James Brown once sang "It's a Man's World" but in the world of motorcycling, that is quickly changing. Someone at Ducati must have seen a light go on one day and realized that status-quo advertising was only attracting roughly half of the buying dollar...and the frugal half at that. Survey's show that it is women that account for the majority of retail purchases (except for automobiles) and there are more women in the workforce now than ever. Still, we don't wish to typecast anyone here, because if the housewife/home-working mother of three wants to take a little putt after the dinner dishes are cleared, whose to say she can't?

For some reason, motor sports and enthusiast clubs have been dominated by men, perhaps secretly enjoying the rugged male stereotype that indicates you simply have to be a big, rough-and-tough dude to handle one of these fire breathers. For most of us, that reasoning is nonsense. If you ride for the right reasons (because you enjoy it) and not the wrong ones (because you want attention and/or want people to notice you) then sharing your lifestyle with women won't ever be a problem. Even mighty Harley, with their seemingly limitless advertising budget, is rumored to have contacted Ducati for a few "tips" regarding their success in attracting women customers. A perfect example of their marketing strategy is the Monster 600: lightweight, nimble and easy to ride, yet useful for even the veteran rider. During our recent travels, we've met several interesting, beautiful and talented motorcycling ladies, and it only seemed fitting that Ducati's DRA event in Las Vegas would be the perfect time to catch up with a few of them.

Debbie Evans Leavitt
Let's say you're a heavyweight Hollywood movie mogul and you need someone to do motorcycle stunts. If you want the best, you dial Debbie. Accomplished? That is an understatement; Debbie can flat ride the wheels off of most anything. In 1978 at the age of 20, Debbie was the Women's Trials World Champ in a sport that was at that time dominated by men. "I was the only women to ride in the series," says Debbie, "so I was the 'unofficial' women's champion." Some18 years later, Debbie re-entered trials riding after a woman's only class had been opened and took right up where she left off: Top US female rider in the Women's World Trials Championship three years running. "I've been riding for 37 years and was a factory rider at Yamaha for a time, on a works TY175."

Fifteen years ago Debbie, with her husband Lane (a 3-time trails World Champion), formed Leavittation, a stunt-for-hire company based in Santa Clarita, California. "We provide stunts for major Hollywood movies, video's, commercials, TV shows, you name it," says the 43 year old California resident. Debbie has performed in hundreds of small and large screen features, appearing in blockbusters like Terminator II, Gone in 60 Seconds, Barb Wire, and recently finished Matrix II. "I was given a new MV Agusta F4 to ride during filming of '60-seconds," Debbie recalls, "and the producer warned me not to scratch it because it was only one of two MV's in the country. I was supposed to run full-throttle down a narrow alley for a sound bite when some guy on a cell phone walked right in front of me. I swerved, almost hit a car then began to wobble badly. I managed to stay up, but it was very close."

Her choice of Ducati? "I'd used the 996 so many times in films, it was truly the bike I wanted. It has everything; styling, handling and especially looks! The 996 is so easy to ride fast and wheelie. I wheelie a lot." Debbie was sent to DRA by producer Tony Moore for the upcoming feature film "14K"(14kthemovie.com) and she used the facilities in Vegas to log some important track time. "It's a story about the life and times of a professional road racer, which should appeal to a lot of people who read this magazine. It will be a very realistic film; lots of real life racing scenes and action." When Debbie isn't racing or performing stunts, she and Lane spend time with their three children: Steve, 21 (a blossoming trials rider himself), Daniel, 8 and 'Becca, 5. "A lot of people make the mistake of putting their business and professional lives before everything and everyone else," says the devoted mother, "but my family comes first. Ahead of racing, ahead of working, or riding." Truly, a together lady. When Matrix II was completed, studio executives were so impressed with Debbie's work they gave her a brand new 996 to show their appreciation. "They gave away some other machines used in the film too, so I rushed out and got my personalized plate before someone else snatched it up!"

Sarah Schilke
Arriving at DRA on her racy Ducati 750 Sport, dressed in full black leathers and a helmet with horns, Sarah Schilke gives the impression she's a lady intent on having fun every time she swings a leg over. Turns out, that's a pretty fair assumption. When we asked Sarah "Why Ducati?" she replied, "Honestly it wasn't so much Ducati at first as just this Sport Dark. I was walking through a dealership and the sight of this bike on the display stopped me dead in my tracks. I thought it was absolutely the coolest looking bike I'd ever seen."

No neophyte when it comes to the motorcycling scene, Sarah is the Western Advertising Manager for American Motorcyclist; the official magazine for the AMA. "I've always admired Ducati because of their more exotic nature and have always had a special place in my heart for the Monster. Recently my appreciation has deepened as I've learned more about the company and their products. Every bike is not only a super fun, high-performance machine, but also a wondrous work of art. Throughout it's history, Ducati has been the master at this union of the aesthetic and performance." Can Sarah ride? You betcha'...in addition to street riding (she road to DRA from Southern California) Sarah also races motocross on her Yamaha WR400 4-stroke thumper, and enters desert events on another very cool machine, a KTM 250SX. Eight years ago, Sarah took the MSF course on a Honda 250 Rebel, and has owned a succession of bikes since, including a customized VFR 750.

