Meet The New Rider # 1157 Jay Harding

I was born in Peterborough, Ontario but soon moved to Toronto where my Dad found work in construction. I met and started dating the person I would eventually marry in Grade 9. We have three boys (all adults now) and in 2024 my wife and I will celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. In fact, I anticipate being on the road to Homer on our anniversary date. Following in my Dad's footsteps I have enjoyed a long and rewarding career in the construction industry. We now live in Edmonton, Alberta and I am fortunate to work for a great company that is very supportive of my riding endeavors and is promoting my selected charity, Spirit North. I started riding dirt bikes when I was a teenager and competed in National Hairscrambles as an adult.  Since 2015 my life has been significantly impacted by two key factors: A newfound passion for the open road on two wheels after purchasing a Harley Davidson; and a desire to learn the true history of Canada and acknowledge and help those communities still affected by lasting trauma. Thanks to the Edmonton HOG chapter I was able to meet many amazing and like-minded folks who our now my long distance riding partners and good friends. I consider myself to be a very fortunate person and I owe it to my wife, Laura, whose unwavering dedication to our family is unmatched.

 

                                                                                           

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge embodies what I strive to be as a human being. It has given me a platform to promote awareness of the lasting impacts of colonization on Indigenous people, and offered me an opportunity to prove to myself that I have the character to face adversity, make sacrifices and be the warrior that my family and my community need me to be. It has given me the opportunity to set an example, one that will empower others to act in a manner that befits the Lakota Sioux principal of Wolakota (peace, balance & coming together).

 

Laura and I set out to find a charity that focused on uplifting Indigenous youth to support social change. We found the perfect fit in Spirit North. Spirit North facilitates the implementation of outdoor sport, play and land-based learning programs that are created and led by Indigenous people, for youth within their own communities. Spirit North participants eventually become program, youth and community leaders, acquiring leadership and life skills. No other organization aligns more closely with the intent and spirit of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

Sponsors:

Harley Davidson of Edmonton www.hdedmonton.com 

Legendary Barbershop https://www.legendarybarbers.com/ 

Legendary Barbershop | Fort Saskatchewan Barber | Edmonton Barber | Come in Ordinary, Leave Legendary. Hot Shaves, Fort Saskatchewan Barbershop, Fort Saskatchewan Barber, Goldbar Barber, Edmonton Barber,Wainwright Barbershop,

Meet The New Rider # 1217 Dan Mitchell

 Riding has always been in my blood. Growing up I watched my dad and his friends experience a love of motorcycles as well. But even with that love of riding and the open road, riding was discouraged when I came of age to be able to do so. I found myself unable to listen to this discouragement because the calling of the open road has always been a part of me. Wherever I want to go, I’ll be able to go. But keep in mind that this is what a motorcycle is. It’s not just a frame, an engine, a set of tires, or even a rider. That’s just what a motorcycle needs but what a motorcycle is… what Roxxi really is… is freedom, challenges and peace.

This calling is what led to the purchase of my first motorcycle at 18 and I found myself living by one rule, ‘what a man can do, and what a man can’t do’. My first bikes created a love for curvy roads. I started riding longer distances when I built my first bobber, which then led to my first bagger purchase. When my wife, jokingly, threatened me with death if I didn’t utilize the purchase, the subtle encouragement of long distance riding began. I started out with roughly getting 20,0000 miles a year as a minimum goal that I challenge myself to break each year. And let me tell you, when you are the first one out in early spring, being willing to ride in the winter, and your preferred method of travel it can sometimes be a lonely journey. This perspective isn’t always understood by other riders in the same manner that I feel and understand it.  My wife and sons are among the small supportive group I have had, encouraging and enabling me to complete challenges I might set for myself. Learning with me working full time as a welder, and trying to complete my goals while supporting them in theirs. They have always held the same opinion of every mile being a memory during the journey. 

My first encounter with Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge riders was during Daytona Bike Week 2020 and the more I learned about it, the more I was drawn to the idea of the journey being a “spirit quest”. I am hoping to learn more about myself than I knew prior to the ride, and to learn to challenge myself without the need to challenge others. The ride itself is the epitome of what a man can do and the freedom he has to achieve it. This being my first organized long distance ride, I am extremely grateful to have met the high expectations of being a part of this Challenge and I hope to live up to the high standards of past and present Hoka Hey riders.

The physical aspects of the ride will be challenging, but the mental ones are going to be the most difficult.  My spirit quest will not only be conducted in the same month as an early birthday present for myself, but during an anniversary of one of the worst days of my life. August 2024 will be the 2 year anniversary of my youngest son’s death. I will not only be riding to challenge myself, but honor him and the things he and I enjoyed most together… motorcycles and the freedom of the open road.

