After a false start, I finally caught up with Paul Teutul Sr. of Orange County Choppers.

It was my fault. I got the wrong date. We were supposed to do a phone interview one week; I wrote it down for the next.

So I was a little nervous, knowing the gruff demeanor “Senior” displays on his Discovery Channel reality show. I was afraid I’d get the hollerin’ I deserved. I was worried I’d get the type of treatment Paulie Jr. gets when his dad is less than impressed with his work building custom motorcycles in their New York shop.

Turns out, despite the death threat early in the conversation, Senior is a nice guy. And he seems genuinely upbeat about his scheduled appearance Saturday at the Puyallup Fair as part of the Orange County Choppers Road Show.

Can you tell me a little bit about the show? What can we expect?

Can I tell you a little bit about the show? If I told you that, I’d have to kill you.

Well, you know, I’m willing to die for our readers.

The thing of it is, we’ve done quite a bit of shows, but they’re a little bit different format. On this format, it’s actually a build-off between me and Paulie. And, you know, it’s old school, and he’s new school. I like the old-school stuff. And then basically, (my other son) Michael’s gonna be the guy in between who’s gonna kind of judge and make sure that things are going unsmooth.

What happens to the winner and the loser?

The consequence for the loser basically is a couple of things. But I know one of them is a dunking booth. ... People like the interaction, you know what I mean? We can sign autographs for days, you know what I mean? But, you know, people get sick of looking at your head. When we’re doing a live show, they’re getting T-shirts thrown at them, they’re getting signed Frisbees, and they’re just, they’re just on fire. They like the controversy between me and Paulie, of course. And then you got Mikey the jackass out there making a fool out of himself. It’s going to be the first time we actually do that type of show. Then the band’s playing. We got our OCC Band. So it should be a good day of entertainment, you know?

Sounds like you guys are just going to completely take over the fair that day.

Well, I hope so. It usually happens.

You’re bringing a bunch of your custom bikes on the tour. Do you have a favorite?

The POW bike.

I noticed the Fire Bike is among the ones on tour. That’s one of my favorites.

Yes. It’s one of the favorites. That’s one Paulie built. And I built the POW bike, so I like mine. Well, you know what? They both represent something. They both represent good things. The Fire Bike was a biggie, of course, ’cause that was 911. And to me the POW one was a big one because that was kind of my era, (it honors) the Vietnam veterans.

Can you tell me about the OCC Band? What’s that all about?

OCC Band is (a project of) our manager. He’s totally out of his mind. Totally. Our drummer is Christian, who’s one of the mechanics. And then we have one of the parts guys, John, who plays harmonica. And then we have what’s his name, Crazy Shemp who, he actually sings and plays bass. But you know what? You’re going to be surprised. These guys have been playing together for a while, and they keep getting better and better. They opened up for the Lynyrd Skynyrd band.

What about you? Are you going to get out there and sing? Play some guitar?

I’m not singing. I’m gonna get out there and do the Mashed Potato. I’m good at that.

One of the draws at the fair is the rides. I understand that you guys had an OCC roller-coaster open up not too long ago at an amusement park near you in New York. What’s that all about?

That’s the Motocoaster at Darien Lake (Resort in Darien Center, N.Y.) You know, it’s funny. I was watching TV the other day, and they said “The OCC roller-coaster.” They said it on national TV. I’m listening to it, and I’m going ‘What the hell? I didn’t know that.’ Well I knew it, but, you know, it sounded strange hearing it.

So you haven’t tried that ride?

I wouldn’t get on one of those roller-coasters. I’d be puking all over the place.

Are you guys going to get out and visit some of the local motorcycle shops while you’re here?

For us to be out in public is almost impossible. I’d love to do that stuff, but it’s just too hard for us. We don’t get to enjoy it. People want autographs. They want pictures. So we don’t get the opportunity, you know? But I’d love to do it.

So, Paul, I, uh, missed my first opportunity to talk to you because I wrote down the wrong date for the phone call. If I were your employee, what would you say to me about that?

I’d probably just fire you. I’d just verbally abuse the hell out of you. And if I was near you, I’d probably be physical, too.

Can you give me a sample?

Nah, it’s gotta be in the moment.

And you’re not mad at me at the moment?

(laughs) No. Not at all.

Well, I hope you guys get a chance to enjoy some of the atmosphere at the fair.

I’m sure we will.

Bill Hutchens: 253-597-8460

blogs.thenewstribune.com/gritcity

Orange County Choppers Road Show

When: 5 p.m. Saturday for VIP event ticket holders and 6:30 p.m. for all ticket holders.

Where: Puyallup Fair Grandstand

Tickets: $150 for VIP event, $15-$35 all other tickets at Ticketmaster.com or 253-627-8497 in Tacoma, 206-628-0888 in Seattle. Concert tickets include Fair admission.

Schedule:

5 p.m. – Doors open for VIP event.

5:30-7:30 p.m. – VIP event features a Q&A and photo session with the Teutuls, a gift bag and bike viewing.

6:30 p.m. – Doors open to all ticket holders, and theme bikes will be on display.

7:30 p.m. – The OCC Band performs.

8 p.m. – Main show and bike building contest between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr.

9 p.m. – The OCC Band performs.