Misano, Italy (CNN) — In the Emilia Romagna region, on Italy’s Adriatic coast, summers are languid, sultry, and full of opportunities to dine, drink, dance, swim, relax and replenish. For a few days at the end of July, however, this scenic corner of one of the world’s most beautiful countries experiences an invasion.

From all over the world, a red-clad army converges on the towns and villages around the famous racing circuit at Misano, most of them astride rumbling, rasping motorcycles. This is World Ducati Week, and this year some 80,000 enthusiasts were bringing the noise.

A Ducati is to motorcycle lovers what a Ferrari is to car aficionados. Like its four-wheeled compatriot, the two-wheeled Italian brand has made its name creating loud, fast, uncompromising, occasionally eccentric and often achingly elegant machines. But this gathering of Ducatisti, as Ducati enthusiasts are known, is about much more than just motorcycles; they are here to have a party, and the whole community is ready to welcome them.

Cappuccinos on the waterfront

World Ducati Week on Italy’s Adriatic Coast welcomes bike fans from near and far.

Ducati

This is not your typical “biker” crowd, either. An…