Meet The New Rider # 1264 Robin Hellinger-Kenney

 

 

 

About Me
My name is Robin Kenney, and I’m a proud motorcyclist, adventurer, and passionate advocate for giving back to my community. Riding has always been more than just a hobby for me—it’s where I find freedom, focus, and strength. The road has taught me resilience, pushed me through challenges, and gifted me with a community of riders who share the same love for two wheels and open skies. I’m not just a rider; I’m someone who believes that every mile can hold meaning, and that sometimes the road teaches us more than we could ever imagine.

 

 

 

Why You Want to Ride Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge
I first learned about the HH in 2010 and that began my interest in hoping to partake in such an amazing challenge! Taking on the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is about more than just miles. It’s about testing my endurance, facing the unknown, and finding strength in the journey itself. I know there will be moments of exhaustion, doubt, and struggle—but those are the moments that remind me why I ride. I want to show that even when the road is hard, we can keep moving forward. I also want my miles to matter, to tell a story of perseverance while making a difference for people who need it most, including myself.  Riding the HHMC gives me the chance to put my passion for motorcycling toward a greater purpose, transforming each mile into a message of resilience and hope.

 

 

 

About Your Non-Profit
I have chosen to ride in support of two different charities.  The first one is Unity Outreach of St. Augustine, Florida, a non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. This cause is deeply personal to me because I’ve seen firsthand how this disease doesn’t just affect the person fighting—it ripples out, touching families, friends, and entire communities. Unity Outreach steps in during some of the hardest moments, offering not only awareness and education but also compassion, support, and a sense of hope when it’s needed most. And even more importantly, 100% of their proceeds go directly to those in need.

 

 

The 2^nd charity I am riding for is The Mile Monsters, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting seven extraordinary heroes living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I chose them because they embody a level of strength most people will never be asked to find. Duchenne is relentless, but so are these kids. They face each day with courage, grit, and a will to live fully—despite a diagnosis that tries to limit their future. Their fight puts everything into perspective 

 

 

 

Why You Chose Them / How Funds Will Be Used
The funds raised through my ride and Bourbon Basket Raffle will go directly toward Unity Outreach’s mission—providing mammograms and early detection screenings, financial assistance for families in need, and vital emotional support for those navigating this fight. Every dollar goes toward making sure no one in our community faces this battle alone. By riding the Hoka Hey for them, I hope to shine a light on their work and remind people that we all have the power to turn our passions into purpose. Every mile I ride will be in honor of the warriors, survivors, and families who inspire me to keep going.

Monies raised for the Mile Monsters, will go directly toward helping these heroes live their best lives—providing essential equipment, adaptive resources, and meaningful experiences that offer greater independence, comfort, and joy. Every mile I ride is for them. When the challenge gets heavy, I’ll carry their strength with me, turning exhaustion into purpose and miles into impact.

 

Link to Unity Outreach Website to Donate: Unity Outreach – Unity Pink Ride – Ride for a worthy cause

 

Link to Mile Monsters charity to Donate: https://givebutter.com/HH2026/robinkenney

 

Sponsors so Far:

 

Hightail Hair Affiliate code for 10% off: Hightail Motorcycle Hair Protector – Hightail Hair

Daytona Helmets: https://daytonahelmets.com/discount/Floridamototripping

Daytona Helmets

Florida Moto Tripping Facebook: (2) Facebook

Florida Moto Tripping Instagram: Instagram

Florida Moto Tripping YouTube: (305) Florida Moto-Tripping - YouTube

 

Thank you!

Robin "Bandit" Kenney HH#1264

772-812-1036

Meet The New Rider # 1240 Ray Cimino

 

I’ve been riding for over 20 years, and for the past decade, long-distance trips have become a defining part of my life. The road isn’t just where I travel—it’s where I reflect, recharge, and reconnect. Riding has taught me endurance, humility, and the power of movement, both personal and collective. Whether I’m cruising solo or rolling with a crew, every mile is a reminder of why I ride: for clarity, for community, and for the stories that unfold along the way.

