SD and I offered to go along IF we brought the F1 back.

So our trip begins.

Leaving Santa Cruz- Jason Beatty and the Aprilia RSV4

Far too many smokes, but tons of good conversation ensued as we charged to San Diego and had a smooth ride of about 8 hours. It seems in real life you never get a lot of time, with your friends, to hang and talk shop, cell phones and life always get in the way. A road trip is a good time for this.

We arrived at GP Motorsports in San Diego and met our buddy Paul Lima.

GP Motorsports - DUCATI OF SAN DIEGO

It was my first trip to his new store (it is IN town near the airport and a great location) and he showed us around and introduced us to his crew. Solid shop full of new and old bikes - love it. Paul has an amazing collection of vintage bikes including Velocettes, Vincents , Guzzis and Ducatis…many British bits too…He didn’t have time to take us to the ‘home’ shop to view the collection, but I will get some pictures on the next trip (I think he owes me a ride on the Vincent for making making me wait to see it).

After unloading the Aprilia and hanging out a bit at GP Motorsports we jumped in the truck and Jay and I headed over to Moto Forza to claim the 750 F1. A short drive to Moto Forza and we were greeted by the owner Balz. Balz had the bike ready and cleaned up, but we poked around the shop looking at all the cool singles and bikes he has on display. Moto Forza is a cool shop and Balz and his crew are solid. We also met Kris Cordato who works at the shop and also runs 13Choppers.
These guys build CRAZY Ducati based choppers.

13 Choppers

After loading up the F1 we headed to a local pizza joint with Balz to talk bikes, shops and why Balz’s Superlight is one of the coolest Ducati’s ever.
Good Times.

750 F1 loaded and ready to go!

750 F1 loaded and ready to go!

After pizza we headed back to Santa Cruz as what kind of road trip is one way…

Jason (Putris) late night gas-up!

Here is the F1 at it’s new home Ducati of Santa Cruz.

Ducati 750 F1 at home at Ducati Santa Cruz

I think we have to make another trip to see Paul, Balz and San Diego’s finest bike shops soon, maybe we will take a few vintage Italian Ducatis/Guzzis with us and check out their roads as I hear they ain’t bad…