Meet the Riders: Eric Buskell #733

Eric Buskell # 733, from Panama City Beach, Florida, is an experienced Challenger with the 2012 and 2014 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenges under his belt. He first learned about the event after reading about it in Full Throttle Magazine. The finish line was his most memorable moment of each of the rides. He felt like he pushed himself to get there and finds it very rewarding. It gave him the confidence he lacked to get out on his own and ride. He says, “Now I’m a guy who can go out into the world by myself.” In the 2014 HHMC, his riding partner, John Levins # 735, was injured in Canada and Eric was required to go on by himself. Getting to Alaska really boosted his confidence.  One of his scariest experiences was waking up to a police officer and a drawn gun in his face. Once the officer was satisfied with his explanation, Eric was allowed to go back to sleep. By then he was wide awake and rode on.

Smelling the breath of a moose in the Rockies and riding through Glacier National Park in Montana are two of many exceptional moments Eric experienced.  Through the rides in 2012 & 2014, Eric learned how much he had missed in the past when travelling by interstates. Since his first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2012, he enjoys the twisties and back roads at every opportunity. 

When asked if he made any new friends he said, “They are much more than friends, they are family.”

The nonprofit, Paws and Claws is a passion Eric looks forward to supporting as he rides the 2016 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.