Meet The New Rider # 1356 Steve Wiecki

 

 My name is Steve Wiecki. I am 53 years old. I live in the small town of Worland, Wyoming. Located in the north central part of the state. 

 

 
I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from some iron workers when we were building the Wyoming Whiskey Distillery, in Kirby, Wyoming. 24 miles from Worland. They described an incredible adventure. From what I understand, the challenge was much different than it is now.

 

 
I have never been in the position financially or relationship wise to be part of the Hoka Hey. Years went by. I just accepted it was not meant to be for me. After some radical changes to my life. I am now able to take on this challenge. I’m fully supported by my family. Even though my beautiful wife is scared to death. She fully supports me. My kids are excited for me too. 
I’m certain people in the past have made claims as to how well they will do. I have no idea how well I will do. I will say I will give it everything I have. I have wanted this for too long to fall short. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the finish line and earn my right to become a member of the Hoka Hey Challenge. 

 

Because of three heart breaking deaths in my family I am not able to run a fundraiser and give it all the time and energy to do it justice. My goal in 2028 is to make up for that and then some with a fundraiser very close to my heart. Please don’t look down on me. Life is too much at this point in my life. 

 

My goal is to run this challenge to the fullest. Meet and maybe ride with as many people as I can. I’m hopeful to make long term friendships and finally be a part of this long time dream.

 

Best of luck to all. 

Steve Wiecki. Rider #1356

 

Meet The New Rider # 1296 Mark Chavis

 

 

My name is Mark Chavis. I am married to Tasha, my beautiful wife of four years (she rides too). When we joined our lives, our family grew to include six wonderful children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Each one brings their own unique personality and dreams to our family. As a father and grandfather, I hold deep hopes and dreams for their futures.

 

I am a proud veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, and I have continued my commitment to service as a volunteer Firefighter and EMT. I am also a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

I ride with a group we call RobCo Rides in Robeson County, North Carolina, participating in around 30 charity rides each year. Motorcycling has taken me across the country and introduced me to people who started as strangers but became family—many of them through meaningful rides like the Wounded Knee Memorial Ride. 

 

When I first started long-distance riding, I had no GPS and no cell phone—just a road atlas, a small tent, my Army sleeping bag, and a plan to head West. I slept on picnic tables, rode through the night, and learned as I went. That first trip stretched 5,000 miles and shaped the rider I am today. Since then, I have completed many Iron Butt Association rides and have ridden through 48 of the 50 states. When I was returning from a road trip years ago, a seasoned long-distance rider called and asked if I was already planning my next trip. I said yes, and he replied, “Son, you’re addicted to it. There’s nothing you can do about it but ride.”

 

Why I Want to Ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

This year, I am planning to fulfill one of my personal dreams—participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I have wanted to take this ride since I first heard about it back in 2010.

 

For me, the Hoka Hey is not just about the miles; it’s about personal growth, embracing new challenges, and pushing the boundaries of what I thought possible. The spirit of the ride brings back memories of my very first long-distance journey in 2001—a life-changing adventure that taught me resilience and self-reliance.

 

By participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I hope to set an example of perseverance for my family and community. It’s an opportunity to honor my roots, my riding family, and the values that guide my life. Most importantly, I look forward to the journey ahead, knowing I have the love and encouragement of Tasha and our entire family behind me.

 

Charities

I am riding for two different charities.

The first is Cure Alzheimer’s Fund In honor of my parents, Ned and Margaret Chavis. I lost both of my parents to these devastating diseases. I saw firsthand how they slowly took away precious memories, simple joys, and, ultimately, the people I loved most.

DONATE Cure Alzheimer's 

 

The second is for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Honor of Jacob Moore. Jacob was a brave patient at St. Jude’s whose courage touched everyone who knew him. Seeing him and knowing what he was going through and the courage he displayed has remained with me through the years.

As part of the RobCo Rides group, I once approached a mother whose child was also receiving care at St. Jude’s. I offered to organize a ride to help with their expenses, but she explained that St. Jude was providing everything they needed…

DONATE St Jude's

Meet The New Rider # 1288 Robert Manges

 

My name is Robert “Roadrunner” Manges, though most of my friends just call me Bob. I live in Knoxville, Tennessee with my wife. 

 

 

I proudly served in the U.S. Navy and also spent time working in law enforcement. For the past 21 years, I’ve worked as a mechanic at Arconic in Alcoa, Tn. 

When I’m not riding, I spend a lot of my time supporting fellow veterans through the American Legion, where I serve as the Riders’ Director. Being able to help veterans and give back to the community means a lot to me.

 

 

I’ve always enjoyed riding motorcycles, but in recent years I’ve truly fallen in love with long-distance riding. Taking on the 
is something I wanted to do to prove to myself that I have the mental and physical toughness to overcome whatever obstacles come my way.

 

 

I’m riding to support  Mile Monsters Inc., an organization made up of endurance motorcycle riders who take on extreme challenges to raise money and awareness for children battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)—a fatal disease that primarily affects young boys.

 

DONATE 

Founded in 2021, Mile Monsters turns epic rides like the Hoka Hey Challenge into missions of hope. The funds raised through this ride will go directly toward supporting children with DMD by helping provide mobility equipment, medical-related resources, and life-enriching experiences that improve their quality of life while easing the heavy burdens their families carry.

