Meet The Rider Sean Winkler # 887

My name is Sean “Winks” Winkler, rider #887. I’m a Union Carpenter out of Local 13 Chicago.  For the most part I had a blast in the 2018 Hoka hey!! There was one thing that was extremely difficult. I have been riding bikes most my life, I have enjoyed traveling and riding cross country for many years! Nothing gives me more enjoyment than seeing the beautiful country than on two wheels!! It’s one of those humbling experiences that I find within myself. I have always loved just taking off to a beautiful trout steam and fly fishing for a few days, or getting out in a canoe for a few days, or just taking off on the bike and flying by the seat of my pants.




 I first learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge when I was laid up in the ICU from a motorcycle wreck that I wasn’t supposed to walk away from. My dad came to visit me and told me about “these nuts riding from key west to the homer spit”........he said “ it was up my alley “ I was hooked! 2018 I finally had my ducks in a row to do the challenge, it has been a goal of mine and following all the riders online I was excited to toss my hat in the ring!

 I met a HHMC rider Joe Finke, we became pretty good friends, talked almost everyday. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of HHMC riders in 2018 and Probably the best word of advice was, “ride your own ride”. No matter how good of friends you might be, your riding style can still be different. After having major motor problems in rapid city South Dakota  and losing almost two days, Joe  Finke called me to see how I was doing, we talked for a minute then my bike was done and we said our good byes. About five minutes later his brother in-law called to tell me that Joe crashed and passed away. The next few days made the challenge a real challenge! I didn’t want to finish, I wanted to turn around and be at Joe’s funeral to say goodbye. This was the second guessing myself time, the not so fun part. I continued on and was able to complete my goal to finish.  I’m very grateful for everyone who donated and bought T-shirts for my fundraising for my charities! I’m very grateful for the sponsorships and the people who stood behind me!

 This year I’ll be riding in memory of my friend Joe Finke, my non for profits will be K.A.R.E (Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Animals), and Operation Combat BikeSaver.  HOKA HEY!!