Ducati Takes Off-Road Trip to Visit Youths with Diabetes
By Yvonne Darling

Children and motorcycles don’t often mix. But, a group of young camp goers recently broke that golden rule while taking a crash course in biker life—without helmets.

Italian motorcycle maker Ducati recently paid a visit to a Utah-based summer camp run by the Foundation for Children and Youth with Diabetes. There, they met with camp goers, ages 7-17, all of whom have the disease.

Danny Carson of Ducati North America, Duc Truck pilot Mike Johnson and Ducati’s Bobby Iredell made the trip to the camp while in Utah for the Miller round of the AMA races this past June.

"We spent about 45 minutes answering questions and talking about the bikes," said Carson, who was contacted by a foundation staff member about the camp.

The camp, located just outside Tooele, is run by a small staff, most of whom also has diabetes.

According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 20.8 million people—7 percent of the U.S. population—had diabetes, a serious disease the can lead to can lead to premature death, in 2005. That same year, about 176,500 people aged 20 years or younger had the disease, says the agency.

Ducati, known for its racing-inspired motorcycles, remains one of the most well-known Italian motorcycle manufacturers in the world. Today, Ducati bikes are sold in more than 60 countries worldwide. In addition, World Ducati Week—the company’s signature event—attracts over 400,000 people from around world.

According to Carson, the Utah camp visit was a big success. "We gave the kids lanyards and posters and made them feel like part of the Ducati team. It was a real hit with the kids and we had a great time doing it.”