Meet The Returning Rider # 1174 Scott and Rebecca Smith

I am Scott Smith returning rider #1174 , this time, Rebecca Smith my wife of 13 years will be joining me riding 2 up. We've ridin thousands and thousands of miles together. She flew to the finish line in homer in 2024 and rode the 4300 or so miles back home to pa, she has also ridin a few  IBA rides 2 up as well.

 

 

      Rebecca works at the Masonic Homes where she's been for almost 30 years. She has the thankless very physical and sometimes heartbreaking job of taking care of our senior citizens. She works with alzheimers and dementia patients... In her spare time she likes walking in nature and being outside in general , sometimes she just wonders off on a trail to who knows where and it takes awhile to find her. Haha..

 

 

    I work at the United States post office as a mail carrier for the last 19 years.  Ive also been a rider coach for the motorcycle safety  academy  for the last 2 years.  I absolutely  love teaching new riders how to ride and seeing the joy they have has they progress through classes.

 

 

       2024 was my 1st Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I was overprepared and overpacked. I allowed myself to be the victim of theft by turning my back on my cell phone for a second, I fell on my face  coming out of a gas station and busted my knuckles up. Which bled for days and days.   I bent a rim outside of Tok Alaska after tempting the hoka hey gods by saying "nothin will stop me now" BAM POTHOLE, rode just under 30 miles on a flat front tire to meet the tow truck. Used a torch and a rubber mallet to beat it back in place and after ride 900 more miles to finish.. It may seem like the world is against you out there sometimes but fight through it keep goin. Never quit. NEVER . The  best advice I can give is sleep when you need to sleep no matter the time of day. Hydrate  and get your nutrition right.
      Our charity will be the same THE CHILDRENS MIRACLE  NETWORK Chidrens hospital in hershey pa. This hospital  saved my sons life at 12  years old after he was in a near fatal motocross race accident. He had surgeries  numbering in the teens to save his life and his left leg which was very badly injured. I could never repay the Dr's and nurses  for what they've done. Theres no amount of money.  So we  raise money and help as many other kids as possible
If you'd like to donate go to the linc below.
https://www.cmnhershey.org/campaign/LVGRide-CMN26
      WE'LL SEE YOU IN WOODSTOCK!!!
                   MR & MRS SMITH 

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Meet The New Rider # 1120 Eric Parker

 

My name is Eric Parker, Rider #1120, based in Tampa, FL and participating in the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for the first time. I'm a Marine Corps veteran and former Indianapolis police officer who later pivoted to a career in finance — now in my 16th year as an Executive Director with Morgan Stanley.  Motorcycling has truly been a lifelong passion for me; I've owned more than 20 motorcycles, from motocross and sport bikes in my younger days, to the adventure riding and long-distance moto-camping I've come to love in the last several years.  

 

I learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge through fellow Morgan Stanley colleague and Rider #1038, Gene Fiamma, whose firsthand accounts of the mental and physical demands of this challenge immediately captivated me. I've always believed that doing difficult things is where life's greatest satisfaction is found — and very few motorcyclists have ever attempted an endurance challenge of this magnitude. That alone makes the prospect of finishing it something truly extraordinary.  Even more, the friendships and the connections I am sure to make, and the bonds forged by the shared struggle make the challenge irresistible to me.  

 

Equally meaningful to me is the opportunity to raise funds through participating in this challenge for NorthStar Relief, a 501(c)(3) I've supported for nearly a decade. This outstanding organization funds faith-based and humanitarian efforts in Central America and Africa — providing shelter, medical care, nutrition, and education to families living in desperate poverty, with every dollar going directly to those in need. 

I'd be honored to have your support. Please consider donating here: https://www.northstarrelief.com/donations/.  

I look forward to seeing my fellow Hoka Hey brothers and sisters in Woodstock, IL when the 2026 Challenge kicks off on August 2nd! 🤙

Meet The Returning Rider # 1159 Tim Dickerson

 

Loko is a veteran, long-distance rider, and firm believer that life's best stories happen on two wheels. In 2024, he rode every single day of the year, logging 366 consecutive days in the saddle, and completed the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, finishing in 10 days 4 hours. Whether he's crossing deserts, mountain passes, or backroads in the middle of nowhere, Loko rides for the adventure, the challenge, and the people he meets along the way.

