"I owe my inspiration to motorcycling"
The Italian Roberto Parodi used to be a banker and writer. Then a man from television noticed him as the author of motorcycle books, and he got his own reality documentary. Suddenly Roberto was a writer and presenter. He gave up the job as a banker. Since then, he has been living a life full of adventure and travel, with motorcycling spurring on his imagination.
Very memorable. What does it mean to you?
It's an ironic way for me to express what the main features of a motorcyclist are: intelligence and common sense, love and generosity, and a little bit of the courage that every biker has.
And when did you discover the bit of biker courage in your head?
I've been riding motorcycles since I was 14 years old. I love the feeling of freedom that bikes give me.
Where would you go to experience this feeling and why?
The perfect route would be the Trans-Sahara road from Morocco to Senegal. I love that road. When I first drove it and reached Dakar after 15 days, I felt like an old explorer who came from Europe to discover Africa. The scrambler could be perfect for that trip.
And if you want company, who would you most want to take a trip with?
I'd like to take a long overland trip with my sons Pietro and Vittorio (21 and 19 years old). That's my dream. They both drive beautiful old bikes and are enthusiastic about vintage motorcycles. Just like their father. But why?
The Parodis are united not only in their passion for bikes with engines that sound good. Their second common hobby involves nice things to listen to. Roberto and his two sons play in a family band called "Peter's Room". His son Vittorio (right in the picture) plays guitar and sings, just like Roberto. Pietro (left) plays drums.
When Roberto is not travelling with his sons, he likes to ride with his three friends: Andrea, Francesco and Livio. He often travels around the world with them for his television programme "Born to Ride". The programme is a reality documentary in which he gives viewers an understanding of the daily adventures of a motorcycle trip.
