Meet The New Rider # 1379 Lee Wisniewski

Lee Wisniewski  I'm 70 yo. I've been riding my whole life. Started on a 90 Honda at 15. Then got a 450 Honda then at 18 a 650 Yamaha. Took a solo trip from Detroit to San Francisco down to Santa Anna.  Back through Vegas when it was still a strip. 

 

 

 

I did a fly and ride to Frankfurt.  Beautiful riding through the Alps. Neuschwanstein castle. Austria, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, France.  Done the iron butt, saddle sore and bun burner. I think this is the ultimate challenge.  Been wanting to do this since the finding out about it on the 3rd running. Just didn't own the bike to do it. Vrod won't cut it.

 

 

 

 

 Open road. Just you and your thoughts. Seeing God's country. 

My hope is to be an elite finisher.  Looking forward to meeting and making new friends.  

 

 

Meet The New Rider #1244 Paul Hutsell

 

 

My name is Paul "Maker" Hutsell, rider #1244, and live in Savannah,GA. I was born in Paraguay, South America (right in the middle). I've been riding for about 20 years and have found one of my favorite things in the world to be in the wind. Some of my greatest stories and memories I have occurred because of 2 wheels. Chasing sunsets, ideals of brotherhood and the feelings conquering the wild west are what made me get into riding. 

 

 

I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2 years ago and was hooked instantly by how wild it sounded. As they took off on the challenge and being able to follow along I dreamed of being able to be a part of the next one! I planned and prepared to apply the minute the applications opened, and I got in!!! I've been hooked on LDR since I first experienced it! As we get older we have fewer and fewer opportunities that truly test what we are made of and the Hoka Hey is just that... the ultimate test of what I am made of. It's all about the stories and I can't wait for the stories I will have after this experience!

 

 

I am riding to raise funds for the local chapter of Bikers Against Child Abuse in Savannah, GA named Two Rivers. I have seen first hand the impact that they make on children and empower them to not feel afraid of the world in which they live. Any funds raised will go to this local chapter and to the positive effects they have on East Georgia! 

 

DONATE  

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1025 Craig Watters

This will be my third run at Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . I’m a long-time rider out of Chatham, Ontario, Canada, and I’ve spent years chasing the kind of freedom only the open road can give—the kind that clears your head and puts life into perspective. 

 

 

The first time I rode Hoka Hey, I thought it was about endurance and miles. The second time, I realized it was about something deeper—mental toughness, patience, and learning how to push through when everything in you says to stop. Both rides tested me in ways I didn’t expect, and both left me with lessons that stuck long after the engine cooled.

 

 

 

I keep coming back for the challenge, the unknown, and the miles that force you to dig a little deeper into yourself. The ride gives me time to reflect, to reset, and to step away from the noise of everyday life. It’s also a chance to be part of something bigger—raising money for charity and riding with purpose. 

 

 

 

But what truly keeps me coming back is the camaraderie. The people you meet, the stories you share, and the family you build along the way—that’s what lasts. Somewhere between the long days, the tough miles, and the quiet moments, you find a version of yourself you didn’t know was there. Every Hoka Hey has taught me something new… lessons I didn’t even know I needed. And that’s why I’m back again.

 

Craig "PeeWee" Watters Rider #1025

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1267 Paul Krugler

 

My name is Paul Krugler, I am from Northwest Arkansas. I grew up with my uncles and father riding motorcycles. I personally started riding 10 years ago on an 800 Vulcan Classic and have been totally hooked ever since.  My “small” upgrade in 2020 put me on a 2016 Indian Roadmaster as my own BD present, where I started to enjoy the open road in a new light. I really started enjoying the longer distance riding through the country with this new bike and my youngest son started riding with me as well. I earned the road name “Stalker” from a fellow rider while I was on the way back from a vacation trip in Pigeon Forge, Tn where I met up with our local chapter group weekend ride at their lunch stop. 