During the photo shoot, we asked Sarah what she thought of DRA, and the whole Ducati scene. "Going to Ducati Revs America was my first real exposure to the culture and to other Ducati riders. I couldn't believe how cool everyone was.Ducatisti are a different breed, I think it has to do with the appreciation for the aesthetic value of the bikes (along with the desire for killer performance). I had such a great time and really enjoyed everyone I met. I enjoy the Ducati culture greatly, I was SOLD! I'm not just a Ducati rider anymore, but a devout Ducatista" When asked what Ducati model is next, Sarah replied; "Hmm...I just got this one and I LOVE it. I wouldn't exchange it for anything right now, but other favorite Ducatis are the Monster Dark and Chrome, the 900 Super Sport, and any of the vintage models". OK guys, here is the answer to the question your dying to ask: Yes, Sarah is single. Who knows, maybe you'll get the chance to meet her yourself one day...if your lucky, and if you can catch her. Learn more about Sarah and read some of her fan mail at: www.supersarah.net.

Nancy Ruggeri
Nancy, a 24 year old restaurateur from Canada, attended DRA with her boyfriend Ben, on their two Ducati's: a 996 SPS and Nancy's own 916 Biposto. "Four years ago I started riding on a Suzuki GSXR 600, but fell in love with Ducati, thanks to Ben." Nancy, who handles her machine like a true pro, seemed very interested when the conversation turned to how to ride faster, better and safer. "I like the Ducati mostly for the sound, but it's incredible to experience riding something so beautiful and fast. I've come to appreciate just how brilliantly the 916 handles. Ben's 996 is un-believable! Amazing power, but I love both of them. For me to tell you everything I love about Ducati, I'd need a dictionary."

When I asked if they planned on adding any more Ducs to the stable, Nancy gushed, "Ben just ordered a MH900e! We are very excited about getting that, but it's more of a collectable bike than something you ride all of the time. I'd love to get a S4 Monster, because you can modify them easier. I like being involved, working on the bikes and making personal changes. That is the best bike Ducati offers for that kind of thing."

Serena Bucci
Ok, easy guys. You might be thinking we threw in a ringer and found a supermodel to pose for this portion of the story, but rest assured, lovely 25 year old Serena Bucci is a real motorcyclist. Serena, who lives in Padova, Italy (not far from Venice), was part of a group of eight lucky women chosen from over 1400 applicants who were flown to San Francisco from Italy to attend DRA as part of Ducati's "WRS" (Women's Riding School) program. "I'm employed as a hostess, and regularly work at conventions, trade shows, and events held by Ducati and Peugeot automobiles. I couldn't help but notice how beautiful and exciting the Ducati motorcycle was, and began asking questions. Last July, I began my training with the WRS and entered the competition to win a trip to San Francisco and ride to DRA. When I was chosen, I was more excited then I'd ever been!"

The group (riding 600cc Monsters) took the scenic route and spent five days traveling to Las Vegas via California's famous coast line and colorful deserts leading to Nevada. "My favorite part of the trip was Joshua Tree Monument, although I crashed there when I went into a corner too fast and my front wheel left the road. The bike was OK, but I bruised my right hand, my leg, and got this..." lifting her glasses to reveal a pretty good shiner under her left eye. Of the new Ducatis, Serena likes the Monsters best, "Maybe the big one...the S4, but I'd be happy with a 600 like I've been riding. Maybe someday, I'll get a big bore machine like a 996 and track ride like many of the ladies are doing here.It looks like fun!"

Erin Rose
Fun, interesting, and enthusiastic, that's Erin. Traveling to DRA on "Gossamer" (named for Erin's favorite cartoon "monster"), Erin acquired her red, 750cc Monster on March 18th 2001 after a friend "dared me to sit on one." A self-confessed Ducati obsessive, Erin enjoys motorcycling as much as anyone I've ever met, her love of riding and traveling evident when she speaks. "I adore riding Goss. He is my first bike and incredibly easy to ride and control. Many folks tried to talk me out of 750cc for a first bike, but I'm glad that I stood my ground. Goss is only 390 pounds, low to the ground, and is amazingly balanced."

