Meet The New Rider # 1198 Justin Tharrett

 

Hello there fellow HOKA riders, WALDO (Justin) here from the Great Lakes State of Michigan.  I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge while on a beer run down to Knoxville Tenn to see a fellow club member.  We ran into a veteran of the ride at a fuel stop and he filled us in on the numbers tagged on his ride.  He too was on his way home from a beer run from NC to Michigan.  

 

When not out on two wheels I am a Sgt with the Detroit Fire Department.   With my great firefighter schedule, and the blessing from my soon to be wife, I have been able to put some good miles on two wheels all thru the US.  I've been fortunate to complete the 48 states in 10 days, and most recently a trip to Deadhorse AK to take a dip in the arctic ocean.  Thru Detroit Fire Dept I was exposed to the AXEMEN MC.  The AXEMEN MC was founded in 1998 in Detroit by a small group of professional IAFF fire fighters and has grown to 35 chapters from Washington to New York, South Carolina out to Arizona.  Even a chapter located in Windsor Canada.  All of our chapters are a 501(c)(3) and hold multiple fundraising events throughout the year benefiting charities. 

 

 In Detroit we have worked closely with many different causes but the one that is near and dear to me is the Great Lakes Burn Camp.  Funding raised sponsors burn injured children at the Great Lakes Burn summer and winter camps.  The camp provides a unique experience promoting self esteem, confidence and healing while being with other burn injured kids. They also offer scholarships for campers to attend college or trade schools. 

 

To me the HOKA HEY Challenge is just that, a challenge of oneself.  We have all been out on the road for long days and tons of miles.  But  I've always had that gps to get me where I  need.  I've always had that hot shower and bed at the hotel when I stop.  Or those brothers riding next to me to push that extra fuel stop.  This is something that I'd never do on my own.  Can't wait to see everyone in Woodstock.

Great Lakes Burn Camp.        https://glbcforkids.org/

Meet The Returning Rider # 907 Ken Cowart

 

This will be my 3rd Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.  I was able to finish in 2018 after having an engine blowup and spending 3 days at Taboo Harley Davidson in Alexandria, LA.  I missed the end of the road party by only a few hours. In 2020 I had an accident with fellow Hoka Hey rider Kenneth Andrews.  This was definitely one of the worst experiences of my life.  I relive that moment often and still have not figured out how it happened other than I had a momentary loss of concentration. Thankfully, we both have recovered and are riding again.

 

 

The Hoka Hey sends us down some challenging routes and I’ve never been afraid to ride new and challenging roads.  The Hoka Hey just confirmed that I can do anything!  I really think the absolutely best advice for new riders is ride your own ride and know that whatever plan you think you have, it will change on the road and you will change along with it!  For me, it’s funny that now as I’m out on the road, I look at places and think “Hmmm, that would be a good place to sleep for the night”

 

 

 

Family and friends have been super supportive, but understandably worried at the same time.  The tracking of Fleet Tracker does ease their worries some.  When stopped for the night, I try to remember to send a text letting them know that I’ll be resting for a few hours.

 

 

 

My chosen charity is The Special Olympics in honor of my sister Debbie.  She was a participant for many years until she passed in 2014.  The hardest thing about fundraising for me is finding the time to do events for the fundraising.  Facebook is a great tool to get the word out and I have used their charity donation feature with lots of success. 

 

 

 

Ken Cowart

Hoka Hey rider #907

Meet The Returning Rider # 944 Jay Gleason

 

I spend many of my days riding, like I have since I've been very young. But if you don't find me on my bike (or working my job) there's a good chance I'm catching up on chores around the house, spending quality Ɵme with my friends or family or just plain out chillin. I first found out about the Hoka Hey Challenge through a good friend a few years ago. He shared the details as he prepared for the ride. He also shared the “rules of the road”, the honor and the integrity of the rider. He also shared the challenge of the road and with mother nature. Needless to say, I found myself glued to his tracker to see how he was doing. And then, after finishing it, he shared all the adventures he had while riding it. I felt like it was something I just had to do. - one of the pinnacles of my riding life. 

While I have ridden a fair amount of long-distance riding and many days and miles away from home - I've only  ridden under the rules of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge once. I believe the ride will challenge my very soul and spirit. But I'm ready to ride and in doing so I will honor myself, the legacy of the founders, the guidelines they have set forth and my fellow riders—all while riding my best ride. I have a feeling this will be a life changing event and I look forward to it

Meet The Returning Rider # 1181 Jeff Mallory

 

My name is Jeff “Hee Haw” Mallory Hoka Hey Rider 1181. Like most of us my motorcycle riding started in my teen years on mini and dirt bikes. I purchased my first Harley in 1993, It was a Dyn Wide Glide. I still have her today but currently she is relegated to the corner but don’t have the heart to get rid of her, This will be my second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . As many riders have said the Hoka Hey is  life changing event. I laughed , cried, reflected, fell, and persevered to finish the 2024 Hoka Hey to Homer, AK. I have to say thank you to Scott “ Sugar Bear” Brown rider 1051 for being there to help pick me up when I was down. We just happened to join up as we entered the Keys and finished together in Homer. I grew up in southwest MO and joint the US Army my senior year in high school. I retired after 20 years and then became a defense contractor for another 10 years.  I currently live in Alabama and work in  Montana on Chinook helicopters used predominantly fighting fires. 

