Meet The New Rider # 1283 David Stone

 

My name is David "Smalls" Stone. I'm a 39-year-old Father of 2 Daughters, U.S. Army Disabled Veteran, Proud Member of the 13 Rebels MC, and preparing to take on the Challenge as Participant #1283. Fatherhood has defined my life more than anything else. My oldest daughter is a college junior studying Forensic Science with double minors in Chemistry and Criminal Justice. At the same time, my youngest is a high school sophomore who pours her heart into multiple softball teams. Watching them grow into strong, capable young women has been my greatest honor and my strongest motivation. Every Challenge I accept is done with them in mind, as an example of resilience, commitment, and finishing what you start. When I'm not wandering around on my Scoot, I'm spending time with my family, bouncing around softball fields, or wrenching, tinkering, and solving the world's problems in the garage, one piece at a time. 

 

I have been interested in participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for a few years now, but the stars had not aligned for me until now. I have been impressed and inspired by many who have and continue to take on the challenge. For me, the Challenge is more than a test of endurance; it's a statement about embracing hardship, respecting the journey, and proving that with preparation, integrity, and determination, even the hardest roads can be ridden.

 

For the Challenge, I'll be riding my 2022 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited, meticulously prepared for endurance and self-reliance. I'm proud to ride in support of the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia. The Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia is a 501(c)(3) purpose-driven nonprofit that educates men to become stronger husbands/co-parents and more active fathers to drive true systemic change in Virginia. This Cause resonates deeply with me as a dad who has navigated raising children primarily on my own. Strong, present fathers matter, and this ride is my way of giving back while honoring the roles of service member, father, and rider that define my life.

 

V/R,

Smalls

"The Wandering Black Cat"

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1163 Paul Davis

 

Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2026 – my second attempt!  That old saying “You don’t know what you don’t know” is an absolute fact when considering the Hoka Hey.   I assumed that time and distance would be similar to previous long-distance riding – was I wrong!  Two days of pirouettes with hurricane Debby was an exciting start and by the time I made it to Arkansas it was clear that I would not have time to complete as planned (ride to and from Alaska and be back to work in 14 days).  For 2026 – I’ve solved the work problem (retired 1 January  2026) and I do know more about the ride than I did in 2024.  I still have a lot to learn but I’ll be better prepared on this attempt.

 

I’ve been riding motorcycles for fifty-five years.  They have served as my main transportation and as my escape.  There were periods when riding wasn’t as practical, but I’ve always had one, or more, in the garage.  I’ve had the opportunity to see some beautiful, interesting places and some that I’d rather forget.  As the years have passed, I’ve become ever more obsessed with the ride, with places I haven’t seen, and just getting lost in the wilderness.  

 

 

My focus charity continues to be “The Wheels Through Time” located in Maggie Valley, North Carolina.  They are a 501c3 not-for-profit museum, dedicated to preserving the most important parts of American motorcycle history and culture.  “The Museum that Runs” offers an up-close, immersive experience in motorcycling history.  Funds raised will support museum operations, restoration, and preservation of motorcycling history.

Meet The New Rider # 1255 Frankie Morris-Lamb

 

Hello, I am Frankie ‘Rolo’ Morris-Lamb, a daughter, wife, mother, sister, nurse, and Army veteran. My passion for riding began at 13 when my Dad dared me to kickstart his motorcycle. It evolved into a lifelong passion. As a teenager, I remained off-road, but my thrill-seeking nature never faded. In my 30s, I pursued my motorcycle endorsement and felt liberated and joyful. Discovering the Iron Butt rides in 2023 marked a new chapter, and I’ve since completed long-distance rides and rallies.

 

I met Honor “Trip,” whose passion for boys with DMD inspired me to meet our Heroes, the Mile Monsters Inc. The boys and their families are amazing. This inspired Star and me (2 Crazy Ladyz) to continue Trip’s tradition of riding 365 days a year to raise awareness about DMD and support our Heroes. Completing challenges with the purpose of fundraising brings immense joy and fulfillment. Donations can be made at Frankie Lambs Miles Monsters Fund raiser

 

 

The camaraderie and friendships I’ve forged through riding inspire me to push myself to new heights. I’m eager to embark on the esteemed Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, exploring America’s beauty with elite riders. This transformative journey will fuel my passion for adventure and personal growth. I look forward to this life-changing opportunity! 

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1285 Richard Simmons

 

Richard Simmons – A Life of Purpose, Family, and Adventure

Hi, I’m Richard Simmons, and I grew up around Ft. Worth, Texas. Above all, my family means the world to me—I’m a proud husband, dad, and Pop to three beautiful grandchildren. After retiring as a firefighter a few years ago, I’ve been living my best life with the love and support of my family. My journey since retirement has included travel, off-road SxS adventures, restoring my ’72 C10, and spending quality time with those I love. I also enjoy spending time on two wheels, preparing for my next big challenge: the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (HHMC). My personal goal is to cross the finish line at the “End of the Road Party” and earn the coveted HHMC patch.

 

 

Why the HHMC?
My first exposure to the HOKA HEY was in 2018, when it started and ended in Medicine Park, Oklahoma. Since then, the challenge has captivated me, and the more I learned about it, the more it became a personal goal. This adventure is not only about physical endurance, but also about mental and spiritual growth. Rooted in Native American warrior traditions, the HHMC represents a deeper journey, one that I’m eager to undertake. Becoming a finisher would be an incredible honor. The HHMC community, a true brother/sisterhood, is a powerful motivator, and the charitable service aspect makes this event stand out as a life-changing challenge.

