Phil Schilling has gone, and with him a piece of me. Phil was my mentor, my great professional guide, and a wonderful friend for 43 years. Our friendship dates from the Imola 200 of 1972. Phil was the only journalist coming from the US, and I was the only one there speaking American English, on loan from Ducati to the organizers. Phil was in Bologna for almost a week, and we spent time together at Ducati and at the races. Put simply, it was absolutely great. Phil had a lot of questions, and luckily Dr. Taglioni and I had most of the answers. His curiosity and enthusiasm for Ducati were contagious. We closed these fabulous days at dinner, often exchanging comments and jokes. It all started then. I had been an avid Cycle reader since college, and meeting and assisting Schilling, the Editor-in-Chief was a big privilege. A few months later, Phil hired me as contributor and that was the beginning of a great adventure. He had a way of transforming his enormous culture into an unequalled professional finesse. His great, fundamental teaching to all of us was this: Even when writing about bikes, pistons, rods, races and all involved, we should do it in a refined English literature style. 
I grew with that in mind, reading over and over again his stories to savor his beautifully articulated English. He also led the magazine like a supreme helmsman, sailing strong and straight with no compromises. Sure, times were different. New motorcycles were selling by the truckload and the industry was happy, more willing to accept criticism whenever a new bike missed the target. With honesty, credibility, and passion, Phil served his readers. And he also applied this to his hobby—restoring great motorcycles with soul, such as a very rare Ducati 125 Desmo “Barcone” and one of the Imola ’72 Ducati 750 SS racers. Phil’s health problems trapped his great spirit in his body. I met him in Santa Barbara last year, and in my heart I will keep a memory of the hug we exchanged as a last, most precious gift. Thank you, Phil, for everything. Your soul is free from all burdens and rides free. Godspeed, Phil.Gadget Reviews: mamaktalk.com
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