I am looking forward this Challenge with renewed vigor. I know that Mama Beth and the rest of the board will challenge us to our utmost. I learned a lot from the 2024 Challenge,  as most newbies do I brought way to much stuff. This year will be trimmed way down. Take time to enjoy the ride Mama Beth takes us through some of the most amazing places. For the new riders ask questions of the elders they will guide you on this journey. I can say it is wonderful to see a fellow Hoka Hey rider at different events, you walk up say hi and even if you have never met you are instantly welcomed as family. I am grateful to have so many new brothers and sisters. 

I will be riding again this year for the Night Stalker Association (nsa160.com). This is a non profit organization that provides support to member and families of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. I spent ten year in the regiment as a mechanic and flight crew member. I joined the Association when it was founded in 1988 as a way to support our soldiers during hard times.

Meet The New Rider # 1281 Bob Burrier

 

My journey on two wheels began in the early 1990s. Over the last three decades, riding has evolved from a passion into my absolute "happy place." There is an undeniable truth to the concept of "wind therapy," and I have relied on it for decades to clear my mind, reset, and self-medicate from the stresses of life.

 

 

While I’ve logged countless miles, my favorite miles are shared. My wife is my main riding partner—she rides a 2015 Street Glide and shares the passion. Together, we’ve chased the horizon to incredible places, our most memorable being an unforgettable run to Sturgis, South Dakota. Over the years, we’ve completed numerous runs, raised awareness for vital causes, and successfully checked off  The Little Bear Challenge. The Little Bear Challenge is hosted and organized by "Just Matt", Hoka Hey Finisher (#1075). We are also incredibly proud parents and grandparents who love our family fiercely.

 

 

 

 

Service has been the defining cornerstone of my life. I honorably served my country in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army National Guard. I had the very distinct honor to continue my service in federal law enforcement, ultimately retiring as a Special Agent with the Department of Homeland Security. After retirement, I joined the best darn Harley-Davidson dealership in the nation, Stinger Harley-Davidson, Medina, Ohio. 

I find fulfillment with community involvement and brotherhood as a proud member of the Sebring Masonic Lodge 626, Tadmor Shrine, and Alliance Shrine Club.

I view the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge not just as an endurance run, but as a true "Vision Quest", also the title to one of my favorite movies. I see it as the ultimate test of boundaries—a way to look inward and see if I possess the mental fortitude, grit, and mindset required to push through the grueling miles and finish what I start.

 

 

 However, I am not just riding for myself. I am proud to be turning my wheels for the Alliance Shrine Club Transportation Unit. This incredible unit is directly responsible for transporting children and their families to Shriner Hospitals for critical medical appointments and treatments—completely free of charge to the families.

Every mile I log during the Hoka Hey will be dedicated to keeping those vans moving for the kids. I will be sharing links and social media channels in the near future for anyone wishing to follow the journey and contribute to this vital cause.

Safe Travels! 

Squirrel #1281

Meet The Returning Rider # 1033 Louis Bergeron

 Bonjour mes amis, (Hi y’all)
       I have been following the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge since 2018 and riding 2022 and 2024 edition. Excited to be on the starting Line in Woodstock, Illinois.

 

 I ride motorcycles for over 5 decades and I still remember my early dream in mid ´70 was to cross North America by fields, mountains and sleep beside the bike. At that time I was riding mostly off-road. Even if I have already rided across 49 states and 12 provinces and territories the Hoka Hey organization gave me the opportunity to fulfill that dream that i am always after. Hoka Hey is also a nest of riders that inspire me and help me to find another dimension to riding, other than physical. Trying to be a better person and live a good Life.

 

I don't run for non profit considering that I chose years ago to work couple per year, of cases pro-bono to help workers to get indemnise for professional injuries. This is the way i give back to my community in Québec.

 

       Thanks for taking time to read intro and looking forward to meet all old and new friends. Hoka Hey

Meet Returning Rider # 981 Henry Lecomte

 

I’m Henry Lecomte. I live in Ste Anne MB. Canada. I rode in 2022 and 2024 but I’m just as excited to once again to be riding in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . I learned of the challenge from Jim Milas and he told me you ride it once you’ll ride it again. He was right, just don’t tell him. I enjoy challenges like this where you're taking the roads less travelled. 

 

 

Our riding season in Manitoba is a little limited at time but I ride and tour when I can. I also enjoy hunting and fishing and I forge knives as a hobby. I was a member of the Boilermakers for 16 years and just received my 25 year pin with UA Local 254. 

 

This challenge enables you to meet people who are like to ride like you do. This ride pushes riders to the extreme and I’m sure many feel their guardian angels are running with them, I know I did. All the riders and the organizers of this event form a great group of individuals who donate their time and energy supporting many great causes and charities. 

 

 

This year I’m riding for Manitoba Possible, which is is an organization that helps Manitobans with disabilities. This charity has helped some of my friends and family. I’m also riding for Mile Monsters Inc.. I got to meet and know a few of the members and also attended a couple events. When I saw the good they do and how the boys appreciate all that is being done l felt it was a good fit for me. I will attach links below.

 

DONATE Manitoba Possible 

DONATE Mile Monsters Inc.