 

 

Supporting Causes Close to My Heart
As part of my participation in the HHMC, I’m supporting two organizations that are close to my heart:

 

1. Jackson County Memorial Hospital (JCMH) Hospice Memorial Fund  https://givebutter.com/hyCVOg
   After attending a special event last year to celebrate the lives of patients cared for by Hospice, I felt moved to help those who can’t afford end-of-life care. The funds I raise will support local community members who don’t have hospice insurance, ensuring they receive the quality care and dignity they deserve. Even $5,000 will provide supplies, medications, bed rentals, and visits from nurses and chaplains for two patients who might otherwise not have access to these services. JCMH Hospice is the only hospice provider in our area that offers this level of support to those in need. 
2. Mile Monsters Inc. (MMI)  https://givebutter.com/HH2026/richardsimmons1
   I was introduced to Mile Monsters Inc. as I prepared for the HHMC, and I’ve been moved by their mission to support seven young heroes battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The funds raised help these boys and their families navigate this difficult journey, providing not just financial assistance, but also opportunities for the boys to experience incredible moments that make life truly "EPIC." Being part of the MMI family is a privilege, and I’m proud to support their effort 
   
   
   

Meet The New Rider # 1314 Robert Serafin

 

My name is Rob Serafin. I’ve been riding motorcycles for about ten years, and in that time the road has become a place where I find freedom, challenge, and connection. Friends know me as someone who can always bring a laugh, and I try to carry that same lighthearted spirit with me wherever I go. Riding motorcycles has truly shaped who I am; someone who values adventure, resilience, and the joy that comes from sharing experiences with others.

 

My passion for long-distance riding is fueled by a personal drive to push myself as far as possible in pursuit of a goal. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge represents the perfect blend of challenge and purpose, giving me the chance to test my limits while being part of something bigger than a single ride. It’s an opportunity to grow, to contribute, and to channel my determination into a cause that matters deeply to me.

 

I am riding the Hoka Hey in support of Mile Monsters Inc., an organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to fight Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). DMD is a very aggressive and 100% fatal form of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects young boys, and Mile Monsters works tirelessly to support 7 special boys battling it. Their mission inspires me, and being able to ride on behalf of the kids and families they support gives every mile meaning. Through this ride, I hope to help amplify their message and contribute to the ongoing fight against DMD.

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1287 Tom Phelps

 

I was born and raised in Texas, now living in southern Louisiana with my beautiful and supportive wife, who made sure I stayed here. Anyone who marries a Louisiana woman figures out pretty quick that you don’t really leave — and if you do, you spend your time trying to get back. Life down here is good. The people are solid, the food will keep you coming back, and the roads will keep you honest. Potholes big enough to swallow a wheel(just ask Old Man Pat Cornell), tar snakes that’ll move your bike around just to keep things interesting, and gravel where it shouldn’t be — if you can ride the back roads in Louisiana, you can ride just about anywhere. I’ve been on two wheels most of my life. For a long time it wasn’t for fun, it was just how I got around. I bought my first street bike the day I left for college, and before long I was riding state to state just to see what was out there. The first time you head down the road alone with everything you own strapped to the bike, something changes. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since.

 

I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge back in 2022 from a friend of mine and he got accepted into the 2024 run but wrecked six weeks before the start in another rally. He was heart broken and now I know why. Luckily he will be on the starting line right next to me. While watching the 2024 run I knew right then it was my kind of ride. Long miles, simple rules, no shortcuts, and nobody holding your hand. For most of my life work kept the leash short, so every trip I took had to be quick — ride hard, turn around, and get back in time to go to work. In 2024 I finally made a change that gave me the time to do something I’d been thinking about for years. My wife asked what I wanted to do first, and I told her I wanted to ride the Hoka Hey. She said, “Go get it.” What draws me to this challenge is that it feels like the way riding used to be. Paper directions, sleeping where you land, fixing problems as they come, and nobody to blame but yourself. I’ve always believed a man ought to test himself once in a while, especially with something he chose on his own. This is one of those tests. It won’t be easy, and that’s the whole point. 

 

I’m riding this challenge for Maddie’s Footprints Foundation. https://maddiesfootprints.org In my work as an OB/GYN, I’ve seen the best days a family can have, and I’ve seen some of the worst. Not every pregnancy ends the way it should, and when loss happens, families need more than medicine — they need support, understanding, and people who will stand with them when the road gets hard. Maddie’s Footprints does exactly that. I currently work as an OB/GYN hospitalist caring for high-risk mothers and babies, and that work has shown me just how important it is that no family walks through loss alone. The Hoka Hey is a tough ride, but it’s nothing compared to what some of these families face. Every mile I ride is for them, and for the people who help them keep going. 

 

 

 

Donate: Maddies Footprint

I look forward to seeing yall at the starting line!

Tomcat #1287

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1073 Chris Ferguson

What's up everyone, I'm Biff. I'm a barber from Northeast PA where I live with my wife and our 2 boys. I've been riding for about dozen years or so and enjoy long trips, having traveled cross country several times.

 

 

I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge while doing research for my first long distance ride. I was intrigued from the start. After following along for several rides, I was lucky enough to be accepted as a participant for the 2022 Kiksuya ride. For a multitude of reasons I did not complete the challenge. Due to financial responsibilities and work obligations, I was unable to take part in the 2024 ride. I am looking forward to using what I learned on the 2022 ride, along with improvements I've made to myself, to take part in, and complete the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

 

 

Leading up to, and during, the challenge, I will be raising funds for Sheetz for The Kidz, a great charity (employee-run through Sheetz) that helps underprivileged kids in our communities get food, clothes, toys, hope, and holiday joy through partnerships with The Salvation Army, Feeding America, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

 

 

Donate to Biffs Sheetz-for-kids