Michael Hobbs of Italian fractional development Appassionata (www.appassionata.com) is a busy man. Not only does he have a hectic schedule running his luxury and boutique company in Le Marche, Italy, with the help of his wife, interior designer Dawn Cavanagh-Hobbs as well as their daughter India and her fiancé Charlie, but he is also a panelist at the Fractional Summit 2011 on the 17^th and 18^th of February 2011! On top of all this, Michael has decided to take on a grueling, yet exceptional charity challenge through some of the most challenging and dramatic scenery in the world.

This Sunday, 23^rd January 2011, will see Michael taking part in a vast motorcycle ride on the seat of a 1950’s, classic single cylinder 350cc Royal Enfield Bullet bike, which spans over 2000km of countryside and cityscape in Southern India, all in the name of charity!

Michael says: “I am raising money for four wonderful charities (The Rainbow Trust, Save the Children, Adventure Ashram and Centre for Wildlife Studies) by undertaking a gruelling 2,000km charity motorbike rally through southern India in January 2011. I have paid for the trip myself and in the process donated £1,500 to the charities.Please visit my fund-raising page at the Virgin Giving website: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=MichaelHobbs so you can see what I am fully getting myself into and make a donation to these deserving causes. Every penny you donate will go to the charities. Please pass this message and my story onto anyone you may think would be interested in what I am doing and might like to donate.”

Appassionata Ltd. is a UK based business specialising in the restoration and creation of unique fractional ownership properties in the region of Le Marche, Italy. The business is boutique in nature and style, family run and aimed at like minded people who want to experience real Italy and a luxurious lifestyle. Appassionata is owned and managed by an enterprising family from the East Midlands who are extremely passionate about Italian lifestyle. Appassionata gives owners the opportunity to acquire a gorgeous Italian property at the Estate Giacomo Leopardi, for a fraction of the price of outright ownership and without the stresses associated with looking after a holiday home.

Estate Giacomo Leopardi consists of two beautiful properties in 5 acres of Italian countryside with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and Sibillini mountains. Appassionata’s fractional ownership model offers owners a minimum of five weeks residency a year in a professionally managed, luxury home away from home. The properties include the newly built, luxurious and traditionally appointed 4 bedroomed Casa Giacomo and Casa Leopardi, a spaciously converted 5 bedroom traditional farmhouse with gorgeous terraces and open living space.

Talented interior designer Dawn has applied her flair for design and intricate detailing ensuring care, practicality and traditional Italian craftsmanship are applied to each and every room of the homes. The facilities, both inside and outside the property have been created for all seasons to truly reflect Italian living. The large swimming pool, all weather tennis court, private terraces, landscaped gardens, cosy living areas, open fires, sky television and wireless internet, as well as the olive groves and newly planted vineyard offer something for everyone. The Hobbs family have created this wonderful boutique business to share their love of Italy. Appassionata’s Estate Giacomo Leopardi is waiting to astound you.

Michael spent the whole of July revising for the theory test, taking 3 practical courses (all crammed into one week) and then the 3 tests to receive his motorcycle license, which was essential for him to go. Now he’s passed, he is looking forward to the challenge of the trip across incredibly challenging terrains!

Appassionata Ltd (www.appassionata.com) is the main sponsor for the trip and is incredibly happy to be associated with raising money for these wonderful charities.

For more information on Appassionata please visit: http://www.appassionata.com