 

As a certified MSF RiderCoach for the state of Rhode Island, I take pride in helping new riders build confidence and ride with purpose. Teaching safety and skill isn’t just a job—it’s a way to give back to the riding community that’s shaped me. I believe in leading with heart and humor, and I bring that same energy to the classroom, the road, and my work as a union organizer.

 

 

Each year, I make the journey to Washington, D.C. for Rolling to Remember (formerly Rolling Thunder), honoring veterans and embracing the spirit of solidarity. I jump at any chance to ride through Tennessee, North Carolina, and West Virginia—those winding roads feel like home. And when I can, I head west to Sturgis, where the ride meets the roar of community. Riding isn’t just what I do—it’s part of who I am.

 

 

In 2026, I’ll be taking on the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge—a test of endurance, grit, and heart. It’s not just a ride; it’s a personal quest. I’m pushing myself to the edge physically, mentally, and emotionally. The Hoka Hey is about more than miles—it’s about meaning. It’s a journey that demands discipline, resilience, and a deep respect for the road and those who ride it.

 

 

I’m riding this challenge to raise money for NEADS, a nonprofit that trains world-class service dogs for people with disabilities, including veterans and first responders. I chose NEADS because their mission touches something deep in me. Dogs have a way of reaching people in ways words can’t—they offer comfort, confidence, and unconditional support. They don’t just serve. They heal. They make the world feel a little less heavy, and a lot more hopeful.

 

 

NEADS provides these incredible dogs at no cost to the people who need them most. But that kind of care takes time, expertise, and funding. Every dollar raised helps train and place more dogs with those whose lives will be forever changed. That’s why I’m riding—to raise awareness, to raise funds, and to make sure more people get the support they deserve.

 

 

 

Thanks for taking the time to read this. I’ll be sharing more soon about how you can support the ride, the mission, and the miles ahead.

With gratitude and grit,  

Rider #1240

Ray Cimino 

Meet The New Rider # 1259 Timmy Smith

 

 

1: I’m Timmy Smith #1259 WTA Wheretimmyat I’m 64 years young, been riding motorcycles most of my life in Oklahoma.

 

 

2: I heard of the Hoka Hey a few years ago , I wanted to register, but was never able to take the time off work to do so have ridden iron butts and wanted to step up to the ride of rides, plus it’s a great opportunity to raise money for three charities at the same time.

3: The Toby Keith Foundation OK Kids korral

 

 

 

HBC Foundation

 

 

 

Norman Youth Foundation

The korral is something Toby started years ago. It’s a home for kids battling pediatric cancer at no cost to the families. 

 

 

HBC foundation was established in 2000 by head coach Bob Stoops of the Oklahoma sooners with support of Barry Switzer former head coach of the Oklahoma sooners and Dallas Cowboys to provide support for children in the Norman and Oklahoma City area

Norman youth foundation was founded by Hal Smith and his wife Sandy Smith to help kids who are in homeless situations navigate through life.

4: All these charity support children who are either battling cancer or in a homeless situation

5: The money raised will help each of these charities continue to operate and keep up the mission statement that they’re all committed to.

Shelby Bonsall

Development Associate, The Toby Keith Foundation

818 N.E. 8th Street, OKC, OK 73104

(405) 271-6552

 

Meet The Rider # 1157 Jay Harding

 

I was born in Peterborough, Ontario but soon moved to Toronto where my dad found work in construction. Following in my dad’s footsteps I have enjoyed a long and rewarding career in the construction industry. My wife of 31 years, Laura, and I now live in Edmonton, Alberta as our three adult boys do. I am fortunate to work for a great company that is very supportive of my riding endeavors and is promoting my selected charity, Spirit North. I started riding dirt bikes when I was a teenager and competed in National Hairscrambles as an adult.  Since 2015 my life has been significantly impacted by two key factors: A passion for the open road on two wheels; and a desire to learn the true history of Canada and acknowledge and help those communities still affected by lasting trauma. Thanks to the Edmonton HOG chapter I was able to meet many amazing and like-minded folks who are now my long-distance riding partners and good friends. I consider myself to be a very fortunate person and I owe it to my wife, Laura, whose unwavering dedication to our family is unmatched. 

