Those of you who know us well will understand straight away why this entry is named this way. It is not our age, or how many gelatis Greg has had on this trip and not even a secret code. For those who don't know us so well - all will be revealed.

The focus for our visit to this area is to attend the World Superbikes at Imola on the weekend. BUT what motorbike rider could come to this area and not have another focus?

So, Sandra and Steve, this blog entry is dedicated to you.

Tavullia is about 20km from our hotel in Pesaro. Tavullia's most famous resident is Valentino Rossi.

Valentino rates as one of the most successful Motorbike racers of all time and has the biggest fan club. This is evident at any MotoGP you attend or watch on TV, by the yellow sea of clothing and flags in the crowd. The crowds at MotoGP's cheer every time he rides by whether he is leading or not. Even if you are not a Rossi fan you have to admit he is extremely talented, charismatic and a great ambassador for MotoGP. Now, everyone knows that we are Casey Stoner fans but we could not visit this area and not go to Tavullia to see what all the fuss is about and you never know - maybe get lucky enough to meet the great man himself.

As you approach Tavullia you start to get a feeling for the place. Trees are adorned with the 46 banner, all street lights have a Rossi flag flying from them and even the Armco railing is wrapped in a banner of repeated 46's. We parked the bike in the main street right outside the official office of the Valentino Rossi Fan Club. After checking out the memorabilia in the office we moved on to the Official Store for a look. Kerrie bought herself a 46 sticker for her Vespa and then it was morning tea time. We went across to the "da Rossi" Pizzeria. We were very impressed with the dedication to Rossi - there were numerous posters and other memorabilia to look at, menus with Rossi symbols, 46 chips on sale and even Kerrie's coffee came decorated with the famous 46. The only thing we couldn't find was a postcard to send!

Unfortunately, even though Greg joined the local gathering of men on a bench in the shade, there was no sign of the great man himself. Kerrie did eventually find a couple of postcards of Tavullia and after 'doctoring' them with a couple of stickers we were ready to ride on.

I guess we will have to wait until be attend the MotoGP at Bruno in August to get a glimpse of Valentino in the flesh!

Not only is this Valentino country, but also the area where Marco Simoncelli was born and lived. For those that may not be aware of this name, Marco died tragically in the Malaysian MotoGP in 2011. Marco was born in Catolica, only about 5km from our hotel but he lived in Coriano. This town was included in our ride home from San Marino. It is obvious as you ride through Coriano that Simoncelli was well loved. Flags fly from the lamp posts and there are several memorials in the town to him. The race track at Misano - just up the road has also been renamed after him. A fitting memorial for a very memorable rider and character.

R.I.P Super Sic 58