Meet The New Rider # 1235 Daryl Thompson

 My first long-distance trip was in 1995, two-up on a Heritage Softail headed to Sturgis with a group of friends. I was hooked before we even got on the road. Little did I realize the impact this trip would have on me. 6000 miles in two weeks. Sturgis, Beartooth Highway, Yellowstone, Santa Fe… so much to see. Long distance riding was a thing for me.

Fast forward to 1999 and a planned trip to Sturgis. My wife could not get away from work
but encouraged me to go alone. The first two days were hard, looking for the headlight in
my mirror. But as the days stacked up, it was on! Been riding long distance solo since. I’ve seen many Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge riders over the years and, quite frankly, ignored the call.

2022 and I’m in Frankfort, KY on a run for a unique bourbon and chance upon a watering
hole. Imagine that! A very confident older lady and her husband ask me if they can join me
at my table because it was crowded. I immediately notice a very unique tattoo. A simple
line that runs up her forearm. It has symbols. What are they? After a couple of drinks and
flowing conversation, I ask about the tattoo. She explains that it represents her solo walk
on the Appalachian Trail. Each mark is a milestone. She is one of, if not, the oldest lady to
walk the trail solo. In conversation, I remark, “Oh, kinda like the Hoka Hey for
motorcyclists.” In describing the challenge she interrupts me and says, “You need to do
that.” Her words hit hard.

Upon returning home, I kept hearing her words. So, I researched the Hoka Hey and found
out the application process for the 2024 running would open in a week. I jump and here I
am. Now, at the young age of 63, I figure the time is now. I’ve changed over the years. I’ve
always done what others wanted of me; now I do for me because I realize that a fulfilled me
makes me better for others.

As a retired LEO and President of the North Shore Chapter of the Thin Blue Line LEMC, I
choose the  Thin Blue line is my charity. The Thin Blue Line Foundation is a
501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded in 2012. The Foundation's vision and goals are
"building partnerships between communities, business leaders, law enforcement
agencies and military warriors through volunteering, civic support and promoting public
safety.”

The Foundation lends special interest in providing financial and moral support to the
families and communities of America's First Responders and Military Warriors who have
been seriously injured or suffered loss of life protecting the communities they serve. The
Foundation also provides support for abused and neglected children by providing funds for
school supplies, clothing, and hosting special seasonal events. Funds are generated by
numerous fundraising events and the generosity of various donations.
The Foundation conducts several annual law enforcement and community motorcycle
rides, cook-offs and events that provide funding to serve our mission. The Foundation
board receives no salary or donations from the foundation as it is a 100% volunteer
organization showing Police Officers, First Responders, Military Warriors, their families,
and departments that they are supported, appreciated, and grateful for what they do.
Riding for those who defend the line. Riding for those who defended the line and those
they left behind.
Hippie Too #1235