 

Returning to the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , Tim is once again pushing himself through 11,000 miles of uncertainty, endurance, and self-discovery. The ride is more than a test of distance—it's a reminder that growth happens beyond comfort zones and that determination can carry you farther than any map ever could.

 

This year, Loko is riding to raise funds and awareness for Mile Monsters Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to creating unforgettable experiences for children living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. From helping kids meet their heroes to creating once-in-a-lifetime adventures, Mile Monsters gives families moments of joy during incredibly difficult journeys. Every dollar raised helps make those experiences possible, and Loko is honored to ride in support of these remarkable kids and their families. To support him in his fundraising efforts DONATE

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 116 Jim Herold

 

Hello Challengers, my name is Jim Herold, Rider 116.  I’m 79 years old and have ridden in every Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.  My wife (Janet) and I have been together since 1989.  Out of the 7 times I’ve ridden to Alaska, she has been with me 2 of them.  She also rode the 2011 Challenge with me.  Poor Girl

 

 

I want to ride the 2026 Challenge because I’ve ridden all the others.  With each ride we get to travel the beautiful secondary roads that so many others never get to enjoy.  I used to think there were parts of our country that had nothing beautiful to offer but riding the Hoka Hey has helped me to adjust my mind.  There is beauty everywhere.

 

 

I believe that Jim Red Cloud’s vision was to bring attention to the plight of the Native American people.  I have always supported the tribes that the Hoka Hey Challenge supported.  This year it’s for the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Donations to Boys and Girls Club .  Scan the QR code and give generously.

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1148 Tim Rose

Chasing Dreams and Challenges: The Autobiography of Tim Rose

 

Early Years in Michigan I was born on January 14, 1959, in the charming town of

Muskegon, Michigan. My childhood memories are filled with adventures in Frankfort,

Michigan, where I grew up surrounded by the beauty of nature and a close-knit

community.

 

 

Discovering the Thrill of Riding One of my earliest passions was motorcycles. I still
remember the exhilaration of my first ride as a kid, which sparked a lifelong love affair
with two wheels. At the age of 18, I purchased my first Harley Davidson, marking the
beginning of countless journeys on the open road. From Michigan to Florida in my 20s, I decided to embark on a new chapter and moved to Florida. It was a significant change that brought fresh experiences and opportunities, shaping my perspective on life and work.

 

 

Building a Legacy in Civil Engineering Partnering with my oldest son in a heavy civil
company has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career. Together, we've
tackled challenging projects, leaving a lasting impact on our community and industry.
Riding Across America Exploring the lower 48 states on my motorcycle has been a
dream come true. Each state offered unique landscapes, cultures, and adventures,
reinforcing my belief that life is meant to be lived to the fullest.

 

 
 

Embracing Challenges: A Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery

I’ve always been drawn to challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Signing up for my second, Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was a natural extension of this mindset, pushing my limits and testing my endurance.

 

 

 

Riding for a Cause: A Heartfelt Commitment

Riding for the Hibiscus Children’s Center is deeply meaningful to me. This organization provides a vital safe haven, offering mental health support, preventative care, and life skills for at-risk youth and their families. For children removed from their homes due to abuse, abandonment, or neglect, Hibiscus Village in Vero Beach is a true sanctuary. I believe every child deserves the best possible chance at life, and this ride is my way of investing in their safety, healing, future and well-being.

 

Reflections on Life: Embracing Dreams and Overcoming Challenges

Looking back, I realize that life’s true essence lies in pursuing our dreams and overcoming challenges. Each chapter of my journey has taught me valuable lessons and reinforced the importance of resilience, passion, and compassion.

Epilogue: The Journey Continues as I continue to ride through life, I remain committed
to embracing new adventures, making meaningful connections, and leaving a positive
impact wherever I go. The road ahead is filled with endless possibilities, and I am
excited to see where it leads. Enjoy the adventure and embrace the journey, one mile at a time.  
Tim Rose

 Visit HibiscusChildrensCenter.org to learn more about helping the children we serve, to volunteer, to donate or to Leave A Legacy by remembering Hibiscus in your estate

Our Mission is to provide safe haven, mental health, preventative care and life skills for at-risk children and families. 

Our Vision is to see communities free of abuse where children and families can thrive.

