Meet The New Rider # 1166 Ren Apolonio

I moved to US from Brazil in 1997. I have been riding motorcycles for almost 30 years.
I have always loved riding and being able to see all this country has to offer.
Besides being a Auto body tech, spending time with my wife and son Maddox and riding  motorcycles are of my favorite ways to spend my time.

I learned about Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2021 on a road trip  back for bike week in Daytona FL. 10K miles in 14 days. I was like how do I sign up? This is my first challenge, I am excited to challenge myself, see some more of the country and raise money for a worthy cause. My wife Shara and my son Maddox will be routing me on at the finish line in Alaska. I am very excited for this new experience !
 

Meet The New Rider # 1154 Rod Almeida

 My name is Rodrigo Almeida. I am 39 years old and originally from Brazil, but currently, I live in Texas. I will actually be celebrating my 40th birthday soon after returning home from the Hoka Hey Challenge! I've been married to my wife, Melissa, for 15 years, and we have two kids, a 12-year-old daughter and an 8- year-old son. They are both heavily involved in various sports. I work as a crane operator for an OSB Mill, but in my spare time, I enjoy riding motorcycles, riding horses, team roping, camping, and any type of outdoor adventure.

I wanted to do the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge this year as I have recently completed a couple of Iron Butt challenges. Now, I want to keep expanding on my long- distance rides. I love the idea of how this ride will really push you to get out of your comfort zone, camping by your bike, just real-life roughing it, and with a common goal in mind. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow Bikers who enjoy just getting on their bikes and going with no end in sight, while also benefiting a cause very close to my heart. I try to appreciate each and every day I am blessed with, but sometimes I also know I unintentionally take for granted the days that I am given. I know this ride will be an eye-opener and a reminder to live each day to the fullest because you never know what's in store for you.

I chose to raise money for the Pancreatic Action Network. It has been almost three years since I lost my sister to this terrible cancer at just 39 years old. She only survived four months from the time she
received the diagnosis, even with the aggressive treatment plan she was on. Unfortunately, with pancreatic cancer, by the time it is discovered, it is typically too late to survive. I want to be able to help an organization that is doing advanced research on this cancer, to either find more advanced treatment plans or even learn how to identify it sooner so patients have a fighting chance. This network also advocates for their patients and works with pancreatic cancer specialists for the best care and the best outcomes. Any new development can only be a step in the right path, so any amount is never too small to help this organization. I can’t wait to gear up and get to the starting line of the Hoka Hey Challenge!

Meet The New Rider # 1201 Dan Dyell

Hi there, my name is Daniel "Dan" Dyell, and I am rider #1201.

I was born and raised in Detroit, MI the "Motor City". While growing up I used to spend summers at Harsen's Island. You must take a ferry to the island. My Uncle had a cabin there and had several bikes in the garage. Anything from minibikes (with no brakes), 3 wheelers, Honda Trail 90, Honda 125, and a few larger bikes. That's where I learned how to ride during the summers around the cabins and on the island. Later in my teens we moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL and my Dad had a 1979 HD 1200, I said one day I will own one like that. My Dad found an old 1979 Puch Moped, since I was only 15, we worked on it and got it running. I rode that Moped all over Fort Lauderdale and loved it (didn't need a license because it was less than 50cc). Later in life when I got a license, I rode a 1973 Yamaha Virago for a while then my life changed in my mid-twenties. I joined the United States Marine Corps and became an aviator flying as an Aerial Navigator on KC-130 Aircraft, after 2 years of schooling and living in several places I wasn't able to have a bike. I then moved and lived in Okinawa, Japan for 2 years, then moved to Stewart ANGB in Newburgh, NY. While there for 4 years I deployed to the Middle East in the Iraq war on 3 deployments and traveled all over the world, life was busy. I returned to Okinawa for 2 more years then back to NY to finish my career out for 10 more years. In that time, I refreshed my riding skills with the Motorcycle Safety Course, bought a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and starting riding all over NY. After 20 years in the Marine Corps flying on KC-130 Aircraft, combat deployments, traveling to 51 countries and US Territories, going to 49 States, and earning several medals and ribbons, I retired as a Gunnery Sergeant and moved to East Tennessee.

