Don Gately was born in West Palm Beach, Florida. After 4 years in the Navy he graduated from the University of Florida. In 1960 Don moved to California. a life-long motorcyclist, he worked in the motorcycle industry for several years. He had a monthly column, "OVER THE HANDLEBARS" for seven years in CYCLE GUIDE magazine and contributed articles and stories to a number of other motorcycle publications. Don is married and lives in Valencia, California. He continues to ride motorcycles and is active in a ski club.