Hi Every body! (Hi, Doctor Nick!)

I'm "Hasso" - which is a name that has a lot of meaning to me from my time in Germany (my real name is Mike). I live in Virginia (in the piedmont area - very close to skyline drive, which is an AMAZING place to ride, if you like scenery and twisties....

I grew up in the NY part of Connecticut (it's the DMZ between NY and New England - I grew up outside of New Haven). I miss good clams and good pizza. Otherwise, I LOVE Virginia and really have no desire to live elsewhere. We have 4 moderate seasons, and a huge economically diverse and vibrant beautiful state.

After high school (1983) I enlisted in the Air Force and after much schooling, ended up doing dark things in Berlin for a few years. One of the best times in my life, and I do miss Berlin all the time. I visit when I can.

Eventually I was stationed in Maryland, and exited the Air Force in 1993. I moved to VA and have never looked back.

I've traveled all over the world (still need to get to Australia, which will be this year, hopefully - and antarctica - schedule unknown - and I will have been to all 7 continents). Lately I travel less (for work anyway) and that's just fine. I have two young daughters (8 and 4) - so, I need to be around more.

I do miss all the "good" travel though. Now I go to places like Indiana and Alabama. They are just fine - but really - comparing them to Madrid or Singapore or Brazil just doesn't cut it.

I work now for an international aerospace company, and enjoy what I do. Mostly I enjoy that it allows me to have a family and time to ride a nice bike.

Eventually I will retire to being a chef.

My 2002 America is my first Triumph - and first bike since high school. I'm loving it. I have a list of things I intend to do to this bike. Eventually I will get a thunderbird, and make that the bagger, and turn the America into a "me" bike that's a little more street and a little less cruise.

I like this board. Everyone seems friendly and helpful.

Thanks for having me.

...you're gonna feel a little pressure....