NORWICH – January 6, 2007, was Jim McLean’s lucky day. McLean, of Norwich, along with four other finalists, picked a key out of a helmet. Only his key turned the ignition to a brand new custom built Orange County Chopper. McLean was astride a one-of-a-kind custom designed motorcycle, which now belonged to him. The online contest was held by Discovery Productions to promote the hit series “American Chopper” being moved to a new night on The Learning Channel. For eight days viewers of the show could enter the contest once a day. McLean entered five times. Out of 277,000 entries, McLean was the last one standing ... or in this case, sitting.
McLean is no stranger to adversity and overcoming the odds. In 2006 he battled pneumonia and endured two heart surgeries in the span of three months. McLean stated, “I think my luck is changing. What a wonderful way to start a new year.” Today, McLean has a clean bill of health. He and his wife Nancy were the guests of the Learning Channel for three days and two nights.
For the uninitiated, Orange County Choppers is located in Montgomery. Paul Teutul Sr. began building custom choppers out of his basement. Today, OCC is recognized by chopper enthusiasts around the world as premier builders of custom motorcycles. Paul Sr. and his son Paul Jr. are the stars of the hit series “American Chopper.”
For local chopper enthusiasts, the motorcycle Jim McLean won will be on display at the Classic Car Museum in Norwich for the entire month of March. The Classic Car Museum is located at 24 Rexford St. and is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit them on the web at www.classiccarmuseum.org.