Born on 20 June 1956, in Cossato, a little town in Piedmont, on the Italian Side of the Swiss Alps, my parents migrated to Australia when I was two years of age.

I had a difficult childhood, constantly clashing with my father, and being always taunted by others for being Italian (a wog!), especially at school. I was always rather rebellious and eventually left home at the age of 19. By the time I was 20, I was going from job to job, with no particular trade or career in mind, although it had always been a dream of mine to be in the Royal Australian Air Force.

I married at the age of 24, and the following year, tried my luck in applying for a job in the Air Force. To my surprise, I was accepted, and went on to gain qualifications in Aircraft Mechanical Engineering. I spent 21 years as an Aircraft Maintenance Technician, and rose to the rank of Sergeant. I finally retired from the Air Force in 2001, and will always remember the best 21 years of my life. Unfortunately my marriage ended in divorce after 15 odd years, however my ex wife (who has since remarried)and I remain amicable and I've been able to move on. I now have a fabulous partner, who I love deeply and am devoted to her endlessly. she has been a pillar of strength to me since my life changing accident.

I have 4 children, 1 girl and 3 boys, and have 4 grandkids, and I love them with a passion. I am a born again Christian, and have strong convictions about my own life, although I don't ever try to force my beliefs on others (unless they ask me).

I've always had a love of motorcycles, and have owned several during my life. I currently ride a 2000 Harley Davidson Heritage, and belong to a Christian motorcycle club, LONGRIDERS CMC AUSTRALIA (www.longriders.com.au). Currently, I am their Melbourne Chapter Treasurer and the National Web Site Administrator.

In January 2002, I was returning from a weekend away, and was hit by a car whilst on my bike. The accident left me disabled and unable to work, although I can still ride, I suffer from chronic pain and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which often results in long bouts of depression and sleeplessness. I try to remain positive, and always thank my God that I am still alive and able to share my life and experiences with others.

Recently, I've become a member of Sea Shepherd, a conservation and law enforcement group (www.seashepherd.org), who are concerned about the stability and retention of endangered and other species of animals, particularly of those in our oceans. I am 100% committed to help in whatever way I can to help them acheive this.

My passion is ...

Motorcycles, Motorcycle Clubs, Military & Civil Aircraft, the Military, Music (Rockabilly / Psychobilly), The environment, Nature.

I know too much about ...

nothing in particular, and lot about everything......?

My parents always told me ...

I was worthless and useless, and would never amount to much (Dad), and (Mom) I was OK and that Dad really did love me too.

My childhood ambition ...

to be a Pilot in the Military or an outlaw biker...go figure ?

My favorite memory ...

The birth of my children and the 21 years I spent in the Australian Defence Forces.

Why I write ...

to express my feelings, frustrations and inner most thoughts.

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

The Spirit of the Digger, Now & Then by Patrick Lindsay & General Peter Cosgrove, and Chickenhawk by Robert Mason.

My first job ...

Working as a copy boy, at the age of 16, for the Melbourne Herald/Sun newspaper

My best moment ...

Graduating as a member of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF)

My inspiration ...

My partner, the ANZACs, Jesus Christ, my family, my brothers in LONGRIDERS & the crew of Sea Shepherd

Society & Lifestyle > Cultures (Other) Is the outlaw description of bikers justified?

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We often look at culture as something that is refined and that it exists for pleasure, usually for the upper class, and usually at a price. However, culture is, in fact, open to interpretation and can mean a whole variety of things. To me, culture is a lifestyle, a way of life and all that goes with it. Culture varies with the individual personalities of those who live within a cultural society. This article will deal with one section of society that is often swept under the carpet, a sub culture that is usually associated with unlawful activities, and one which goes against the grain of mo...

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