Hello from Atlanta.
I was born in Wuerzburg, Germany, in 1947. My mother was German; my father an American soldier. I like to say that I came to the U.S. in 1949 as a non-English-speaking immigrant. Of course, at 2, I couldn't speak anything much!
I got into motorcycles early, tho. My mother was from Tuttlingen, in SW Germany, and we would travel there regularly from Wuerzburg—on a BMW motorcycle. I have been told that I rode in a saddlebag. Not sure how apocryphal that is, but I like the story, so there it is. Moved around lots: 13 different schools before graduating from high school. In the mid- to late-60's had four motorcycles: 60, 125, 80cc Yamahas, and a 90cc Honda. Liked 'em, but … well … we all know how "reality" gets in the way of that sort of life.
After college and law school, I joined the Army and, to my significant surprise, loved it and stayed in as a career. Started off as a tanker, but transferred to "JAG Corps," i.e., the legal branch. Had a blast. Was primarily with "troops," to the extent that a legal guy can be, i.e., in Army divisions (2d Armored, 82d Airborne, 24th Infantry, and 25th Infantry); taught at West Point, and even worked at the Pentagon. Had to be dragged there kicking and screaming, but learned a lot and enjoyed it. Lived all over the U.S., including Hawaii, and had overseas tours in Italy and Saudi Arabia. Travelled even more.
Saw my first Guzzis I can remember in Vicenza. I worked with the Carabinieri, whose offices were next to mine, and, at the time, they rode V7's. I was younger and fitter than I am now (duh), and was consumed by a passion for race bikes of the pedal sort. I continued that for a number of years before scared off of them.
I retired from the Army and moved to Atlanta, where I have now lived in the same house for six years, the longest I've ever been in one spot in my life. Love the American South, thus – for reasons rural southerners can understand – do not like Atlanta much. Still, our neighborhood (see www.inmanpark.org ) is a delight. And, speaking of delights, I am married to Kathi, a sweetie from Erie Pennsylvania, the delight and light of my life. Oh my. I am lucky man. She is a saint, which is a burden for me sometimes as I am not! We have four grown children, a son and three daughters, all living in the Washington, D.C. area. Kathi teaches ESOL in middle school.
I study and write about military law, history, and current affairs … or, more accurately … I used to do that BG: Before Guzzi. A young friend across the street had a Katana 750. I looked, thought, and remembered. Poof, I'm another over-50 re-entry rider. A serious one. I narrowed my search to a Honda Aero or ACE, but—no kidding—got lost looking for the dealer and found a Guzzi dealer. Next thing I know I own a new 1998 (leftover in 2000) hotdog & mustard EV. I have put 52K miles on it in the past three years. I love it.
But I have also wanted more, and knew it had to be a Guzzi. Rode Texas Phil's 02 LeMans at Cheaha (Alabama) during a "gaggle," and liked it. The seating ergos worried me a bit, but loved the power and handling. Recently -- perhaps it was Kathi being out of town for 5 weeks in Boston! – I decided I was going to buy some Sport variant. Narrowed search to Ballabio, Café Sport, & leftover Scura. Was at dealer when a large crate arrived. Seeing the red Ballabio appear, with Mandello dirt still on tires settled it then and there. Put on carbon-fibre pipes, but otherwise bought as is. Kept the EV, of course.
Am annoyed by speedo cable that went out at 882 miles, but compared to its other joys, that is trivial. The odometer is always interesting, but speed is … uh … situational … anyway. I'll try to remember that philosophical approach when I am handcuffed and being measured for my orange suit!
Look forward to meeting many of you and on the road.
