Al Paolucci
I have no single place that I can call "home," as I was a military brat (Air Force). I was born in Taiwan...my father was stationed there for two years. Calling Taipei "hometown" is really a stretch, but that's technically where I hail from.

I've been in the Air Force for about 14 years. When I was stationed in Washington DC in 1991, I went out and got my first bike: a 1986 Yamaha Virago. I rode that bike all over Washington...went to Harper's Ferry a couple of times...basically I just enjoyed the hell out of riding.

Well, after DC, I got stationed in Illinois (Scott AFB) where I met my wife. We've been married for about 8 years. We have four children, ages 2 (Isabella), 3 (Christopher), 6 (Maranda) & 7 (Theresa). They got my motorcycle gene: they love 'em.

Here's the tragic part of the story. Before I met her, my wife had a bad experience being a motorcycle passenger and really didn't want me to have a bike anymore (there's a good plug for responsible riding). The first year we were married, I felt compelled to sell my motorcycle since we were newly-weds (Marriage 101 taught me that going on all day rides by myself wasn't smart). I didn't realize at the time that I was in for an 8 year stretch of motorcycle envy. Over time, my wife grew to accept that I was probably going to buy another bike, but with the constant parade of children into our lives (yes, I know what causes it!), the time was never right. I got my big breakthrough last year...we attended Rolling Thunder. We got all the kids in the car and we headed for the Pentagon.
WOW! Thousands of motorcycles crammed into North Parking...engines roaring, motorcycles galore!

 

Patched 1 March 2003

My wife said, "When you get your motorcycle, you're taking me to this. You can't go without me." She was hooked!

In November 2002, a few months after arriving in Korea, my wife urged me to get the bike of my dreams. I did. It's a 2002 Heritage Springer.

Adam Babcock invited me to go on a few rides with The Barons, and I took him up on the offer. The rest, as they say, is history.

I'll be riding with the Barons until June 2004 when it's time for us to leave. If I get off my dead ass and get my bike a sissy bar, my wife will join us! Anybody know any good babysitters?