Meet The New Rider # 1371 Woody Carter

 

 

My name is Woody B. Carter (Rider #1371) from San Antonio, Texas. My journey on two wheels began in 1988 on a Honda 450. Shortly after, in 1989, I joined the U.S. Army straight out of high school, retiring in 2019 after 30 rewarding years of service. Throughout my military career, I constantly sought out the toughest challenges, graduating from Air Assault, Airborne, Ranger, Drill Sergeant, and Battle Staff schools. I deployed to Desert Shield/Storm, Bosnia, Kosovo, twice to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. While stationed in Germany, I bought my first Harley—a 1996 FXSTC Softail. I still have her today and plan to pass her down to my son when he is ready. However, for this ultimate challenge, I will be piloting my 2023 Harley-Davidson Ultra.

 

Why I Ride
I believe deeply in the purpose; self-discovery, and healing, that long-distance riding provides. I once rode the entire 469-mile stretch of the Blue Ridge Parkway solo on my Softail. I've tackled the tight, technical twists of the legendary Tail of the Dragon, Cherohala Skyway, Devil’s Triangle and Moonshiner 28 while in North Carolina and Tennessee. It was a transformative experience—just me, my bike, the open road, and endless space for deep reflection. When I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge three years ago, I was instantly drawn to it. It represents the ultimate test: a challenge similar to my Blue Ridge ride, but twenty times longer. I am feeling a mix of excitement and nerves, but I am fully prepared to take this on and look forward to meeting new lifelong friends and family along the way.

 

My Charity: Breakthrough T1D
I am proudly riding to support Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF). Founded in 1970 by families personally impacted by type 1 diabetes, Breakthrough T1D is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They are dedicated to opening doors once closed by a T1D diagnosis by uniting the brightest minds to advance life-changing treatments, influence public policy, and improve global access to care. By driving relentless innovation, Breakthrough T1D aims to make type 1 diabetes a condition of the past. Learn more at walk.BreakthroughT1D.org.

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1115 Chris Comly

 

My name is Chris Comly and I am rider 1115.  When not riding I am either working on one of my 6 bikes, volunteering, or spending time with my family which includes my wonderful supportive wife Michele, two daughters, and 5 grandchildren.  Pre-Covid I volunteered at the Independence Seaport Museum working on their historic ships in Philadelphia PA and I am looking forward to getting back now that restrictions are being lifted.  I also am a volunteer at the Mid Atlantic Air Museum in Reading PA where I am one of the parking coordinators for their WWII Weekend show each June.  As for riding, I started taking weeklong trips with friends in 2009, and in 2014 I started doing longer and more challenging rides.  I applied for and was chosen for the 2015 Iron Butt Rally and was hooked.  To date I have started five IBRs and completed four.  I also completed the 2025 Scooter Cannonball Rally. 

  

 

My reason for wanting to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is because I like a challenge, and the HHMC is certainly that.  I also like taking smaller roads and riding through small town America and seeing things most people don’t see.  The more I heard about the HHMC the more I wanted to ride in it.  I rode in the 2022 Hoka Hey but did not finish due to family issues.  I am back for 2026 with unfinished business.

 

 

My charity of choice is The Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation.  This charity was set up by a friend of mine almost 10 years ago after his son Eli lost his fight with Leukemia at the young age of ten years old.  His father, Paul, established the foundation to support research to find a true cure for this terrible disease.  Their mission statement is “To unite communities in the fight against childhood leukemia by funding research and supporting families affected by this devastating disease in honor of Eli Seth Matthews.”  Funds raised by the foundation are primarily donated to hospitals and research facilities working on new treatments and diagnosis techniques.  They also provide financial assistance for medical bills and funeral costs for families with children fighting cancer.

 

 

To support my charity please click on this link to the foundation’s website

Meet The New Rider # 1340 Robert Russell

 

Robert "Tealglider" Russell A 58 year old Mechanic from Dittmer, Missouri. I have a Beautiful wife, Sandy, who has been my riding partner for over 20 years. We have two Children Joshua and Stacy who we are both so proud of. I inherited the riding bug from my Father and be dedicated to him (Thomas Russell III).

 

The  Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge has been on my bucket list for a lot of years. A long time friend and fellow rider Dustin " The Swamp Fox" Lowery #1247 convinced me that this was my Year. I will be riding my 2004 Ultra Classic that will have about 225,000 at the start to tame this ride with. The number one goal for me this year is to enjoy the ride and have fun.

 

I am raising money to help wounded veterans thru camp Hope. Camp Hope is a retreat for military veterans wounded in the war on terror. the mission of Camp Hope is to honor the fallen by helping the wounded. Camp Hope offers all expense paid adventure's and comradery for our service Men and Woman that gave selflessly for our freedom. Please scan the QR code and donate.

 

Woodstock, Il here we come

Hoka-Hey 2026

 

Meet The New Rider # 1375 Siggi Sloniker

 

As a proud German transplant living in the States, where my four kids have grown into remarkable individuals serving our country, family is everything to me - and I'm working hard to make them proud..

Riding motorcycles fuels my soul, and with the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge ahead of me, I'm gearing up for an unforgettable ride. Life has thrown me some tough challenges in 2024 including a stage four lung and kidney cancer diagnosis and a grueling motorcycle accident, but my spirit remains unbroken, Now, I've set my sights on the Hoka Hey event, determined to show that even in the face of adversity, life can be lived to the fullest. 

I'm raising funds for the Cancer Center of Southwest Oklahoma's transportation department, because everyone deserves access to life-saving treatment, no matter the distance or circumstance.

