Oliver “Ole” Skinningsrud, left, of Berthold is shown with actor Peter Fonda in 1990 when Fonda sold his 1929 Model A Roadster pickup to Skinningsrud. Photo from the Minot Daily News
by Karassa Stinchcomb from https://www.kxnet.com
by Eloise Ogden from https://www.minotdailynews.com
Berthold farmer and motorcyclist celebrates his 90th birthday in a big way.
Some people say he’s a legend in the motorcycle community. He celebrated a big milestone that some people never get to experience — his 90th birthday.
“You only turn 90 once. It’s a pretty big deal! And for somebody to still be riding at 90 is huge!” said Kelsey Schlag, the marketing manager at Magic City Harley Davidson.
Schlag is talking about Oliver Skinningsrud, better known as Ole.
Ole is an active motorcyclist — even at age 90.
“Ole’s been tickled to death! 90 years old, it’s pretty special somebody 90 can still ride like Ole does,” said David Williamson, Ole’s friend.
The biker community stepped up to throw him this once-in-a-lifetime celebration.
More than 20 bikers from KAHU, Minot Hog Chapter, Norsemen and Ramblers motorcycle clubs rode with Ole to the Magic City Harley Davidson shop from Berthold.
He also received a special escort from the sheriff’s department.
Skinningsrud on his trike, a red Harley-Davidson three-wheeler, led the group of about 45 motorcycle riders from Berthold to Minot, followed by Ward County Sheriff’s Department vehicles with flashing lights. Around 100 people were at the Harley-Davidson dealership for a birthday gathering there.
Oliver “Ole” Skinningsrud, who turned 90 on Wednesday, is shown shortly after his arrival at Magic City Harley-Davidson, south of Minot. Skinningsrud rode his trike, a three-wheeler Harley-Davidson, from Berthold to Minot. Photos from the Minot Daily News
A Korean War veteran who served in the U.S. Marine Corps, was honored earlier in the day at a noon lunch with friends and neighbors at Carpio’s Senior Citizens Center.
“When Ole found out, oh he just couldn’t believe he was getting escorted!” Williamson said.
“It was wonderful! Yep. They sure did a good job,” Skinningsrud said.
“This is great! I wasn’t expecting all of these people, so I think that really shows how great the biker community is,” Schlag said.
Everyone enjoyed dinner, good conversation and, of course, birthday cake.
“Well, I think it’s awful nice for all these people to come and be a part of this. I didn’t think I was that special!” said Skinningsrud.
And his advice for people who want to live as long as he has is pretty simple.
“Just do what you like to do, I guess. Have a little faith and hope. And, things will work out,” said Skinningsrud.
Happy birthday to Ole!
Fun fact about Ole, he’s had Buzz Aldrin, Willy G and Peter Fonda all at his farm over the years.
