Experienced riders meet Orange County Choppers bike builders

Published July 18, 2013
By Dave Moore
Army Support Activity Fort Dix

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- More than 75 military and civilian personnel, all experienced motorcycle riders from Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, N.J., rode to the television renowned bike-building Orange County Choppers, in Newburgh, N.Y., as part of the military's safety Motorcycle Mentorship Ride program July 11, 2013.

As part of the trip, more than two dozen of the riders were on hand when Paul Teutell Sr., surprised the group during a shop tour.

Teutell received commanders' coins from various commanders, as well as a joint base plaque of thanks for supporting the military. Also on hand for the Country Music Television network show was fabricator, Rick Petko, who also posed for pictures with the riders.

While the motorcycle riders destination was certainly a perk, the more than 280-mile ride had to be approved so military personnel and federal civilians could polish their riding skills on various road conditions such as municipal, state and interstate roads.

Navy Chief Petty Officer David Suba, 87th Air Base Wing Safety Office aviation machinist mate, had planned the route based on rider safety training requirements. He said the ride had to incorporate every type of road condition for experienced riders, so rehearsal rides were conducted before the actual event and plenty of decisions had to be made to meet the training requirements.

"I could not put the route in a GPS so I had to know the road and traveling speeds on the various roads, which included both winding roads and highways," he added. "There was certainly plenty of winding roads on this route. I had a great time and the ride was a lot of fun."