The Big Day.

After years of telling Eric to slap me if I ever threatened to buy a 4-valve Ducati, he let me down when push came to shove. Those dang Marchesini wheels were the straw that broke the camel's back. It was time. The much liked 1995 900ss (in background) was returned to whence it came, and the 2000 996 was chosen to take it's place. At the time this photo was taken, I wasn't sure if that was a good idea or not.

Yeah, right. This bike ROCKS! Except for the fact that my lack of riding skill is even more obvious now.

The Team YIKES! aviary. Obviously overcrowded.

And no, I am not a squid. The 996 is missing it's turn signals, license plate, mirrors, and other things in this photo because I had just returned from a trackday at Gingerman Raceway.

Trivial Observation: Power drops about 40hp with each vehicle as you walk into the garage... yes, that's a stonkin' 36hp VW in the background.