Like many smart women, Erin sought out training before hitting the streets (pardon the pun) and is happy to pass the advice onto others; "I learned to ride in November 2000 in the MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation). I SWEAR by the class. I don't think anyone should learn to ride without it. I'd like to certify as an MSF instructor after I get a few thousand miles under my belt. One thing they drilled into our heads was the importance of good leathers." The hair? Its beautiful, and has become a bit of a trademark for Erin. "Those are 200 small braids with feathers on the ends. The color is not my hair. It's synthetic hair that is braided in...the same stuff they use on Barbies and My Little Ponies, just longer. They fly in the wind when I ride and cars tend to stay very far back. I guess they think freaky hair makes a bigger dent. But hey, before you knock the doo, note that I never suffer from helmet hair or mangled wads of post-ride ponytail!"

Molly Culver
Perhaps best known as Tasha Dexter, the worlds most beautiful bodyguard on the hit television show VIP, Molly attended DRA as one of the celebrities present to sign autographs, make appearances, and generally improve the landscape in whatever location she happened to be at. However, Molly, an active golfer and mountain-biker, could also be seen circling the track on one of the 996Rs Ducati provided for the road racing school. Doing a damn fine job of it, too. "My grandmother is a full-blooded Native American - Choctaw and Chicasaw," says the 33 year old actress. "My Dad, who is from Oklahoma, was a jet pilot in the Navy, that's where I get my 'gotta get a faster bike attitude. I came along between my brothers, that's how I turned out to be a tomboy. We used to ride motorcycles, boys were afraid of me; they thought I'd beat them up. Wait till they see me pull out my Mark II Ruger on the show!"

Molly, who also owns a Harley Fatboy, was friendly and talkative when we visited at the lavish private party hosted by Ducati Saturday night, and related that it's often hard to find time to ride and enjoy life because of her hectic schedule, but she tries. Molly has surfaced in big screen features such as Slide Man and In the Life of Lorna Brucati. She also has extensive television experience, appearing in Saturday Night Live and the USA Network's Pacific Blue. "I've really enjoyed the people I met this weekend, motorcycle people are genuine and amicable, and Ben Bostrom is so cool. I've never seen so many beautiful motorcycles in one place in all of my life! I've got a pretty serious Ducati jones going right now." When I asked her what its like being the center of attention, Molly (a formal fashion model) revealed, "In high school I never went to a prom. I never got asked on a date. I was shocked to discover that when they put some make-up on me, I looked completely different."

Leah Bober
Meet the lady responsible for inspiring this article! The Moto-Euro staff met Leah and her husband last summer during the Heartland Tour. She and Robert lived in Missouri and attended the "Ducati Days" sport bike ride from Letko's, Ducati dealership in Kansas City. We spent the majority of the day chasing Leah and her Ducati 750 Supersport, and it was clear right from the start we had found a very serious motorcycling lady. A beautiful, talented, and highly successful one, too. "Leah is one of the most intelligent people I've ever met," commented Letko. "After she bought her first Ducati, she couldn't stand the thought of not know everything about it: how it worked, and how it was designed."

After graduating with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio State University, Leah began working to establish her engineering career in the chemical and petroleum industry. "I felt there was more I wanted to do with my life," Leah said in retrospect. "I wanted to pursue my passion for motorcycles, satisfy my curiosity in the development of racing motorcycle's engine and chassis, and to just live and breathe the lifestyle. I decided to make the career transition from the industry that I was in, to the motorcycle industry. I was determined to follow my ambitions and wanted to show that I was serious about motorcycles and at the same time, gain the knowledge and expertise needed to work on and compete in motorcycle racing. That's when I decided to go to the American Motorcycle Institute in Daytona Beach, FL, and graduated as a Factory Certified Ducati Mechanic".

Now a Manufacturing Engineer for Harley Davidson, earlier this year Leah was transferred to the Menomonee Falls plant near Milwaukee where she works on updating designs and secret projects. Is Leah passionate about the Ducati motorcycle? Judge that for yourself. "What I like best about Ducati is what they represent: speed, power, performance, competition. They are unarguably sexy and exciting too." Leah, who started on a Honda VF500 Interceptor, currently owns and rides a 2000 Ducati 996 and a 1993 Honda CBR600F2. "What else do I ride? Anything and everything on two wheels I can! Luckily, being a motorcycle mechanic I ride to troubleshoot problems and check my work, which is awesome to say the least. My latest projects were an '87 750 Paso, and a '93 750 Supersport. I have gotten the chance to demo most of the Ducati line and working for a motorcycle company means I get to examine many other interesting machines, the latest being the V-Rod. As for the Ducati's I'd still like to find and own, I'd have to say- more of them! One can never have enough to fit every mood. A superbike, perhaps a 996 SPS....maybe even a vintage single like a Mark 3."

Jim Koenig, owner of Letko's, is one of Leah and Robert's best friends. He provides the perfect recapitulation concerning this special lady; "When I found out she was leaving Kansas City and moving to Wisconsin, I was saddened, but not surprised. The only thing that surprised me was that Harley didn't move her sooner. She's that gifted. When you spend time with Leah, you almost forget that she's a beautiful young lady. She's just another gearhead, you know? Then she says, or does something wonderful and you just fall in love with her all over again."