Meet The New Rider # 1102 Mike Dalske

 

Mike “Dunkel” Dalske: After spending 11 years in the US Army, Mike left the service and started a career in federal law enforcement, where he retired 21 years later. Mike’s full-time job now is supporting and promoting the Knees in the Breeze Foundation as its cofounder. He is currently living with his family in Pennsylvania, volunteering for various veterans’ groups and riding his Harley Davidson Road Glide as often as he can. Being a cofounder of the Knees in the Breeze Foundation has afforded him the opportunity to combine two things he enjoys; riding motorcycles and helping to promote better mental well-being.  

  

I haven’t been riding for what many consider “a long time”, but it has helped my mental well being more than I’ll ever be able to describe. I’ve been across the country numerous times and each ride holds special meaning to me. I’ve met some of the most amazing people and seen sites that most will only dream about. My quest to join the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge started about four years ago as I watched and followed all the riders and realized this was a new goal and challenge for myself. I’m looking forward to challenging myself, gaining new friends and seeing more of our great country.

 

The charity I’m riding and raising funds for is The Knees in the Breeze Foundation , which I cofounded in 2025. The Knees in the Breeze Foundation helps to support those who have given so much to protect our communities and our nation. Our nonprofit is dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to military veterans and first responders who are battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, and Moral Injury. Through charitable donations and community-centered activities like motorcycle group rides, weekend retreats, in-person seminars, and direct support, we aim to reconnect these heroes with a sense of purpose, belonging, and healing. These programs not only create meaningful experiences, but also build lasting bonds that help reduce isolation and emotional stress. We are currently seeking sponsors to support our ongoing operations, allowing us to expand our outreach and continue offering critical services to those who need it most. Your sponsorship can help fund vital activities, cover retreat costs, and provide direct assistance to veterans and first responders in crisis.

Meet The New Rider # 1377 Franck Cruize

 

Hi my name its Francky, born in Paris France 🇫🇷 I have my first motorcycle (dirt bike ) at 10 years old and since I have always a motorcycle sometimes I have only motorcycle go to work whatever the time and distance I have travel in Europe ,after my military time ... come back to area Paris work in build the house in France 🇫🇷 and some country in Europe 

 

 I decided to change my life and begin a tattoo artist and decided to travel with my motorcycle in different country Africa, South America and finish in Caribbean at Saint Martin or Saint Marten 🇸🇽 for the dutch side, I meet my best friend Mickael #1184 and after deciding to live in USA at Nashville actually, Mickael talk to me about Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge we decided to do together but unfortunately 4 month before I  have a big crash in motorcycle and can't physically do the Hoka Hey 2024 I come at the start line with Mickael and do his logistics.

 

 When I have the confirmation 2025 I am completely healed I decided to do the 2026 because its something I need to do, something I feel I have miss to do it in 2025 (big regret but physically not healing)I love challenge and motorcycle its my drug my free mind I have visit in 5 years in USA 35 states for now in motorcycle and do few bike fest here and so some trip in motorcycle so I'm very excited to do 2026 and just for me enjoy Hoka Hey its something I need to do in my life its a challenge and I need for my peace of mind I don't have expectations and just want enjoy my trip and say yes I just do it !!! And same time meet the very nice people I have meet few in 2024 I can't wait to be in starting line see you there!!! Safe travels

Ridder

Meet The New Rider # 1028 Michelle Davidson

 

Rider #1028

Hi, my name is Michelle Davidson, and my road name is Tracker. I was born in Georgia and currently live in Punta Gorda, Florida, with my pet shrimp, Herbert Jr. I have a supportive hottie boyfriend, three children, and four grandchildren.

 

I am an adventurer by nature and relish challenges, especially when they include traveling. I started riding motorcycles and horses with my uncle as a small child and continued into my teens until an unexpected event changed the course of my life.

 

Three weeks before our wedding, my fiancé was killed in a motorcycle accident. Shortly after, I left home and set sail around the world in a 26-foot sailboat using a sextant and my ham radio license. Fortunately, we had just returned from a weekend camping and riding together before his passing.

 

 

While in port in Australia, I purchased a Suzuki motorcycle and spent a year refurbishing my boat and exploring. During my travels I also enjoyed surfing some of the best breaks in the world, always recognizing how many blessings I had in my life.

 

 

When I returned to the United States, I went back to school for nursing and became a Nurse Practitioner. Along the way I rode several different motorcycles, though I parked them many times to devote myself to raising my children while being a military spouse.

 

 

In 2014, with my children grown, I was finally able to relearn and practice long-distance riding again. In 2018, I found myself unexpectedly single and meeting incredible people all over the country on my motorcycle.

 

 

In 2019, I was involved in a motorcycle accident near my home when an elderly gentleman made a left turn directly in my path. I died that day. Through the grace of God, I returned from life support—and a brief heavenly glimpse—to continue epic adventures, riding distance, meeting people, and savoring tacos.

 

Most folks know me as a weird, nerdy biker chick with strong faith.

My Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge journey began when I met HHMC rider #1001, Kory Wilson, in 2022. I asked him about the numbers on his bike, and he kindly answered all my questions, sent me his tracker link, and encouraged me to apply. I found myself glued to the riders as they made their way across the country.

One might say I was hooked.

I applied, interviewed, and was accepted in 2023 for the 2024 ride. Unfortunately, my home was destroyed during Hurricane Ian, and I had to withdraw due to the rebuilding and insurance timeline.

 

I’m blessed that Beth and Junie gave me a new number to ride in 2026.

