Members of the Asbury Park Wall Motorcycle Committee, the Elks Lodge, and Applewood Estates came together Saturday to celebrate a veteran’s 83rd birthday.

Walter Frederick is a long-term care resident at Applewood Estates – an assisted living community in Freehold. Friends and caretakers say he loves to talk about his military experience and motorcycles.

The roar of 100 bikes could be heard from a mile away as Elks and motorcyclists from around the state pulled up in front of Applewood for "Walt's Ride."

Frederick was wheeled out to the sight of the bikers for a surprise drive by birthday celebration.

Frederick was presented a flag from the president of the Elks and a chaplain led a special prayer. He also received birthday cards and the crowd also sang "Happy Birthday."

The Asbury Park Wall Motorcycle Committee teamed up with fellow Elks with a goal to get 25 to 50 motorcyclists to participate in "Walt's Ride."

They surpassed their goal.

"I feel great, I'm up now, I feel great," Frederick enthused. "I say to people age is just a number. It's what you do with it that counts."

"So, all I had to do was tell them about my idea and Elks from New Jersey decided to support this because he's a vet," said Michelle Russell, director of social services at Applewood Estates.

Frederick served in the military from 1962 to 1968 and was assigned to a chemical platoon.

He also served in the National Guard.

His birthday was on Thursday July 28.