Meet The New Rider # 1268 Jim Hicks

 

My name is Jim Hicks. I was born in California, raised in Oklahoma and Kentucky. We moved frequently due to my father’s employment. I married my high school sweetheart and beautiful bride ‘Robin’ of 43 years. I then Enlisted in the Navy Nuclear Submarine program in 1984. Robin and I raised our family of two beautiful daughters, Jaclyn and Melissa all over the Globe while serving in the Navy. We served on Submarines, Aircraft Carriers, and Nuclear Repair ships throughout the Pacific. I retired from active duty in Hawaii in 2013 as a Lieutenant Commander. I earned my Business Baccalaureate from Columbia College, my Nuclear Baccalaureate from Thomas Edison and my MBA from Webster University. 

  

I grew up outdoors and my first motorcycle was a Honda 50cc as a young kid. By my teenage years I was riding enduro and dirt bikes routinely. I have owned motorcycles and logged hundreds of thousands of miles since. Moving overseas, and serving on Ships for years at a time certainly complicates that, but it doesn’t take away from the sheer joy of riding. I am heavily involved in my local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, Tour of Honor (#2), and Iron Butt Association (#712). Brotherhood is such a big part of why I ride. Riding with other Combat Veterans, other like-minded people who respect our nations first responders and veterans, or simply great friends to share a beer or cigar with are all treasures to me. This family we have of riders is important to me; I want to put myself in a position to give back to the same communities that have given me so much. 

 

The clarity and wind therapy we all seek on the road can only be experienced, not explained. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is a remarkable example of a physical and spiritual challenge the provides that wind therapy, mental clarity, and self-reflection. I look forward to experiencing this challenge with a family of motorcycle riders who are as passionate about long distance riding as I am. Ultimately, I want to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because I enjoy a challenge, the comradery, and want to learn more about myself, while surrounded by like minded riders who I respect. 

 

Non-Profits that are closest to my heart are tied to those who help our nations veterans and first responders. Our nation’s first responders and veterans who have committed to protect us are worthy of our respect and gratitude. For those reasons I am proud to raise monies for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They help catastrophically injured veterans and first responders by building mortgage-free smart homes, provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders with young children, assists homeless veterans, and support frontline COVID-19 workers, all while working to ensure America never forgets 9/11. The organization keeps administrative and fundraising costs under 7%, earning an A+ rating from Charity Watch. 

 

Meet The Returning Rider #555 Jimmy Milas

 

  I procrastinated for 2 years before I rode my first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2016. Thinking, these riders were the top in the country and would embarrass myself. Give yourself more credit than I did. I finished 18^th. 

 

I gave myself 3 days to get to the starting line in Pala, California from Saskatchewan Canada. I was so nervous or was it excitement and adrenaline that got me there in a day and a half. I was so revved I only stopped briefly after 20 hours, because the gas station was closed and I was almost out of fuel. (I slept on oil stained black top, didn’t care)!

 

When I arrived in Pala I couldn’t sleep for fear of missing something, anything that would give me insight. It felt like I was way out of my league! I was addicted after my first year! I’ll be riding my 5^th Hoka Hey this year out of Woodstock Illinois and I’m just as pumped as I was the first year! 

 

The Hoka Hey is an eye and mind opening experience! The HH Challenge changes your perspective on living your best life. It has brought Honor, Integrity, and most of all Compassion into my character that I didn’t know I had.

 

I have chosen “Canine Action Project” as my fund raiser this year. My love for animals is endless. It saddens me greatly to see them suffer even in the smallest way. I hope I can count on all of you to help me support the volunteers of the “Canine Action Project” caring for the distressed canines and felines. “Working together toward safe, healthy, happy animals, and people, in our communities”.

 

Hoka Hey my Brothers and Sisters

Compassionately yours

Jimmy #555

Canine Action Project (CAP) is a Canadian Registered Charity working closely with First Nations across Treaty 6 Territory in Saskatchewan to provide community animal health programs focused on dogs and cats. We are proudly an Indigenous-founded and Indigenous-led organization. CAP programs focus on access to veterinary care and resources, knowledge sharing, and individualized support for each of our partner First Nations. By improving the health of animals, we are helping to build healthier, safer communities.