The charity I have chosen to support for the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is The Sparrow Project.  My wife has  spearheaded this project seeking to not only further education, prevention, and resources regarding suicide but to support and honor those that have overcame or have been a victim. The foundation aims to support families who have lost a child to suicide by offering donations to help them manage their everyday lives so that they can focus on what they need to do to heal once the initial outpouring of support is gone. Mental health has been a taboo subject, and with state and federal governments causing resources and support to become slim, I hope to help call more attention to this cause. My alliance with this foundation stems from the loss of our son to suicide in August of 2022 and the goal of helping support others during their own healing process. My purpose of the 2024 Hoka Hey  is to be able to experience this spirit quest not only for myself, but to give some direction to those who may have lost their way.

“The answer my friend, is blowin’ in the wind*....

*Bob Dylan Blowin in the Wind

Link to The Sparrow Project https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61557585891357

Donation Link:    

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/2cf1730d-f90b-401f-833f-aa2a788e958c

Meet The Rider # 1078 Maximiliano Guillen

 
I like and enjoy riding motorcycles specially when there is adventure, like the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge,  I like meeting new people and places and of course the food.

                                                           

I’m joining the challenge because I want to explore a new landscape of our country and met our
destination, Alaska.

This year I want to support Fisherhouse Foundation. This foundation builds comfort homes where
military & Veteran families can stay for free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital.
I believe this is a great cause and an honorable responsibility on helping our Military and Veterans
who gave it all.

 

Meet The New Rider # 1147 Tracy Bearl

My name is Tracy, also known to be called “Clutch” by my riding friends. I’ve grown up in Minnesota my
whole life, and like many riders I started riding minibikes at a young age. Then I moved onto dirt bikes
and crotch rockets before buying a Softail, and finally ending up with my Street Glide. I’ve always had a
passion for traveling, especially on my bike. There is so much of this country to see, and with a wife who
shares the same passion while riding her own bike, we can see so much of it.

 
The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is a challenge that I’ve been looking for test my limits for a very long time. Like many, I’d like to think that I can handle any riding situation, any distance for any amount of time. As I read and
hear stories of the Hoka Hey, I realize that maybe I’m not as bad ass as I may have thought. I want to do this
challenge to test myself to see if I really do have what it takes to be one of these incredible riders.

                                              

 
The charity I’m riding for is Mile Monsters Inc.. A charity that competes in several types of motorcycle,
challenges to raise both awareness and money to fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. DMD is a very
aggressive form of MD which typically affects young boys. DMD attacks the muscle that will ultimately
take the ability to run or walk, and eventually makes these kids wheelchair dependent.

 
I chose this charity because I’ve seen firsthand what this group does for these boys. The money raised
goes directly to supporting the kids affected by this disease with wheelchairs, ramps, Christmas gifts.
There are 2 boys in Ireland land get help with treatment in the states here. I appreciate that his charity
makes it fun to participate in raising money as well. I personally participated in a 1000‐mile ride to raise
money to buy the family of one of the boys buy a handicapped accessible van to make it easier to get to
appointments and fun things to do

Meet The Rider # 1051 Scott Brown

 


Hello, my name is Scott Brown, also known as Sugar Bear, and I am rider #1051. I grew up in
rural Louisiana where I first learned to ride motorcycles in the backwoods. Additionally, I have
always been fascinated with insects (entomology), and have made a career out of studying
them. My passion for insects has taken me around the US as an Agricultural Consultant to an
Urban Pest Manager and has also provided me with opportunities to work overseas as a
contractor for the US Army as a Vector Control Specialist.

                                                                   

I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge while working overseas in Iraq. I knew
then that if I ever had the chance to compete in the challenge, I would take it. Currently, I work
for a national pest control company, Rentokil-Terminix, as a Technical Trainer and Board
Certified Entomologist. This job gives me the freedom to work from home and allows me to
participate in the challenge once again this year.
Although I participated in the 2022 challenge, I was unable to complete it. I rode about 6,000
miles before my legs gave out and I realized that I couldn't feel my feet. I decided to stop at a
gas station in Tonopah, NV, to figure out what was wrong. Eventually, I decided to drop out of
the challenge and head home to see a doctor. Looking back, it was a difficult decision, but I
believe it was the best one. When I started the 2022 challenge, I was significantly overweight
and out of shape. Riding long distances alone was not enough to meet the challenge, and I
learned a few important lessons along the way:
- Ride at your own pace and don't try to keep up with other riders.
- Get into shape and lose excess weight.
- Listen to your body and stop when necessary.
- Sleeping at truck stops (gas stations) is not always a good idea, as some people can be
disruptive.
You can see my adventure from the 2022 challenge on my YouTube channel
(@Sugar Bears Adventures). Since the challenge, I have had my vein issues corrected and have
been diagnosed with degenerative neuropathy in both feet. I am currently receiving treatments
for neuropathy and have lost a total of 80 pounds since starting my fitness journey. I can now
run (somewhat slowly) about 2 miles and work out six days a week, three days for cardio with F3Nation, and three days of weight training. I am now better prepared for the upcoming
challenge, but only time will tell.

