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Stranded Bruce Springsteen Saved By Group Of NJ Bikers

FREEHOLD, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A group of bikers from New Jersey came to the aid of a stranded Bruce Springsteen after the musician's motorcycle broke down on the side of the road on Veterans' Day.

According to the Freehold American Legion, Dan Barkalow and Bob Grigs, of the Post 54 Legion Riders, and their friend Ryan Bailey were riding from Manasquan back to Freehold following a Veteran's Day ceremony in Holmdel when they came across a biker stranded on Allaire Road near Allaire State Park.

As they pulled over to help the stranded biker, the realized it was none other than Springsteen.
"I had no idea it was Bruce," Barkalow told CBS2's Dave Carlin. "I just saw another motorcycle broken down."

But then, they came face to face.

"I said, 'Hey, I think I know you,' and he just shrugged his shoulders and shook his head," Barkalow said.

The group was unable to get "The Boss'" bike started. So Springsteen hopped on the back of Bailey's bike and group headed to Mulligan's Bar and Grill in Farmingdale.

The bikers had a beer -- Springsteen opted for a soda -- as they waited for Springsteen's ride to arrive.

And tucked away in the corner of the bar, Springsteen and his new friends sat and got to know each other for about 45 minutes.

"It was mostly talking about old Freehold," Barkalow said.

Barkalow, 55, and Springsteen, 67, had Freehold to bond over. It was where both were born and raised.

There was no talk of the music industry and not a word about politics. Instead they focused on motorcycles and their respective Freehold glory days.

So how was it that nobody bothered Springsteen for autographs and photos? He simply wasn't recognized.

The staff and patrons found out after he took care of the tab with cash and left.

"I hope he comes back to see me," said Mulligan's employee Dawn Marmora.

"He was so down to earth; such a nice person," Barkalow said. "It was just unbelievable.")

Barkalow invited Springsteen to join him in a future motorcycle ride.

"Bruce, if you want to go riding, please – anytime," he said.

And that could happen. Springsteen owns a home nearby and the superstar made sure to get contact information from the three men.

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