Funds raised through Hoka Hey will directly support two of our vital programs. Our Shared Cost Spay/Neuter Program provides affordable services that help keep pets and families together, reduce overpopulation, promote responsible pet ownership, and decrease the spread of contagious diseases and parasites. Our Emergency Medical Fund ensures animals in medical distress can access urgent veterinary care. This program prioritizes keeping pets with their families whenever possible; however, when an animal is surrendered or unowned, it receives the necessary urgent care before being transferred to a trusted partner animal welfare organization for rehoming.

www.canineactionproject.com/donate (QR code has been included in photos)
Donations of $25 or more are eligible for a charitable tax receipt
*Please include "Hoka Hey" in the memo when donating

1-306-830-1979

1-306-981-3334
cap@canineactionproject.com 
www.canineactionproject.com

Canine Action Project and our team lives, learns, and works on Treaty 6 Territory and the Homelands of the Métis. The First Nations signatories of Treaty 6 are the Nehiyawak (Cree), Dene, Nakota, and Anihsinäpek (Saulteaux). These lands are the ancestral and existing lands of many Indigenous Nations and non-human beings as travelling routes, hunting grounds, and gathering spaces. We recognize the impact colonialism has had on these ways of life for the land, people, and animals.

Through our work, we hope to honour this land, along with all living beings that call the land home. We recognize our responsibilities as an organization in relation to Truth and Reconciliation, and strive to understand and uphold the Calls for Justice and Calls to Action.

Meet The New Rider # 1302 Susan Miller

 

Allow me to introduce myself.  My name is Susan Miller, new rider for 2026, #1302.

I got the love for motorcycles while growing up and riding on the back of my dad's bike.  Nothing like being woken up at 3am, being asked if I wanted to go for a ride.  Sometimes it was short, sometimes, we were 3 states away.  I never asked where we were going or when we would be back. I mean seriously, who was going to punish me for missed chores?  Looking back now at what seem to be age old memories, I still think of those rides while I'm now riding... Visiting places that he took me and seeing them in a new light each time.  I started riding street bikes about 25 years ago, just 5 years after he passed.  Although I started riding 2 wheels, I transitioned to a trike in 2019 and that is really when my love for long distance riding started.   Encouraged by close friends that I've met through years of HOG Touring Rally's, I've challenged myself to complete the 2026 Hoka Key Motorcycle Challenge.

After finding out 4 months ago that I would be losing my job at the end of February, I decided to trade my old trike in for a new one, which I have named "Severance".  I'm no where near ready to retire, least of all from riding!  With the loving support of my husband, he told me he would do everything in his power to make this happen for me.   Tomorrow is never promised, so you have to live for today.

 

 

I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge at my local dealership, Bumpus HD in Memphis TN, sitting in the lounge area looking at the Hoka Hey flyer, wishing I would be able to do it.  At the time, I still could only afford a metric bike, so I knew I couldn't qualify, but the bug was always still there.  A dear friend rode it in 2022, and listening to her stories amazes me everytime they are repeated.  I followed the podcasts for the 2024 Hoka Hey... and told myself, 2026 would be the year. 

 

 

I've chosen a small "grass-roots" charity to ride for this year.  This charity combines the love of riding, motorcycles and passion to help those in need.  Mile Monsters Inc. is a 501c3 non profit that helps where ever possible to make sure that their 7 Heros, who have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy can live better lives.  For that, I'm proud to help support their cause, and get as many donations that will help continue their efforts to bring joy to these young kids.  My donation link Miles Monsters Inc if you would like to help support this worthy cause!

 

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1261 Curtis Anselmo

 

I'm Curtis, born and raised in the suburbs/rural area surrounding Chicagoland. I enlisted in the USAF out of high school and proudly served four years active duty as an F-16 flightline engine mechanic. I was proud to serve a deployment in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I got out of the Air Force and decided to continue my education and earned an Associates of Science near home. Upon completion I worked five years in the steel mill and have most recently held the position of tour guide/driver in southern Florida. 

 

 

I've owned motorcycles since high school and had always just taken day rides. As the years went on, I wanted more adventure and decided to fully commit to trips/long distance travel when I purchased my first brand new motorcycle, a 2020 Road glide special. I took my first big trip in 2023, quit my job and spent three months camping/riding across 30 states. Most recently 2025 was my first year to ride all 48 contiguous.  I love the challenges of life on the road and the incredible adventures/people I've met all over the country. To me the  Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is the ultimate adventure/motorcycle challenge there is. It's the most grueling and technical of them all and I'm honored to have the opportunity to participate/make a difference at the same time. 

 

 

My non profit is K-9s for Warriors, a multi purpose group determined to end Veteran suicide. They provide highly trained service dogs (majority of them rescues) to veterans suffering with PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma to veterans across the country. Their mission involves getting veterans back to a civilian life with dignity and independence. Since 2011 they have rescued more than 2,500 dogs across thirty one states across the country.