I started riding all over East TN and found out that although I loved the speed and handling of a Ninja, I was ready to get a cruiser bike. I found a 2005 Honda 1300C and started working on it and transforming it into a great cruiser. I then took off for Sturgis in 2021 and after two weeks riding and meeting new friends, I chose to continue west to MT and WY. I thought why not I was retired. By the time I got home after 3 weeks I rode almost 6,000 miles and went through 10 states. It was so fulfilling to be out there traveling alone and unafraid. Since then, I have finally bought my Harley, 2015 CVO Street Glide, sold my Honda 1300C and returned to Sturgis annually and met many amazing biker friends from all over. I have met my wife who lived in East TN during this period and married her last year in Sept. 2023. She loves riding as a passenger and is my ride or die partner.  I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from one of my friends who completed the 2022 challenge, rider #1108. During that year at the campground in Sturgis we talked all about the Hoka Hey and he suggested I sign up for the 2024 Hoka Hey and I was accepted to the 2024 challenge. I rode to the 2023 Hoka Hey Rendezvous in Eagles Nest, NM and met the coordinators, heard the stories of the other riders, and watched as they gave out awards to those so deserving of them. I am very excited to challenge myself for this event in 2024. I know I have the riding skills, the time, the patients and my Marine Corps training and combat deployments have prepared me physically, but more mentally for this challenge too. There will be tough times on the road ahead but with perseverance and a positive mental attitude, I know I can get through the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

I haven't chosen a non-profit organization. I have thought a lot about many different military organizations to help other veterans, but I didn't. I belong to the VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars and AMVETS - American Veterans. This event I will be riding for all those who I have served with who lost their lives in combat and peacetime over my 20 years of service. I will also be riding for my father who lost his battle with cancer in 2017 and my dog who recently passed away in May 2024 from a tumor and cancer. So, it was difficult to not just choose one organization, but I will not be alone on the open road this year. See you all at the starting line in August 2024.

Meet The New Rider # 1229 Van Huddleston

Born in Arkansas on 911, 46 years before it became a patriotic holiday 13 years before it became an emergency phone number and another 8 years before it became my work phone .  My family moved to Texas when I was 2 weeks old.  My dad was in the construction business and we moved every year to a different state Colorado, Utah, S Dakota , Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma . After all this we landed in Paris Tx  While living in Paris I got my first motorcycle at 15.   It wasnt much , a red Honda 65, but it got me around and I loved it.

 Then in my soph year we moved to to Mesquite Tx where I graduated High School and bought a used Honda 450 which I rode everywhere I went , sometimes with scuba tanks and gear strapped aboard .  I majored in aviation technology for a couple years at a local community college until I couldnt afford any more flight time.  I changed my major to Political science and accepted an athletic scholarship At Grambling State University in Louisiana .

 

  In my senior year there a recruiter was at the college from the Houston Police Dept.  I needed a J-O-B so  I applied.  I hit the tough streets of central Houston  as a cop at 20 yrs old before I could even legally buy my own ammunition much less a handgun.  I was a patrolmen for almost 8 years and transferred to the helicopter patrol where I spent a few more years . After a divorce and second marriage we were ready to get out of Houston.  I moved my new bride and two kids both to the Dallas area and went to work for the Mesquite Police Dept .  We built a house on acreage east of Dallas near Wills Point where I commuted 90 miles rt daily on my 750 Honda . I spent my final 15 years as a detective in various divisions as well as being a SWAT team member. While with MPD I was the dept coordinator for the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run benefitting the Special Olympics of Texas.  The athletes and the program itself became very important to me over the years.

I owned a lot of Hondas over the years including two Gold wings and a CBX 6 cyl beast.  After retirement from MPD I got my first Harley Electra glide and joined a veteran/ LE Mc club .  I started doing the Tour of Honor in about 2003 and would mix in an Iron Butt ride occasionally. 

A couple years ago I became aware of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from several of the TOH riders and right away knew I wanted to be a part of it.  Within a month of signing up for HH 2024 I had some heart issues that required surgery .  My goal then was to recover fully before August 2024 .  Then having recovered sufficiently to ride just a couple weeks before the 2024 Tour of Honor was to kick off,  I was ambushed by a man in Houston while doing a rideshare . I ended up with 40 stitches and multiple fractures of my left orbital socket . Three surgeries later my goal was once again to recover for the August 4 2024 Hoka Hey.   I haven't had a lot of opportunity to do much fund raising for the Special Olympics but will get something going before August .  

Today , just two months before we embark I feel confident im getting back into riding shape .  I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to join such an exclusive group of men and women on this epic journey of self discovery!

