Scenes like this lunchtime feast in Gangi were common, with local townspeople preparing their specialty in honor of those riding in Italy's oldest motorcycle competition. (Photo: Larry Williams) » More Photos

Touring Class
Riders: Louise Brady & Eric Bradley
Bikes: Ducati 620i Monster & ST2

This father and daughter tandem used the Giro to get back to their roots and spend some quality time together. Eric is retired and living happily with his ST4 in the rolling green of Derbyshire, while Louise, a fashion model-turned TV star is making it big on London's airwaves. Earning raves for her work on "Bikes Aloud", she doubles as a journalist for the Sun, and Pop couldn't be prouder. "I've wanted to take part in the Motogiro since I saw the first reviews," says Louise, whose stunning beauty nearly hides her talent as a motorcyclist. "Equally, I've been promising dad a motorbike trip to Italy and a visit the Ducati factory. After the first leg of the Motogiro, my arms and neck were all of a tremble. I slept for 10 hours that night!" Eric, who began riding six years ago added, "What can a man say when all he has to do for seven days is get out of bed, have a nice breakfast, then ride his motorbike for the rest of the day? The icing on the cake was that my daughter was cornering faster than me!" Eric delivered the Giro's best quip while in the midst of Sicily's glorious scenery: "If God made anything better than this, he kept it for himself."

By day four, I'm into this. Rising early, I'm anxious to ride the route, introduce myself to more Giro riders and immerse myself in the most bodacious vintage bike event anywhere. Although I've earned a tremendous amount of respect for the riders and their abilities, an equal measure of admiration is directed at the staff and organizers. Mille grazie to Ducati's Vince Chiaro, press manager Ludovica Benedetti, and my pals Vittorio Fabbri and Gabriele Pizzirani. Without them, the kids from M-E would be swimming home. Finally, the kindness and hospitality shown to us by Elisa Maria Cerra and Elena Buchberger of Dream Engine, the Italian promoter responsible for resurrecting the Moto Giro, was unforgettable. Ladies, you're "Più bello di un fiore."

Vintage Class
Rider: Erwin Vanden Broeche
Bike: 1953 Mondial Monoalbero 125

"Erwin was born 50 years late, but he's the real deal," says Vicki Smith. "Everything about him indicates he would have been racing that bike for Mondial when it was new." That description fits, and is much appreciated, seeing as how this stone-faced Belgian doesn't say much. Instead he lets his riding, and this stunning 1953 Mondial factory GP racer do the talking for him. As difficult as the Motogiro is, Erwin placed on a peaky, high-strung, period GP bike, without the aid of a kick-starter or teammates. When the FIM began world roadracing championships back in 1949, Mondial and her sisters from Italy responded with a host of pure competition motorcycles, this being Mondial's version for the 125 class. Smith continues. "He's truly a jewel. The 175s can't touch it because they're street versions. He tore the knee out of his leathers the first day on a guard rail!" Erwin did respond with one quote, saying, "It'll be junk by the time I get it home."

At the finale in Sferracacallo, just east of Mondello, I witnessed the true faces of the Motogiro. These were happy faces, shaking hands and grinning, bonded in the realization that something special had just been accomplished. It had. For in a world where these seemingly fragile, vintage treasures are lovingly stored away and kept safe, the machines of the Motogiro had been subjected to that for which they had been produced. It didn't matter to me - at least - that the overall winner received a new Ducati 800SS custom painted in Giro colors; all were genuinely happy for the good fortune. Have you've read enough? Prepare a bike, book your ticket, and find out for yourself. But remember, no pretenders allowed. These guys are serious about having fun.