 

 

 

 As a veteran who has struggled with mental health in the past, I chose this group in the broad range of impact they have. In addition to rescuing dogs, they are giving meaning/purpose to their life in a way that daily contributes to the promotion of positive mental health in our nation's freedom fighters. 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1332 Todd Boyce

 

About me:

 

 I have been riding since I was 8 years old on 2 wheels. My father bought me a Rupp Mini bike and I was hooked. To me, there is nothing like being on 2 wheels!  I have been blessed with my children and grandchildren beyond belief . I have an amazing wife who I cherish and she supports me in all that I do.  I am an avid hunter and have spent 80+ days and nights in the Wilderness of Alaska hunting and Brown Bear, Black Bear, Dall Sheep, Moose. I have endured the elements and pushed myself to the edge many times on those adventures.

 

 

Why I want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge:

 

One of my favorite quotes is “ A mind once stretched never regains its original dimension”  I thrive when I am mentally and physically challenged!  When I heard about the Hoka Hey motorcycle challenge I just knew it was something that I wanted to do. I was even more excited when I learned about the incredible impact the Hoka Hey it has made on so many peoples lives. Being a giver the Hoka Hey feels right in my heart and I know there is no quit in me.  

 

About my non-profit;

 

I am riding for Minnetonka football in honor of my dear friend Roger Lenahan who is battling glioblastoma. Roger volunteered and dedicated 25 years to the youth football program. Rogers leadership has helped thousands of kids learn teamwork, discipline, mental toughness and sportsmanship.

A scholarship will be given to kids called the Roger Lenahan Award.

Meet The Returning Rider # 966 Jon Santos

 

Hey everyone, Jon Santos here. This year’s 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will be my second. When I first learned about Hoka Hey in 2018, I knew that I had to try it. I completed the 2020 Hoka Hey in 24^th place and made it to the end of the road party with a couple of days to spare. I am proud of my achievement. I enjoyed my journey and the challenge that it gave me. I got to meet a lot of new people, and some I now consider family. I am looking forward to this year’s ride. I am excited to reconnect with my fellow riders, nature, and this year’s journey wherever it may take us. 

 

My biggest take away from the 2020 challenge was that no matter how prepared you are, you are not. 

 

I do as many long-distance rides as I can but sometimes work gets in the way. I also try to get out and explore the country with my wife Carrie on the bike. Last year was her 1^st 1000 miler.

 

We have 4 children and 2 grandchildren, and they all know how to ride and enjoy it. I love to ride and I am glad that I can share my love of riding with my family and friends.

 

This year, I am riding for the Cure Alzheimer's Fund.

Thanks, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone out there!

 

Meet The New Rider # 1286 James Roane

 

My name is James “Teach” Roane and I’m from Morganton NC. Many years ago I earned the rank of Eagle Scout and got to spend two wonderful summers at Philmont Scout Ranch as a Ranger, leading eager Boy Scouts on their 1^st Hi Adventure hikes. Shortly after that I spent 10 years in the Air Force, spending time in Alaska and Montana. It was there I fell in love with another passion, dirt track stock car racing. I spent 25 years racing stock cars on small tracks, 1^st in Montana where I won my 1^st track points championship, and later back in NC I earned two more local championships. These accomplishments required endless nights in the garage building, changing, fabricating race cars, trying different suspension setups, engine mods, and whatever else I could do to gain an edge over the competition. 

 

After the Air Force, I started a career as a mechanic, eventually moving into transmission and drivelines, and went to work for a Chrysler dealer in NC honing my transmission skills. 

 

Around 2010 a fellow racer introduced me to Harley Davidson motorcycles, a way to have fun without the high cost of local racing. Also about that time I managed to land a job at CVCC in Hickory NC as a part time Automotive Instructor, which eventually led to a full time position which I am currently at. 

 

My motorcycle addiction took on new meaning when I prospected for the Boozefighters MC. I was at a National event listening to Jeff “Riot” Wyatt give a speech about riding our motorcycles long distance. I was already riding lots of solo miles and looking for more, when I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I was hooked on the tracker, watching fellow Boozefighters complete the 2020, 2022, and 2024 Challenge.  When the 2026 route was announced, I knew I had to apply.  My wife worked with me on the application and when I got the email that I was accepted to the 2026 Challenge…that email has changed the course of my life.

 

As the 2026 Challenge nears, I have created a link to Samaritans Purse, helping them rebuild and provide disaster relief to Western NC, severely damaged by Hurricane Helene.