Meet The New Rider # 1177 Robert McCraight

Greetings everyone! My name is Robert "Bobby" McCraight and I am rider #1177.  I was born and raised just outside Detroit Mi. and I've been here my entire life. From the minute I first threw my leg over a friend's YZ 60 back in the day, I knew riding on two was for me. Like most here, I started on dirt bikes, then to sport bikes and then grew up and slowed down on a cruiser. There's something about that wind therapy that just puts everything in the mirror....obviously y'all get it.

 

 
  I've been married to my wife Kendra for 11 years now. Yes, she rides too. She hasn't been on the back of mine since we picked up her '72 and got her riding a few years back. We have 2 kids 27 and 30, with 4 grandbabies...#5 will be due right around the time I am rolling into Homer! Life hasn't been with out struggles but I have to say I am blessed more than I deserve. 

  The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge has been on my radar for a few years, but life always found a way to say "not this year". But I saw my opportunity in 2024 and jumped on it! All in! I can't wait to meet the HH fam in Florida in a couple months. From what I've seen already, you seem like a pretty incredible bunch. 

  My charity I will be riding for is called, Foundation 14. "F14' is a non-profit that I helped build that is dedicated to keeping our veterans riding. Our tasks range from repairs a veteran may not be able afford to make due to some financial hardships, all the way to a complete rebuild to accommodate a prosthetic. In just 8 years, we've been able to help 28 combat veterans get their knees in the breeze! We partner with the veteran,  customize the bike to fit their taste as well as make any modifications neccessary to suit any physical disability. We don't just give them a bike and go on our way, we make sure our warfighters stay engaged and help to pay it forward to the next veteran. The therapy isn't the bike, it's the family and support system that comes with F14 that is the real medicine.  A healthy alternative. To become part of a cohesive unit working together to heal mind, body and soul. Our govt. does an incredible job preparing our soldiers for combat, but we are sorely lacking on training to help them return home.
 Please check out our social media to get a better feel for our mission and our work.
  See you all in a coupe months!

 Bobby #1177

Meet The New Rider # 1122 Bradley Thomas

My mother always said, be careful what you wish for…
It was 2010,I had just rolled into Sturgis with a lifelong friend.
On the longest motorcycle ride Either of us had ever been on (1200 miles in about three days).
It was there that I saw a poster, and a man speaking about a half million in gold.
It was at that moment I told my buddy Dave, I wish that we could give that a try sometime,
Gee whiz, as Alaska kids, all we gotta do is get home.

Fast forward 11 years later, my wife and I had just finished a Coast to Coast in under 50 hours.
It was that evening at dinner that we met some Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge riders,                          and we all shared our tales from the road
Most of them thought that we were out of our minds for riding together that far…
That evening, on the way back to the hotel my wife said, I think you “found your tribe”
They speak your language.

Speaking of my tribe,
My lovely wife of 29 years  Vicki Vuarnet,Our daughter Sheena,
2 Newfoundlands and 2lynx

I volunteer with the Elks Lodge, Family kitchen, Veterans & Christmas Baskets

I am grateful for the opportunity to spread awareness
The charity I will be riding for is Mile Monsters Inc.
Thank you for # 1122 (according to mama, it’s my birth weight in kilograms)1.122 .
Bradley H Thomas
Bend, Oregon
HH # 1122

Meet The Rider # 836 Jim Fish

 I always look forward to the next Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. There is no other ride that even compares. For the first time riders you will either hate the navigational challenges, sleep deprivation, gas
station food, bad weather, bike breakdowns in the middle of nowhere or you will become addicted
to the technically difficult roads, the best scenery in the country, solitude and the pride that you
had the self-determination to finish the Challenge. This is not a race against other riders but an
individual soul search to accomplish more than you knew you were capable of.

On my first challenge I was truly blessed to have experienced riders Bill, Wendy and Jim take me
under their wings to teach me how to navigate, where to sleep, staying hydrated, etc. Their lessons
were invaluable.

Since then, I have learned I need to ride solo as it was very difficult to match sleeping schedules
with anyone else for days in a row. After 4-5 days sleeping only 2 hours was not enough and I
needed to add another hour in the afternoon to get through the evening hours. Everyone is different
and you will find what works best for you.

I must thank Beth and all the Challenge organizers for continuing what is now a tradition. Everyone
should show their appreciation to this group of dedicated individuals as they continue to create the
best riding experience possible.
Jim Fish
#836