'American Chopper' star visiting Ohio Bike Week

SANDUSKY — A star of a reality TV show will be at a local motorcycle dealer during Ohio Bike Week. People can meet Rick Petko, formerly of Discovery Channel's "American Chopper" at Mad River Harley-Davidson, 5316 Milan Road (U.S. 250), from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday, May 26. Petko, 54, was an employee at Orange County Choppers, a custom motorcycle manufacturer in New York. The show focused on the creations made at the shop, as well as the relationship between the shop's owner and his son. Petko was on the show all through its original run and left Orange County Choppers in 2013. Petko now works in Pennsylvania at the Pocono Mountain Harley-Davidson in Tannersville building custom motorcycles. Petko will be at Mad River Harley-Davidson for a meet and greet on the first day of Ohio Bike Week. There is no charge to meet or get autographs from Petko. He will be bringing two of his bikes to show attendees, and will also take appointments for any prospective clients looking to get work done. Bikes can be shipped from Mad River to the Pocono dealership. There, fans will be able to meet the television star and speak to him about custom creation and his time on the show. "I've never been out to Ohio Bike Week and I'm really excited," Petko said. Mad River Harley-Davidson will be hosting several events over the 10-day festival, including group rides, various vendors and live music. More information about Ohio Bike Week can be found by visiting ohiobikeweek.com.