Meet The New Rider # 1354 Steve Viola

 

#1. Tell us a little about You. What do you do for fun when you are not riding?

I’m originally from San Antonio Texas.  I was a Chef Apprentice and was  pre-med  for college, with a calling for something more out of life.  I joined the Navy in 1986 for

“the college program” and later become a Navy SEAL, I attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training and graduated in Class 167 and spent a twenty-eight-year career as a SEAL Team member, retiring as a Command  Master Chief. Currently, I still support the veteran and first responder’s community as a private contractor/owner of a small business helping in treatment alternatives. I’m also the owner/operator of a small business called Max Perdiem INC ( a consulting company). In my off  time I like to travel, Motor-home and motorcycle rides, reading, naturalist in training (wildlife management and preservation), shooting, cooking and hang out with my Fiance and our dogs.

#2. Why do you want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge?

I  heard  about the HHMC through a friend (Ed )and the whole program and community really spoke to me. I have been riding for some time and enjoy wind-therapy.  I am on a self-improvement journey and I feel that this community ( riders)  will help to challenge me and help me to focus on enjoying the country I spent my entire adult life protecting and serving. If selected I hope to do as many Hoka Heys as heaven will allow- I feel the folks that have done the journey can help me and then we can help others. I read every bit of information about the HHMC and I realized that I needed to do it. Lastly something I read a while back I think fits here pretty good- “Running up a hill is a bitch until you adapt to the hill. Then it’s not. The Hill is the same but you are different and as a result, so is your experience. Easy or hard is about you, not the hill. Don’t wait  for your hill to change.” Craig Harper.

 

The HHMC will be challenging but I am looking forward to the life changing experiences and being a part of group of like-minded folks.

The whole idea of just going on a journey, old school where you have to pay attention to the weather and road conditions while enjoying yourself and “unplug” from all the technology. In short; self-reliance and accountability. Also, raising awareness for different causes is something  I can really get behind. Perhaps more importantly this really spoke to me;

 

“No matter what you are physically….Male or female, strong or weak, sick or healthy...

All those things matter less than what’s inside of you. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. What matters most is that you are filled with a deep & powerful presence of life.”

~ James Red Cloud

                                    MORE OF THIS PLEASE!!

 

 

 

 

#3. What non-profit are you supporting and why did you choose them?
 

 Texans for Greater Mental Health(T4GMH) – They change minds to change lives, advocating for veterans, empowering individuals, and providing critical support to those struggling with mental health challenges. T4GMH is at the forefront of a national movement, driving policy change that has led to more than $100 million in funding for psychedelic research. Their work is transforming the future of mental health care by raising awareness and advancing practical legislation that educates both lawmakers and the public on the powerful role of psychedelic research in healing.

 

Why did you choose them?

In my humble opinion- T4GMH aligns perfectly with the values of HHMC. I’ve seen firsthand how people can either struggle well or struggle poorly. Too many individuals, whether dealing with PTSD, addiction, or other mental health challenges, are left desperate for solutions. T4GMH is leading the way in advocating for alternative treatment therapies that can truly make a difference. They are a beacon of hope for those in need, providing a path forward with innovative solutions.

 

What will the money be used for?

The donation will directly support T4GMH’s groundbreaking efforts in psychedelic policy advocacy to expand access to innovative mental health treatments for all Texans. Every dollar you contribute fuels progress—none of it goes toward payroll or administrative costs. T4GMH provides public engagement and education programs, connecting everyday Texans to the potential of psychedelic medicine. They run innovative advocacy programs working with other nonprofits, veteran groups, and lawmakers to advance historic legislation. T4GMH has established itself as the national model for a state-focused education, engagement, and advocacy organization.

 

Meet The New Rider # 1352 Sean Johnson

My name is Sean Johnson, hailing from the mid-coast of Oregon. I’m a US Navy Veteran, husband of 21 years, father of 5, work with commercial and residential construction, am an avid outdoors man, water man, and a multi-certified IBA long distance rider. I’ve been riding 30 plus years for enjoyment and commuter transportation, but over the last several years I have pursued long-distance motorcycle travel with increasing interest and passion.

I learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (HHMC) a couple years ago from a friend. Over the last couple years, have had the opportunity to meet many HHMC finishers, and have been impressed with their comradery and familial support for each other. In gaining these friendships, I am eager to join their ranks. We only grow through adversity and stretching our limits, so entering the HHMC is for personal challenge and growth in my mental, physical, spiritual and emotional strengths and limits; excited to use this opportunity to raise support for charity. 

  

I have chosen “Candlighters, for Children with Cancer”. Candlelighters provides support every step of the way for families in Oregon and SW Washington facing childhood cancer. This charity became personal to me when my first-born son was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 5, in 2014. My family and I were devastated. For that next 7plus years of life changing long term hospital stays, experimental treatments, and massive emotional uncertainty, Candlelighters became a lifeline, both emotionally and monetarily, in support of my son and family. I don’t know what we would have done without their benevolence, and honest caring support. I feel blessed and thankful to give back to an organization that has meant so much to us in our time of need.

 For further information and donation go to Candlighters

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 #1349 John Anderson

 

I’m a total motorcycle enthusiast and have been riding for most of my life. I do not have brand loyalty so as long it has two wheels, it’s cool in my book. I’ve been riding in long distance events for the last five years and am addicted to scavenger hunt type rides.

 

 

 

I want to ride in the Hoka Hey because I enjoy long distance events that have unique rules. The Hoka Hey is a challenge I’m looking forward to as I’ve never spent that many consecutive days or miles without sleeping inside. This is a challenge that excites me and I’m looking forward to the adventure.

 

 

I’m not the fund raising type but will give money to the Gary Sinise Foundation. I saw the Lt. Dan Band in 2000 while I was on active duty and have been inspired by the way Gary gives back to veteran charities.

