OJ Utter
Travel Train Director
The Travel Train Director coordinates all long-distance and out-of-town travel logistics for riders, drivers, and attendees traveling to and from the Ride Out of the Darkness® rally. This role ensures communication, safety, hospitality, and seamless integration of multiple convoys (“Travel Trains”) into the official event flow. Travel is not separate from the event—it is part of the experience. The Travel Train Director transforms miles into momentum, turning individual journeys into a unified movement of love, purpose, and connection.
What is the Travel Train Director?
Father | Husband | Marine Veteran | Mental Health Advocate | Biker
OJ Utter is a man grounded in service, family, and unwavering integrity. He is a devoted husband of 31 years to his high school sweetheart, proud father of 4 adult children, and PawPaw to 2 grandkids (so far)! He lives each day with a deep sense of responsibility—not only to those closest to him, but to the broader community he’s committed to uplifting.
The Esprit de Corps that OJ lived in the United States Marine carried forward the values instilled in him through years of discipline, sacrifice, and brotherhood. His time in the military shaped his perspective on resilience, leadership, and the silent battles many carry long after the uniform comes off. That experience helps fuel his passion for mental health advocacy.
Originally from Nebraska, OJ still embodies the heart of the Midwest—hardworking, honest, and deeply rooted in doing what’s right even when no one is watching. While he now calls Florida home, that Midwest mindset remains at the core of who he is: dependable, humble, and built on strong values.
Beyond his professional life as a dedicated and trusted business owner, OJ finds freedom, peace, and connection on the open road. As an avid biker, he embraces the sense of brotherhood and clarity that riding brings—something that has also become a powerful avenue for connection, healing, and outreach.
OJ has always had a heart for hurting people. He knows what it’s like to feel alone and hopeless. He understands the power of the lies the enemy tries to convince us of. His goal is for everyone to feel worthy of love and life, and to choose to stay even when life gets hard and the darkness may feel overwhelming. OJ believes that strength is not just about endurance, but about being willing to speak up, reach out, and stand beside others in their darkest moments. Whether he’s supporting his family, connecting with fellow riders, or advocating for mental health awareness, his mission is simple: to lead with honesty, live with purpose, and remind others that they are never alone.
What other roles fall under the Travel Train Director?
Harley Dealership Coordinator
Hotel & Lodging Coordinator
Travel Train Captains (one per route or region)
Communications Coordinator (group chats, radios, live updates)
Fuel & Rest Stop Coordinator
Interested in volunteering with me?
Follow OJ on Social Media:
The Ride Out of the Darkness® Travel Train is a nationwide movement. Riders and drivers travel in groups from different states and long distance cities to arrive together in Lakeland, Florida for one powerful purpose. Honor lives lost. Support families. Bring real resources to the community.
Some will ride from Maine, Washington, California, and beyond. Crossing thousands of miles through rain, heat, and long days on the road. Just to roll in together.
This is not just a ride. It is a mission.
💜 Every mile is a statement.
💙 Every rider is a beacon of hope.
💛 Every storm we pass through is proof that we do not ride alone.