For me, the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge embodies the ultimate test of physical and mental strength—navigating unknown terrain without GPS, facing fuel challenges, 11,000 miles in 14 days, and digging deep into my faith when I find myself exhausted and resting my head on the ground next to Wilson, my road-glide Harley Davidson,  somewhere in this great country of America, appreciating the blessings in my life.

I am asking for prayers and support as I raise money for charities that I am passionate about and have carefully researched.

I will be supporting two non-profit charities with all funds going directly towards them.

The Fred Lang Foundation provides funds to advance mental health and recovery efforts in Charlotte County through Charlotte Behavioral Health Care for individuals with and without insurance. I was fortunate to know Margaret and Fred Lang, who dedicated their lives and legacy to improving mental health and recovery in our community.

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/GQTUWJCX6ZKB8

As a Nurse Practitioner, I recognize how critical these services are in helping people find the hope necessary to change their lives when their paths seem unmanageable and hopeless. I have lost too many people to addiction, suicide, and mental health struggles. Please help me support a solution that makes a real difference.

The Mile Monsters provides support for a group of heroic boys living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, an incurable disease that gradually takes away their ability to stand, walk, and participate in many of the things every child should experience. The organization helps raise funds to support these boys and their families, offset medical and life expenses, and provide opportunities for them to experience adventures and joy despite the challenges they face every day.

https://givebutter.com/HH2026/michelledavidson3

I have faith that, with God’s help and His plan, I will complete this challenge while helping others along the way.

And don’t forget to follow my track with my tracker!

Meet The Returning Rider # 555 Jimmy Milas

 

 

  I procrastinated for 2 years before I rode my first Hoka Hey 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, Ca.  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 Hoka Hey Motorcycle 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

 

Meet The New Rider # 1346 Mark Dalton

 

Hello, Dalton, Hoka Hey 1346 Here.

About me.  Raised in the Florida Panhandle. Been a motorcycle enthusiast since 1982.   A tree enthusiast since 1984. Still following a career as an arborist.

 

 

 

Went on a ride with a friend to Eagles Nest New Mexico in June of 23 to a Hoka Hey Rendezvous. Thought it was some kind of Indian Pow Wow, so I was in. After arrival I met a bunch of really solid folks and realized what Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge really was. Took a long journey home and realized I really needed to spend more time on the road. And also figured out everything needed in life could fit on that Harley.  26 is my first available opportunity to ride the Hoka Hey. Don't really care about trophies or belt buckles but hope to get a good fill of the road without life's distractions.

 

 

 

 I'm trying to raise a dollar per mile to contribute to the  Boys and Girls Club of our host tribe The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. Several years ago, I saw the struggles of the indigenous people. I believe the Hoka Hey Challenge can raise awareness to better ourselves and our fellow man.

 

 

 

God Bless,

Dalton

#1346

Meet Returning Rider # 976 Ron Duda

 

My name is Ron Duda (Capt Ron) #976  I am a returning rider in the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I am from north west  Massachusetts and own a auto repair business and used to run my charter boat fishing in Rhode Island. 

 

 

 My wife and I starter traveling by motorcycle in 2010 and never looked back being self employed does not leave a lot of vacation time so we started riding long days , I think that what lead to the long distance addiction.

 

 

 

  I was supposed to ride the 2020 HHMC got half way to the start line and had to turn around and go back because of  COVID issues at work ( that was a long disappointing ride home )  2022 I was able to ride and finish it was the most amazing ride I have ever done and my wife Carrie of 34 years and out best friend Lisa road there bikes out to South Dakota to see me ride over the finish line it  was an amazing experience. 

 

 

 

 I will be riding for Pop Cares a local charity that supports local cancer patients and their families in the northern Berkshire and southern Vermont. Donations can be made at Pop Cares

 

 

 

I can't wait to do it again and with the support of my wife , family and friends it will make it all possible. I can't wait to  meet up with my Hoka Hey Family and meet the new riders in Woodstock  IL.

Meet The New Rider # 1359 Matt Tallman

 

 

Hey all, my name is Matt Tallman. I am rider #1359 from Dewitt, Iowa where I live with my amazing wife of 24 years, 3 kids and a house full of cats, dogs and motorcycles.  I have had an obsession with bikes since I was a kid and bought my first motorcycle in High School when my parents went away for a long weekend. Since then, I have owned a variety of bikes and tried out many different disciplines of riding over the years but the older I get the more I find myself enjoying the challenges and sense of peace that long distance touring brings me. To pay for this obsession, I work as a corporate Spare Parts Manager for a large manufacturing company.

 

 

Why I want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge:

I first read about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2011 while deployed to Iraq with the U.S. Army.  My initial reaction after finishing the magazine article was complete disbelief and amazement, followed shortly by intrigue and curiosity. I have followed the challenge since then and continue to be amazed by the riders that take on this incredible challenge. About 6 years ago the curiosity turned into a dream and I heard the call. Here we are in 2026 where the stars have aligned and I have been chosen to make that dream a reality. I have no doubt that this will be one of the most difficult and rewarding challenges I have faced and can’t wait to see y’all in Woodstock!

 

 

The charity I am riding and raising money for is Motorcycle Relief Project.  Motorcycle Relief Project is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides relief to veterans and first responders with PTSD and other related issues by taking them on structured week-long adventure motorcycle relief rides. Their mission is to honor and encourage veterans and first responders who are experiencing mental and emotional struggles by providing them with opportunities to decompress, get unstuck, connect with like-minded peers, and gain new perspectives and skills for dealing with their challenges. As an Alumni of the program, I can speak first hand as to how amazing this program is and the life changing impacts it can have. My goal is to raise enough to sponsor a relief ride for them and help keep this wonderful program moving forward.