Meet The New Rider # 1169 Claire Butchkoski

 

 

 Hi, I'm Claire and I'm a paramedic who loves to ride motorcycles.  A lot of people think those 2 things don't go together, but I always just say I do stupid stuff CAREFULLY.  My other major hobby is knitting, so... you know what, it doesn't all need to fit together into an "image" that makes sense!  I've been doing some long-distance rallying the last few years and quite a few Iron Butt cert rides, and met Kerri Miller (my partner of about 2 years now) through long distance riding.

 

I've followed a few friends' journeys on the last 2 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , and wanted to ride it because it seems like a very different type of challenge and experience, and we get sent on some neat routes.

 

For my charity fundraising, I'm involved with both Bikers Against Child Abuse (BACA) and Mile Monsters.  Pick for me - you can donate to either one on my behalf!  BACA works directly with abused children to help take away their fear, and is very low overhead; a small donation can go a long way.  More info at www.bacaworld.org.  Mile Monsters helps kids with Duchenne muscular dystrophy live their best life; it's a little more fundraising heavy since these kids need resources to be able to do stuff like other kids can, but the Monsters also do some really cool stuff directly with them; www.milemonstersinc.com

 

 

For Mile Monsters there's a direct donation link for my fundraiser through Givebutter.  We don't have anything that easy for BACA chapters, so just send donations through me (Venmo link) and I'll transfer it to my local chapter (Big River WI).

I created a motorcycle hat knitting pattern, and every $10 (to either cause) gets you a spot in a drawing for a customized one!  I can do several different types of bikes, and you can pick a couple colors, add a pompom or tassel for the top...  It won't be finished before the ride, but I'll get it done before warm-hat season.  I use nice wool yarn that's treated so it's washable and not itchy.

Venmo (please only use for donations to BACA, and mention my Hoka Hey/BACA fundraiser in the note): https://venmo.com/code?user_id=4196497771988475372&created=1782778581 or user @cbutchkoski  

Mile Monsters direct DONATE

Meet Te New Rider # 1282 David Waldeck

 

      I grew up on a small farm in Kentucky.  When I turned 18 in 1975, I joined the US Navy and spent 20 years as a sailor.  I spent 14 of those years at sea.  When I retired in 1995, I turned to carpentry to continue supporting my family.  In just a few short years I started my own construction company but eventually felt led to join the US Army Corps of Engineers to again serve this nation.  I have travelled the world throughout my adult life in service to the United States. 

 

     As to why I want to join the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.  My life has been one challenge after another, mostly voluntary.  Some I have had success, and some I have failed.  Failures are just lessons.  This is not just a physical/mental challenge; it’s a way to challenge myself and provide some funds to help veterans in my area that are in need. 

 

     My nonprofit is the Kentucky 1-2 chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association.  It is in the Ft Knox area where there are tens of thousands of veterans and active-duty soldiers.  The chapter raises funds just for the purpose of helping in the many issues that veterans face after they leave the military.  I have been a member of this association for more than 10 years and have aided in raising tens of thousands of dollars, all of which go to veteran programs and to assist individual veterans in need. 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1361 Kent Kartes

 

I join the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge with a story shaped by hard work, resilience, and a lifelong connection to the land and the road. 

 

I own a trucking company, where long miles and demanding schedules were part of everyday life. That same discipline and endurance has defined much of my journey behind the handlebars as well. 

 

Raised on the family farm I grew up understanding responsibility early; where work starts before sunrise, commitment isn’t optional, the day doesn’t end before sundown and giving back is a part of life. In 2017 I was able to be a part of our community taking 21 semis and trucks loaded with hay, oats, fencing and other supplies from northern Michigan to farms in Ashland Kansas after wildfires damaged crops and livestock. The foundation set by my parents and my community have carried forward into my life, where persistence and bullheadedness are second nature. Years ago, my path took a serious turn when I was involved in a major bike accident where I collided with the rear of an unlit horse drawn Amish buggy while on my Softail Harley. The crash left a lasting mark, but it didn’t end my relationship with riding. Instead, it reshaped it, it added a deeper awareness, respect for the road, and a renewed appreciation for every mile since. 

 

I learned of the Hoka Hey through three new riders from the last Challenge, Lucas Blackford, Erick Rydd and Rob Cromwell who rode the challenge together and live in my small town. I had ridden with Lucas for many years prior to his run and knew they would be finishers. Stepping into the Hoka Hey Challenge as a new rider this year, I bring grit, perspective, and a quiet determination earned the hard way. I want to take on this challenge, not just to ride it, but to truly honor it and my nephew, Luke, who I will be riding for. 

 

I will be raising funds and awareness for his memorial scholarship. Luke’s birthday is August 3rd, the day after this year’s challenge kicks off, and that day is typically the annual scholarship day for Luke in our community. The Luke Kartes Memorial Scholarship is given to graduating seniors or 5th year students pursuing a skilled trade or an engineering career path. Luke was a 17 year old junior who was smart, intelligent, funny, joyful, empathetic, mechanical, great with computers, a generous soul, and had a huge heart. He would do anything for anyone and was a friend to all. He brightened everyone’s day just by being there. He made you laugh with his quirky humor, was kind and fun to be around. He was a great son, grandson, brother, nephew and friend. Luke loved his buddies and spending time in the metal shop at school.(He earned the nickname "General Metals" from his classmates) He was excited to go to college to get an engineering degree to open a shop with his best friend, Ike, which is why the scholarship helps to support future engineers or tradesmen. Please consider donating to allow us to continue paying it forward in his memory. 

 "The Operator"