It’s a fun to watch competition where police motorcycle officers will demonstrate their riding skills Saturday at The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley shopping center starting at 8:30 a.m. and lasting throughout much of the day.

Manteca traffic officer David Bright expects some 25 competitors to arrive on Friday to sharpen their skills for the contest that will get underway about “nine-ish” on Saturday morning near the old Best Buy discount store adjacent to the 120 Bypass at Union Road.

Bright said the opening ceremonies are set for 8:30 with officers from Redding, Fresno, Tracy, San Jose, Ripon and three motor officers from the Stockton office of the highway patrol. The actual purpose of the meet is to help gain proficiencies for motor officers serving in the field as they ride with their peers from other departments.  

Officer Bright said he expects some entries to show up at the last minute without preregistrations as they have in past years. The majority of the motorcycles being entered are Harley Davidsons, he added, along with BMWs and Hondas.

Manteca Chief of Police Nick Obligacion will also join the team of Bright, Sgt. Paul Carmona and Motor Officer Bill Walmer.  

The owner of Mr. Big’s on North Main Street is planning to offer tri-tip sandwiches to the competitors as well as to members of the audience.

There is no cost to the contestants or the members of the public wish to witness the event, Bright said.