SCRC Loudoun VA Featured Member - November, 2009

Name:   Greg Littleton

Nickname:   VIII Ball

Marital Status:  Married to my beautiful wife of 19 years, Albertina, aka Alli, aka "Wet Spot"

Location:  Manassas, VA

Hometown:  No hometown, I was born in Weisbaden, Germany, father was in the military, moved around a lot as a kid.

Children:  2 sons, James - 18 and Kyle - 17

Age:  "Sighs" 40

Occupation:  Retired US Army 21yrs, currently a Private contractor for the US Dept Of State

Current motorcycle(s):  2003 Dyna Wide Glide

How did you hear about the SCRC and when did you join?
brought the group to my attention and we both joined in November, 2008.

How long have you been riding?
I rode a little when I was a kid, but was not licensed or an active rider until about 7 years ago.

Have you ever taken a motorcycle safety course?
Yes, I have taken the basic safety course and also the advanced rider’s course while stationed overseas.

What was your first bike?
Alli and I both shared our first Harley, a 2002 Sportster 1200. I was way too tall for that bike and everyone in Italy made fun of me. Picture a grown man riding a tricycle, that was me. My first bike is the one I have now which Alli bought for me as a surprise while I was in Iraq. Thank you Alli,

How many bikes have you owned?
2, well technically 3, my name is on the title of Alli’s bike also "grins".

Why do you ride?
This is a hard one, I love riding with my wife and have started enjoying with the group more than I did in the beginning. I also have kind of an adrenalin junky side to me and riding helps curb that appetite. I also love riding just for the peacefulness that it brings. I love the feel of the wind on my face and I love the smells, be it a skunk or food.

Have you ridden with an organized group before?
Technically the answer is yes, but the Italians are in no way organized, so the answer is no.

What modifications have you done to your bike?
It’s a 2003, 100th anniversary, tried to leave alone as much as possible. I have placed bags on it and replaced the original pipes, which made it sound like a fricken sewing machine with Screamin Eagles. No Harley should sound like a sewing machine. The horn cover is specially engraved with the patch of the "173d Abn Bde" on it. More stuff to follow this winter,

What accessories do you want to add to your bike?
New bags and highway pegs.

What is your dream bike?
Eventually I want a Harley with the windshield, cupholder, cd player and all that cool stuff, but not yet. I like the simplicity of my bike, and will stay with it until my body says enough.

What kind of riding do you like to do — straight-aways or twisties?
Both, straight-aways for speed, twisties are just fun in general.

If you have a nickname, how did you get it? Tell the truth!
Boring, ., Painted my head black one year for Halloween and put an 8 on top so my head looked like an 8ball, name kind of stuck from there.

What is your favorite riding route?
Ones that have food and beer at the end of it. I loved the Shepards Pie, so any that go the Griffin Taver...

Do you ride your bike to work?
I work in Winchester so I should, it’s a beautiful drive, but I have not, maybe next year.

What is the fastest you’ve ridden?
Italian Autostrada, bike pegs out at 120, probably 120-130 mph, I told you I love speed.

What is your favorite time of year to ride?
Anytime it’s not raining, did I mention that I hate rain!!!

Have you ever been down? If so, how were you hurt and what did you learn from the incident?
No accidents, softly laid down twice, only thing hurt was my ego as I laid the bike down in front of a beautiful Italian woman. I learned after the first time that if the bike is going down, I can’t stop it, it weighs too much. All I can do is ensure that it goes down gently.

Have you ever done an "Iron Butt" ride?
No, but I would like to, just not on my current bike.

If not, what is the furthest you’ve ridden?
The furthest ridden in 1 day is around 400 miles. My bike has no windshield or fairing and I refuse to wear a full face or visor, so after 300 miles I am beat.

What was the worst weather in which you’ve ridden?
Rain and snow in the mountains of Italy, it sucks, did I mention that I hate rain???

Do you know how to work on your bike?
I know the basics, honestly would rather take it to someone certified that knows completely what they’re doing.

What is your favorite road song?
Free Bird, by Lynyrd Skynyrd

What was your most adventurous ride?
Passo Gavia, in the mountains of Northern Italy. When we started the day it was in the mid 70s and when we arrived at our final destination, we were 2652 meters above sea level, there was snow on the ground and the temperature was in the low 30s. This ride was by far the most exciting and scariest of my life. In order to access the final part of the ride we had to travel on goat paths. Oh and it also rained!!!

What rallies or events do you like to attend?
State Rally was fun "I got sick", Rolling Thunder was also fun "I got drunk". Looking forward to one day riding to Sturgis.

Is there someone who rides "two-up" with you?
No.