  

The  Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge embodies what I strive to be as a human being. It has given me a platform to promote awareness of the lasting impacts of colonization on Indigenous people, and offered me an opportunity to prove to myself that I have the character to face adversity, make sacrifices and be the warrior that my family and my community need me to be. It has given me the opportunity to set an example, one that will empower others to act in a manner that befits the Lakota Sioux principal of Wolakota (peace, balance & coming together). 

  

Laura and I set out to find a charity that focused on uplifting Indigenous youth to support social change. We found the perfect fit in Spirit North. Spirit North facilitates the implementation of outdoor sport, play and land-based learning programs that are created and led by Indigenous people, for youth within their own communities. Spirit North participants eventually become program, youth and community leaders, acquiring leadership and life skills. No other organization aligns more closely with the intent and spirit of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. 

Meet The New Rider # 1266 Gregory Downar-Zapoliski

 

My name is Gregory Downar-Zapolski. I’m 58 years old and I was born in Poland. In the past year I became a proud US citizen. I have been married 38 years and have two adult children, Agata and Peter. My daughter lives in the states with her husband for the past 15 years and my son lives in Poland with his family. We are all enthusiastic motorcycle riders. 

 

 

I became interested in motorcycles at a very early age and started riding as a teenager. My father also rode and was interested in bikes. When I was a young adult, I finally bought my first Harley and became interested in the brand, which led to many more rides and trips. My initial long trips were around Europe. Some of my visits included Italy, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Hungary, Croatia, Norway and Sweden. I started to take interest in older Harley’s, and I started to attend motorcycle gatherings, one of which was the famous Chopper Bash in Belgium. In 2009 I decided to come the states as a tourist and to participate in the biggest meeting in the world in Sturgis. I bought a 2004 Softail Fatboy Twin-Cam carburetor upon my arrival in Chicago. This amazing machine took us from Illinois, traveling through Wisconsin, Minnesota and South Dakota. I met amazing people that had the same love and passion that I did for bikes. We exchanged stories and experiences. I had the opportunity to visit a museum that was being built and dedicated to the American Indian “Crazy Horse”. The statue dedicated to him was started by a Polishsculpture Szymon Ziulkowski. I had an opportunity to visit Mount Rushmore. After Sturgis we moved on to continue our much longer planned trip to Yellowstone, traveling through Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado. After Yellowstone we traveled back to Chicago. This was our first trip to the US which made me fall in love with the states. After this I took a deeper interest in the history of the US and Native Americans. In 2010 I discovered the Hoka Hey Motorcycle challenge. I connected this with my existing knowledge of my past trip to the US and the knowledge of crazy horse. After this moment I became very interested in this, following the group online. 

 

 

In 2016 I took another trip to the US; this time I sent my motorcycle to the states. Alongside 3 of my friends from Poland, we rode from Florida to California. Our goal was to participate in Born Free in California, and we made it for Born Free 8. While there, I met some amazing people who built bikes and other aspiring individuals. Among them were even the owners of TC Bros. I saw some amazing motorcycles such as Flat heads, knuckle heads, shovel heads, and pan heads. Before my trip I was invited to be featured in a Polish motorcycle magazine called ‘Custom’ where they wrote about my experiences and love of motorcycles. Some pictures from this magazine are featured.

Fast forward to 2018: my wife and I received our green cards and joined our daughter in the US. In 2024 we became proud US citizens. From the moment I found out about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge I knew this was for me. As a long-time athlete, I know the best calling for a person is the fight with oneself, to challenge oneself. It challenges your weaknesses, teaches humility, respect for oneself and others. 