I am riding once again to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's disease. This disease
affects approximately 50 million people worldwide and 5 million in the US alone. It hits close to
home for me as both my late Dad and Aunt were diagnosed with the disease before they
passed away. I have set up a donation page with the Alzheimer’s Association to accept
donations for The Longest Day- Scott Brown. I would be grateful if you could access the link or
use the QR code in the attached picture and donate generously. Thank you for your time and
support in fighting this terrible disease.

Meet The New Rider # 1118 Greg Oliver

 


My name is Greg Oliver I am married to my wife Jenny of 32 years. We have two boys and 3 grandkids. I
have always been an avid outdoors person with hunting and sports. As a young man, I started out riding
dirt bikes and raced them through high school. Raising our boys we would all hunt pheasant, quail, dove
and deer together. Guiding my wife and boys hunting was a natural progression to eventually start
guiding on the side with pheasant hunts for others. As my boys graduated high school and left the house
I got back into riding a motorcycle and encouraged my wife to learn to ride her own. Now we ride
together and love to travel as often as we can in the spring summer and fall. Our goal is to ride in all
lower 48 states, and we have no doubt we will have that accomplished sooner than later.

I want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge to challenge myself and see what I can do and not do. The endurance that I have seen others go through has enticed me to do this for myself. I like to ride my motorcycle as it gives me peace of mind and adventure in life.

The non-profit I have chosen is Mile Monsters Inc. who support boys who have DMD. We are not the
heroes they wanted; we are the monsters they needed. Riding for others in the hope of helping some
kids live their best life. Raising money and awareness one mile at a time. I chose this non-profit as I have
a choice to do so when these boys did not have a choice in fighting this battle with this illness. I want to
be a part of helping them live the best life that they can while they are here on this earth. The money
will be used for medical expenses, medications, and anything that the boys need to accommodate them
as they go through different stages of life and DMD. This could be wheelchair ramps, wheelchairs,
accommodations to their homes to accommodate wheelchairs etc.

                                                                    

Meet The New Rider # 1132 Rick Dukehart

 

Ride name/ trail name???   

I'm still thinking about that.  (Rick, RickyD,  Tool Man, Duke, Bravey,  Capt. Kale,  Renegade, Little hero)  The most common has been "Yer Crazy". Except when someone yells "Yer Crazy" everyone seems to turn around.  Maybe the Challenge will provide me one?

    Steve McQueen "The King of cool" made an impression on me early.  Maybe at 10 years old. I grew up riding the training wheels off my first bike. The hard rubber tires were the next to fail when all of the spokes fell out. I hadn't even started with jumps and ramps yet.

    I've always been an adrenaline junky I guess. Along the way I have done some pretty neat stuff.

Riding motorcycles"

Flying in a glider

Piloting a plane

Jumping out of perfectly good airplanes

Running with Bulls.

Rock Climbing

Rappelling 26 stories from the Westin Hotel In Pittsburgh for addiction (picture above)

Whitewater rafting and canoeing

Dragon Boating

See a theme here?

I hope Steve McQueen would be proud.

    I can't remember exactly where I became aware of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.  I do remember watching a video after I learned about it. All I remember was riders crossing the finish line.  They were completely exhausted, spent.  Hardly able to show any emotions except a smile and where can I get off this bike and rest.

    I was immediately drawn to this event. It may have even been the inaugural event I was watching.

    Last February 2023 my buddy Mike Clark and I had met in Virginia for a winter biker lunch with friends. He was seated next to me and asked me if I

'd heard of the "Hoka Hey". I said yes and he told me he had sent his entry in. Knowing what it was I was immediately envious and said I'll have to check it out again.  He told me to hurry as the cut off for entry was close. I said I would and then forgot about it. When I remembered I was right at the cut off and didn't make it.  I watched as a few riders backed out and hoped I would get the call. Well here I am.

    I have chosen "Shatterproof" to support for this ride.  I had previously supported them several years ago.  I rappelled from 26 stories from the Westin Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.  Shatterproof is dedicated to providing people help with addiction.  I have known and lost more people than anyone should have to.  

    Last year alone there were 112,000 overdose deaths.  The highest number ever.  Addiction seems to affect everyone.  According to a study by RAND Corporation, about 42% of adults in the U.S. know someone who died from a drug overdose. Who did you know?

Looking for any help I can achieve for this organization

I'm Supporting Shatterproof 

 

 I'm excited to meet everyone and nervous as well.  See you in August!