I am not much of a writer. So, to create my Bio and let you know a bit of who I am, I plan to share a few photos that have meaning to me. They say a picture is worth 1,000 words. Maybe that will help me convey to you how magical my life has been and how grateful I am to be part of the Hoka Hey family!
To Jim Redcloud and Mama Beth, Salute!
When she was very young, Destiny, my oldest granddaughter, could not say Grandpa Chuck. So, for her, I became Grandpa Truck. The rest of my little herd of eight grandkids picked up on this and the nickname stuck. My grandkids are all so full of life and just a little bit crazy. I think that last portion of their personalities must have come from me! Included in my prayers for them is that they each find the passion in their lives that will help them discover meaning, purpose and motivation to strive toward a life well lived. I can’t help but believe that they do see that passion for life in me when I’m constantly sharing stories with them about long-distance motorcycle riding and prattling on about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.
A few historical facts to follow:
My first memory of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was from a poster in the House of Harley dealership in Anchorage, Alaska. It was obscurely placed on a door intended for employees but fortunately I spotted the poster and became immediately intrigued. I’ve learned that there is nothing like seeing this country from the saddle of a motor scooter. First ever Harley-Davidson, Ultra Classic, in 2009.
First Hoka Hey in 2010. Peanut M & M's are a great way to battle fatigue. Pickle juice is a miracle cure!
Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate! Don’t overload your Scoot. Packing low and forward is best. Approaching the finish and seeing a group of Road Warriors waiting for me at 2 a.m. always brings a smile to my face. Waiting on exhausted Riders to greet them as they cross the finish line is even better. In fact, I believe that’s the best part of the Challenge for me. Making a wrong turn is part of the HHMC. Left on FM Road 223? Yeah! Right! Ha Ha Ha! Get used to it. It happens! If you have not made a wrong turn, you have not ridden this event."
Thinking deep thoughts about that next Hoka Hey coming up in August. There may be a little room left on my faded Hoka Hey vest for one more souvenir. A 2024 Rocker would go nicely with my collection.
Tenth Challenge for me. I hope the Harley and I will be ready for that long winding road to Homer, Alaska. Might have to stop off at my condo in Anchorage to grab a hot shower!
Eric Buskel COEB … Crazy One Eyed Biker, Rider #733. This Road Warrior cleans up pretty well when helping to marry off Papa John’s beautiful daughter! Everyone loves a Sharp Dressed Man! Congratulations Abby and Bryan.
Mr & Mrs Hardin.
Panama hats and cigars, required attire when you’re enjoying the salt air of the Gulf Coast! Pineapple Willy's, McGuire's Irish Pub and The Wicked Wheel are among the must visits when making miles along the shoreline. 100,000 miles in 100 days ! Yep, Chris Hopper did that. I was there for the celebration. Good job, Chris, Rider #937!
Sometimes, when you need a short break from long distance motorcycle riding, a little fishing for red-snapper in the Gulf of Mexico is an excellent distraction! I grew up around catfish, large mouth bass, bluegill and yellowfin. Shiners for perch, night crawlers for bass and crickets for just about any freshwater fish in the area that might be hungry. Fish on!
Cuban Crafters, Miami, provides the best smokes ever. I provide the dirty fingernails. Blasting down the backroads with a fine stogie, well, it just doesn’t get much better than that. Just ask Road Warrior, Bruce Rimes, Rider #844, Hippy!
In 2014, crossing the finish line on the Homer Spit, near Land’s End, was an experience to be long remembered. A Rider is still on the road! With Adrienne’s help, we reset a warm, welcoming, Hoka Hey Finish Line with the official banner, pompoms, yelling out Hoka Hey, screaming and waving all for Road Warrior, Gary Simoneaux, Rider #619. He was definitely surprised by our greeting. Afterwards, we all met at AJ’s Steakhouse for a fine Alaskan steak dinner. It was a very good day!
Since 2010, my long distance riding has been planned around completing the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. 2021 was an off year for the Challenge, so, I thought I’d stay busy while trying something a bit different. The Iron Butt Association’s many outstanding rides are always a tempting adventure. The Tour of Honor is also well known by all dedicated LD Riders. The Southern California Motorcycle Association also has a host of rides worthy of consideration by the long distance riding community. One of the SCMA’s very best, and my personal favorite, is the USA 4-Corners Tour. This one caught my eye! I decided to attempt the True-X version of this tour. I was able to complete 6 SCMA True X's, back to back. For the most part, there were a couple of notable exceptions, the Hoka Hey Hotel provided comfortable accommodations during the entire journey. IYKYK! 73,599 miles were completed before Mother Nature finally shut me down by closing my highways in the northwest and northeast. Earned my brick!
My Dad. Delivering for Rexall Drug Store, Meridian Mississippi. Servi-Cycle. Photo around 1948. See, I come by my obsession of riding motorcycles honestly! A small business owner in Meridian, Dad was also a gifted guitar player. When he had time, Dad played in several local bands and frequently sat in for other musicians. We miss him.
My Mom driving and my Mama BeaBea who seems to be hanging on for dear life. Took my Lit’l red headed brother’s Brig & Stratton down the dirt road to check the mailbox about a mile away. Didn’t drop her even once! Scared all the adult Men in the front yard. Even more proof that I come by it honestly. It’s in the blood. Its genetics.
By the way, I’m GrandPa Truck, Rider #85. Hoka Hey!
Sent from my iPad
No comments:
Post a Comment