 

 

All of these I recognized in this challenge, and I knew I had to participate and challenge myself. It’s like a calling for only the strong. You must stand up to a lot of adversaries. riding the bike which is dangerous in itself…the weather, which is unpredictable. You must have a strong personality to ride so many hours a day without stopping. All these factors remind me of karate, where you train for hours, repeating moves over and over again. It may be boring and hard, but it challenges you and rewards you mentally. This is why I decided to do the challenge, to start it and finish it happily knowing I can push through anything, push through my limits. 

 

 

Any donations will help raise money for the Boys and Girls Club of the Prairie Band of the Potawatomi Nation , which is the tribal nation in Illinois where the challenge begins. I love the theme that was chosen for the 2026 challenge, “Try to live a good life, or make a good life”. I want to continue making a good life for myself and give back my rewards to these most deserving children.

Meet The New Rider # 1259 Timmy Smith

 

1: I’m Timmy Smith #1259 WTA Wheretimmyat I’m 64 years young, been riding motorcycles most of my life in Oklahoma.

 

 

2: I heard of the Hoka Hey a few years ago , I wanted to register, but was never able to take the time off work to do so have ridden iron butts and wanted to step up to the ride of rides, plus it’s a great opportunity to raise money for three charities at the same time.

3: The Toby Keith Foundation OK Kids korral

 

 

 

HBC Foundation

 

 

 

Norman Youth Foundation

The korral is something Toby started years ago. It’s a home for kids battling pediatric cancer at no cost to the families. 

 

 

HBC foundation was established in 2000 by head coach Bob Stoops of the Oklahoma sooners with support of Barry Switzer former head coach of the Oklahoma sooners and Dallas Cowboys to provide support for children in the Norman and Oklahoma City area

Norman youth foundation was founded by Hal Smith and his wife Sandy Smith to help kids who are in homeless situations navigate through life.

4: All these charity support children who are either battling cancer or in a homeless situation

5: The money raised will help each of these charities continue to operate and keep up the mission statement that they’re all committed to.

Shelby Bonsall

Development Associate, The Toby Keith Foundation

818 N.E. 8th Street, OKC, OK 73104

(405) 271-6552

 

Meet The New Rider # 1320 Phillip Waltz

 

 

 

Hello, I am Phillip Waltz Rider #1320 I am from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, I am a proud retired Army Veteran (28 Years), serving from '1995 to '2023. I have been married to the Love of my life my wife (Carolyn) for 25 Years, we have three kids and five grandchildren. I first started riding motorcycles at 5 years old and haven't stopped. Over the years we have lived in various places and have met some amazing people throughout our travels while in the military. In 2018 we moved to Fort Sill, OK and met a couple there (Al and Kim). We began riding together and it was there that I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

In 2018, the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge started from Medicine Park, OK we attended the start of the challenge that year and followed the riders. We even tried to meet the riders as they crossed the finish line. From that point on I have wanted to attempt this challenge but my military career got in the way. Throughout the years I have followed most of the riders and have even meet some of them like (Louise Preciado) rider# 917 in 2020 on the Cherohala Skyway, we crossed paths and started talking. He has encouraged me to take up this challenge through the years and has even sent me some Hoka Hey shirts, stickers, and bandana while I was stationed in Saudi Arabia. During my time in the Army I have travelled the world and seen places and things that most people will never see and experience. The one place I haven't got to see and experience in this great country that I call home. The reason why I want to attempt the challenge is to see this country that all service members have written and blank check for and have given their life defending.

For my non-profit, I am riding for the Isaiah117house, when children are removed from their home out of concern for their safety, they are usually brought to a child welfare services office to await placement. This wait can be a few hours to several days. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing.

Isaiah 117 house provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snugly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement.

The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold:

* reduce trauma for children awaiting placement

* lighten the load for child welfare services

* ease the transition for foster families 

Website: Isaiah 117 House Monroe Co TN

 Donations:   Isaiah House 117