The Moto dei Miti (Bike of the Myths, licterally translated) museum was founded in 2007 in the wonderful building set up by Genesio Bevilacqua, owner of Althea Ceramica company – based in Civita Castellana, near Viterbo -, world-renowned team manager and amateur rider. In this museum you can find real treasures. Such as some Ducati MotoGP bikes, including the Stoner’s World Championship one, the Ducati 1098/1198 twin-cylinder driven by Checa and Giugliano, the Lucchinelli’s 1981 Suzuki 500 GP, a Surtees’ Norton Manx, a 1994 Kocinski’s Cagiva 500, and some of the most beautiful Bimotas ever built.
“How many motorcycles do I have? My museum – Bevilacqua reveals – is an open and constantly evolving construction site. There are over 120 bikes, the result of many years of work, restorations and research of every detail plus another thirty ready for restoration. In some cases, many vehicles have been restored after a lot of interventions, which is why it is impossible to quantify their economic value “. Among the latest arrivals a Renzo Pasolini’s air-cooled Aermacchi HD 350 and the Michel Frutschi’s Sanvenero 500, the first Italian motorbike after the MV to win a 500 Grand Prix, in Nogaro in 1982. “The Sanvenero – continues Genesio – is the demonstration of the great work that there is behind such a prestigious type of motorcycle, employing and involving many technicians, workshops and specialists for the restoration and reconstruction of every part”.
“This museum basically tells about my story with the bikes, both as a rider and as a team manager. One of the most importanti s the Paolo Pileri one: he was a great friend of mine” Genesio also keeps his bikes alive by riding it and also making them riding. “Roberto Gallina tried the Capirossi’s Desmosedici and other ones. Then a baker, friend of mine, tested the 1198 SBK. The result? He fell on the ground in Vallelunga but at least…he realized his dream”. Let’s go back to the Genesio favourit bikes: “The 2010 Ducati 1098 with which I almost got the World Sbk title against many official bikes and, of course, the 2011 one, world title winner with Checa. The ones I dream of? A Honda 500 Grand Prix with which Valentino or Mick Doohan raced and won”.