Meet The New Rider #1245 Steve Tiller AKA Scuba Steve

Greetings and all that jazz, my name is Steve Tiller, known more often by my road name, Scuba. Born and raised in northern NY, think Canada, not City. Currently I reside just outside of Savannah GA with my fiancé, my soon to be stepdaughter, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 goats, and 8 chickens. I have an adult son and an adult, soon to be stepdaughter. I am an aeronautical engineer by trade, and a biker by passion. I started riding in 2009 when I was part of a Jet Powered Motorcycle team, the Ballistic Eagle. We set a Guinness World Record with that beast. The guys used to pester me as the crew chief of the team and the only guy on the team that didn’t ride. “How can you be the crew chief of a motorcycle race team and not know how to ride?” “Easy, I know turbines! This thing is only a motorcycle because it has 2 wheels and handlebars.”  Eventually they got to me as I already had the desire to ride. I took the MSF Basic Rider course, and the rest is, as they say, history.

 

So, why the Hoka Hey? Guess that is what any sane person would ask. For me, it’s the opportunity to go on an absolutely EPIC adventure. I feel in love with the stories of old school bikers. The open road, the freedom, the nomadic lifestyle, sleeping next to your scoot. It reminded me of the old westerns with the cowboys sleeping beside their horses, saddle as a pillow. When I first learned about the Hoka Hey in early 2024, the only thought I had was this sounds epic. The more I researched and learned, the more the passion to do this grew. I already use the road, the wind to find myself. At least re-center myself amidst the chaos that is daily life. To be able to immerse myself in that for 2 weeks, me vs nature vs the road. It’s just something I have to do. I am hoping to learn even more about who I am and the man I want to be.

 

My nonprofit is Bikers Against Child Abuse® of Georgia. I have been a part of B.A.C.A.® since 2016. Their mission, To Empower Abused Children to not fear the world in which they live. To fight for abused children, and try to ride the world of Child Abuse, it’s a calling. Shielding a child from further abuse, it’s just what I am meant to do. I chose B.A.C.A.® because I have dedicated 9+ years to the mission, and this is another way that I am able to help.

Bikers Against Child Abuse® uses the money raised to directly help abused children. Whether it’s providing some of the swag that we give each child when we adopt them into our organization or assisting a child in getting therapy they may need. B.A.C.A.® uses the money raised to help the children in the organization. Every chapter around the globe also hosts parties for our kids, our heroes. A couple days a year where our heroes get to focus on just being a kid. The payday there is simply watching these kids smile and have a good time.

Father and Daughter Ride the 2024 Challenge

In 2010 Alex Sweeney (Rider #88) rode the Hoka Hey Challenge. This year, Alex returns with his daughter Alexandria (Rider #1236) and they will ride together as a Father-Daughter team for the charitable benefit of the Haven House in Homer Alaska where they live. The Haven House provides physical, emotional and spiritual support to homeless children and families. Please consider donating to The Haven House.   Alexandria also rides to honor her late friend, Tia Erica Walli, who was an Organ donor, and to raise awareness of the life-saving gifts you can potentially give when you become a Registered  Donor.

Meet The New Rider # 1124 Paul Tong

 My name is Paul Tong and I was born and raised in Irving, TX. I went to Texas A&M University where I was a member of the Corps of Cadets. I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and served 13 years with several overseas deployments during Operation Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. After active duty, I joined the Irving Police Department where I have served as a patrol officer, undercover narcotics
investigator, detective sergeant for the domestic violence and child abuse unit, sergeant for the mental
health response unit, and currently serve as a motors sergeant and commercial vehicle enforcement
sergeant. I have known my wife, Tara, since 1994 and we have been married since 2001. We have 3
children, Noelle, Te’a, and Elijah. Noelle is a Navy scholarship cadet at the Virginia Military  Institute and Te’a and Elijah are in high school in Frisco, TX, where we currently reside. 

I bought my first motorcycle in 2011 and have accumulated hundreds of thousands of riding miles since then. I am member of the Iron Butt Association and have been a finisher in the 2015 and 2017 Iron Butt Rallies. I am the rallymaster for the Heart of Texas Rally and the LDX Rally. Brotherhood and family are important; they are the physical and emotional buffers for many things that happen in our lives. Family is there for you in good and bad times and can often be a comforting hand and in some cases, a restraining hand. A person can still be an individual, can be their own person, but can still be a part of something bigger than themselves. I have been a part of several families: my A&M Cadet Corps family, my Marine Corps family, my police family, and my motorcycle family. I know the Hoka Hey community is just another family of like-minded individuals. Many are veterans and all love a lifestyle which is heavily centered around motorcycles. We discover much about ourselves, our purpose in the world, and what path in life we should follow by experiencing the trials and challenges we face in life. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is a wonderful and very unique example of a physical and spiritual challenge encompassed by a large family of like-minded people that support and celebrate each other’s journeys. I want to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because I want to experience the personal challenge of the ride, to discover more about myself, and to be a part of another family of people who love motorcycles like me.

There are two non-profits very close to my heart who I will be supporting equally. The first is the Irving
Police and Fire Blue Christmas Program. For over 40 years, thousands of families in need have received a Merry Christmas from Blue Christmas in the form of toys and groceries. Donations help maintain
operations, provide needed supplies, and purchase food items to help families during the Christmas
holidays who already suffer from food insecurity. 

 The second is Many Helping Hands, a homeless outreach group who provides Irving’s homeless with clothing, hygiene items, food, fellowship, and prayer. Donations help support services to include haircuts, counseling, medical visits, employment search assistance, and rehousing assistance. I have volunteered countless hours with both organizations over the decade and believe in their missions and the hope they provide for our community.