Learn more about our team
and discover our passion
We have ridden for decades all around the world, with Italian, American, Japanese, Austrian and Chinese bikes.
On road, off road and even where the streets have no name.
We have attended evens, training courses on track, off road and on road.
We slept, ate and did whatever on our bikes.
Maybe we are not as obsessive as Japanese people are, probably we are not as sharp as Germans are, for sure we are not great marketer as Americans.
But something was missing…someone that let you experience riding, smelling and living Italy as Italians do!
This is exactly what we are…that Italian twist and touch that will change your perspective.
Try it and you will get addicted!
Marco
Er Pontefice
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Marco is the former CEO at Flor International LTD, a global franchising network of Italian gelato parlors and Premium Italian Foods LTD, an International Trading Company of Fine Italian Ingredients, major players in the F&B industry.
Graduated at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in International Business and Strategic Marketing. Currently living close to Rome, with his wife Persi and two daughters Martina and Camilla.
His approach to life is inspired by instinct and passion, which you’ll find reflected in all his social activities. He is always enthusiastic about life.
When is not on motorcycle tours, he enjoys riding his Ducati Panigale V4S on tracks and twice a year enjoy exploring the Sahara deserts with friends on a wild Husqvarna FE450.
He speaks fluently English and Spanish.
He lives every single moment of his life with all his passion and positive attitude to life.
The nickname Er Pontefice (the Pope in Roman dialect) comes from his mania for cleanliness and white clothes.
Matteo
Babalus
Founder & Chief Operating Officer
Matteo “BABALUS” Santoponte is an Italian petrolhead, infected by the virus of motorsports because of his father, a former racing car driver and motorcycle rider. Following the family’ tradition, he is racing with cars since 30 years, becoming national and world champion with Ferrari, as well as driver instructor for their special programs on racing track and car’ expert.
He has worked with many brands in the automotive and motorcycle market, bringing passion, knowledge and real life know-how, involved on final development of new products, planning worldwide reveals and managing comparison test for TV, media or newspaper.
He is graduated as an aeronautical technology technician, passionate about speed, sports, music, enjoying life with an open mind and curiosity, always looking for good vibes… Let’s say“bella vita”.
He is the lucky husband of Alessia and father of a boy, Edoardo.
Babalus is a nickname, coming from the family business, a clothing store in Rome since 1973 with a R&D office in New York.
One day, in the middle of Sahara desert, Matteo and Marco met each other, becoming friends, sharing time on and off road.
Franco
Ramallo
Founder & Chief Technical Officer
Franco is a motorcycles lover since he was a child; his first real motorcycle in 2009 was an Honda CBR600RR with which he had a lot of fun and explored Italy up and down.
When he bought a BMW R1150R “Rockster” he began to grind out kilometres and visit mostly every European country.He is currently a happy owner of a GS1200 with which he has been able to continue cultivating his love for motorcycles.
He is passionate about cooking, especially Pizza, and wines.
He loves football and CrossFit, which he has been practicing for the last 9 years.
He finally realised his dream of turning his greatest passion into his job, leading motorcycle tours and introducing splendid Italy to as many people as possible.
Persi
MagicWoman
Chief Administrative Officer
Persi is the fundamental woman touch in our mostly male environment.
She used to be the Managing Director of several companies in different industries (insurance, retail and F&B).
Her goal is to keep everything on track and to support us in all the administrative and financial boring stuff.
Once in a while she likes to enjoy the pillion’s life.
She is Marco’s adorable wife and best mother of the world of Martina and Camilla.
Live the essence
of riding Italy
with us!