 

 

For me, this ride is about more than the miles; it’s about pushing myself, supporting a great cause, and helping make a difference in the lives of kids and families who need it most.

Meet The Returning Rider # 1178 Ida Martinez

Hi, my name is Ida Martinez, (Mema Ketsy), I will be 70 in October. I did the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2024 in 21 days, I was a Slow Ass Finisher and proud of it. There is nothing else like doing the Hoka Hey, the Adventure, finding yourself, living a dream. I had my angel with me. This time I’ll have 3 angels (our 3 oldest brothers).

 

 

 

I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. I’m married with 2 boys, 3 girls, 8 grandchildren and 1 Great Grandson. I have 4 sisters and 3 brothers and many family and friends who will be supporting me on my journey. I love riding Motorcycles, have all my life. I’ll be riding with my brother Manny, rider 1062. I grew up in Colorado/New Mexico, joined the New Mexico Air National Guards. Then went Air Force for 4 years. 

 

 

 

Love gardening, playing with our dogs, Dale and Peyton. Watching granddaughters playing AAU Volleyball (Traveling team) and grandsons playing Basketball. Spending time with family.

My Charity is the American Diabetes Association, I have volunteered with Diabetes for over 25 yrs.

This is QR Code for donations for my Charity, American Diabetes Association. 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1213 Ryan Brady

 

My name is Ryan Brady from Mica, Washington, located near the Washington/Idaho border. I enjoy outdoor activities, riding motorcycles, and tackling hands-on projects, most recently building a shop on our property. My amazing wife and I have five grown children and five grandchildren. For more than 35 years, I have worked in the electrical industry throughout the Pacific Northwest.

 

My interest in long-distance riding began while listening to the Wild Ass Podcast, where Craig interviewed many of the top long-distance riders in the country. Their stories intrigued and inspired me, and a year later, I found myself participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

 

In 2024, Hoka Hey tested my endurance, discipline, mental strength, and riding skills in unforgettable ways. Completing the 2024 Challenge as a finisher and elite rider was an honor, and it strengthened my commitment to ride with purpose on behalf of a cause that is deeply meaningful to me.

 

I am a passionate supporter of Spokane Fantasy Flight, an organization that provides impoverished and at-risk children with a day filled with joy, dignity, and the magic of Christmas at the North Pole. 

 

In partnership with Alaska Airlines, children are welcomed by more than 250 North Pole Elves and Guards who create a celebration filled with hope, wonder, magic, and much-needed essentials. Each child experiences a day where they are seen, valued and cherished in a way many have never experienced before.

I ride each mile to help ensure the magic continues for children who deserve to know what it feels like to be loved, celebrated, and never forgotten.

See you in August,

Ryan Brady

Bug Slayer #1213

Meet The Returning Rider # 1019 Jon Fredrickson

 

Rider #1019: Jon Fredrickson – New London, Wisconsin

Returning for his fourth Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , Jon Fredrickson proves that once the long-distance bug bites, there is no turning back. A father of five whose roots in adventure go back to his Boy Scout days, Jon has traded the hiking boots for high-octane miles. He tackled his first HH on an ’18 Street Glide before moving to the Pan America platform for the last two runs. This year, he’s saddling up on a ’23 Pan Am affectionately dubbed “The Grey Goose.”

 

Despite his veteran status, Jon still feels the same Day 1 excitement of that perfect mix of nerves and adrenaline. Experience has taught him that the miles aren't the only hurdle; he’s still working on the art of not over-packing (a lesson painfully learned during the “dumpster fire” of the Alaska run) and the perpetual struggle of getting his bio turned into Junie on time.

For 2024, Jon’s mission is to tune out the noise and simply ride his own ride. When he isn't eating up asphalt, he’s serving his community as an active Lions Club member. In the spirit of the Hoka Hey, Jon asks that you support your neck of the woods by buying an extra raffle ticket from your local Lions chapter. Hoka Hey!

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1154 Renato Apolonio

 

My name is Renato Apolonio, aka “REN,” from East Taunton, Massachusetts. I’ve been happily married to my wife, Shara, for 15 years, and I’m the proud father of our son, Maddox, who serves in the U.S. Army and is also a motorcycle rider.

 

 

My first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was in 2024, and I was blessed to ride side-by-side with my brother, Rodrigo Almeida #1154. Riding from Florida to Homer, Alaska was truly a dream come true for both of us.

 

Two years before my first Hoka Hey, I had the chance to ride with a few guys who had already completed the challenge. I learned so much from Everett Halpen #1006, Jonathan Santos #966, Eugene Lopez #935, and Joao Mendonca #1010. You guys helped me understand the Hoka Hey directions and mindset, and you made me a better rider.

 

I’m also a proud member of the New England Vikings MC, a family-oriented club that does a lot of fundraising for people in need and always supports its members when help is needed.

 

 

I’m super excited to come back in 2026 for another round of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and to see all the incredible people I met in 2024. Some of the most badass riders I met along the way to Alaska were the ones who crashed into a moose 🫎 and kept right on going — you know who you are! LOL. I was lucky enough to become friends with many amazing people during that journey.

 

This year my friend Nick Stokes #1279 is riding as well. He has been part of my family for the last 18 years, making this whole experience even more special.

No matter how many Hoka Heys you’ve done, you never stop looking forward to the next one.

See you all in Woodstock, Illinois. Ride safely.