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1082 Jeff Hallquist

I’m returning rider Jeff  Hallquist, taking part in my third Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge as I continue trying to live a good life (Ktentowshketon Mnopmatsowem). At 71, it doesn’t get
any easier, but it’s still a lot of fun, even with an equal number of DNFs and finishes. My first
attempt wasn’t pretty—in fact, it was downright ugly—but if you have the time, I can share a
few good stories. 

I’ve participated in quite a few long-distance motorcycle challenges, including two Iron
Butt Rallies, The Senior Butt Rally, the SCMA Four Corners Tru-X Challenge, three Heart of
Texas Rallies, HOP’s Predator Rally, the Snafu Rally, RTE-X-USA, the Tour of Honor, and
America’s Ultimate Long Distance Rider challenge since 2018. I’m also an Iron Butt
Association Diamond Mile Eater with over 100 certified LD rides completed since 2001.
Despite 25 years of LD experience, I failed to finish my first HHMC Challenge. The lesson I
learned was to listen to those who are finishers and to ride your own ride at your own pace.
I swung for the fences and went home with my tail between my legs. I also learned my goal
is not to be first. There may be close to 200 participants, and only one person will finish
first. All the others won’t. So, my advice is to focus on your personal goals, including
numero uno: stay alive and finish. Nothing else matters if you don’t!

 

I’m not the only old dude in the field, but the one thing that you might notice is that the
challenge makes most of us not only prepare our motorcycles and gear, but also ourselves,
both mentally and physically. That’s why I ride in the challenge. It gives me a reason to
focus, prepare, and get squared away.

 

I live in eastern North Carolina, where the locals call the area the “Inner Banks”. My wife
Kathy and I are close to the city of New Bern, where the Trent and Neuse Rivers meet. We
can be in Morehead City, Ft Macon, Beaufort, or Atlantic Beach within an hour. My other
hobby is boating on the Neuse River, Pamlico Sound, Bogue Sound, and Shackleford
Banks. I do a little fishing but far less catching.

 

The charity I’ve chosen to support again with my fundraising campaign is the Coastal Center for Hope and Healing , previously known as the Coastal Women’s Shelter. As the
name implies, it provides services to women and children in need of comfort and shelter
due to a family crisis. It simply makes sense to me that if I’m going to beg for money from
local businesses, the money should go to local charities, and the Coastal Center for Hope
& Healing is as good of a cause as any that I can think of.

Meet The Returning Rider # 1088 Michelle Feddersen

 

I'm Shell... a mother of 2, a "Cool" Grandma of 4, an awesome Sister to my siblings, and the best Auntie ever to my nephew. I have the mouth of a sailor but wear my heart on my sleeve...shhh.

Most know me by #1088 Rider of Dick nowadays..Who knew people would have so much fun with the name of a motorcycle!? 

 

 

Dick is a 2021 Indian Challenger Darkhorse.I bought him brand new in April 2022, in anticipation of riding my first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge three months later. The route was fantastic, the weather was good, and the finish was a success! ...other than Dick taking a couple of naps along the way! The HHMC22 will always be special to me. Our theme was KIKSUYA meaning Remember. Quite a few inner self, personal battles were fought during this challenge.

 

 

HHMC24 ... I wasn't going to miss the chance to run this, as it was very similar to the first challenge and who doesn't want to ride Canada and Alaska? Now, had the weather been predicted much sooner, I may have opted out of riding through a hurricane! But hey, I accepted the challenge and became the first female to ever finish the HHMC in the Top 5. 

Since the last run was so fun, I've taken up the challenge once again in hopes of finishing in 14 days so I can have a drink with all the cool kids at the after party. Ya know, the challenges don't get easier. Each one presents its own challenges and so does your mind, body, motorcycle and road. You can prepare and train everything to perfection but once you are out there going through the lines of directions, watching every road sign, protecting yourself from the general public drivers and animals, and enduring weather and road conditions.... you'll realize... some things you just were not prepared for. Keep pushing. Keep Challenging yourself! You'll be glad you did when you're standing on that finish line. HOKA HEY!!

 

Please consider donating to my charity of choice, Kickin' Childhood Hunger. This 501c3 non-profit organzation uses 100% of ALL donations to buy weekend food sacks for children in need. You can learn more about Kickin' Childhood Hunger at www.kickinchildhoodhunger.org.
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