 

I started following the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge after meeting a fellow rider and asking him about the donation jar he had set up in his shop.  After talking to him, and following during the ’22 & ’24 runs, I knew this was something I wanted to get involved in.  I feel it a privilege and honor to have been accepted to participate in this, 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.  This will be a spiritual journey and challenge for myself that I am looking forward to.

 

I have chosen to ride for the kids at St Jude Children’s Hospital as my charity contribution for the HH Challenge.  I have been involved with supporting them in the past by being involved with the Talimena Rally that happens in May of each year, raising charity donations through other riding clubs.

 

What is St Jude known for?

St Jude specializes in care for some of the toughest pediatric cases, all while investing in resources and technologies for cutting-edge scientific research.  Families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food – so they can focus on the care of their child. 

Unlike most other hospitals, most of the funding for St. Jude comes from generous donors.

 

Here is the link to my DONATIONS

Meet The Returning Rider # 1175 Pat Smith

 

I don’t recall exactly how I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (probably a Facebook post), but when I looked it up, I knew I had to do it.  I was too late for 2022 registration, so you can bet as soon as it opened up for ’24, I was on it, and as soon as the ride in ’24 was over, I had already committed to myself to riding it again in ’26!  I wanted to ride it in ’24 to see just what I was made of, and boy did I find out!  This time around, I’m looking to improve on my previous mistakes (way too many wrong turns!), and improve my time.

I try to get in at least 1 long-distance trip every year, with many weekend trips in between.  To me, there’s no greater joy than riding with my son, regardless of where.  He even joined me at the Bardstown reunion, and is currently on the wait list for this year’s ride.

As for my non-profit, I chose the Veterans Community Project https://vcp.org/about-vcp/our-locations/kansas-city/ .  At Veterans Community Project, we believe dignity lives in the details. That’s why our 240-square-foot tiny homes are thoughtfully designed for Veterans, using PTSD-informed features and a layout that feels familiar and safe. Beyond housing, our staff uses a unique case management framework - called the H.O.M.E.S. Index - to create personalized plans that help each Veteran overcome their barriers and work toward their individual goals.  This approach works: 85% of Veterans who stay in our Villages successfully move on to sustainable permanent housing

 

 

Fundraiser link: Veterans Community Project

Meet The New Rider # 1272 Ed Monsour

 

Greetings   My name is Ed Monsour (# 1272) from Southern California

I started riding when I was 15 and purchased my first Harley at 18.  I’ve been riding ever since.  

For many of these past years I have averaged over 50,000 miles over this great country. The 4 Corners, 50CC. Iron Butt Challenges, US Best Roads, National Parks, Route 66 plus so much more. 

When I started riding my friends and family said that motorcycles are dangerous and maybe they are right.  But the real danger is living a life so safe, so predictable that you never actually live. Riders live on the edge. Rather than playing ti safe, sitting still and being afraid to live, I'll risk the fall.  It's as close as you can get to transcendence.

For me the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will be the ultimate ride.  I’ve been told the Hoka Hey Challenge will change you.  I’m excited for the changes that will come. Mostly though, meeting and riding with you my fellow riders.

My fundraising efforts are for two non-profit organizations, Warrior Foundation Freedom Station.  This amazing organization provides valuable services for our military men and women who have given their all and come home needing assistance to get their lives on track again.

https://www.pledge.to/Eds-Ride-for-Freedom-Station 

 

AND The Prarie Band Potawatami Nation   Please NOTE # 1272 Ed Monsour when making donations

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1368 Christina Griffith

 

Hello sunshine 🌞, I'm Christina Griffith  (rider #1368) from Hotchkiss, Colorado. My wonderful husband and I have been married for 26 years. We have 3 beautiful daughters. 3.5 (one is still cooking) grandkids. I'm a late arrival to the motorcycle world. I was a passenger princess for many years. In 2016  I started riding my parents trike. I fell in love with three wheels and solo riding. I've experienced the beauty of all the lower 48  states. From the crashing ocean waves, to high mountain peaks, blowing corn of the plains, to the desert cactus.  My adventurous spirit always wants to know what's over the next hill and around the next corner.

I discovered the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2020 through Google search for endurance riding. I instantly knew right away that I wanted to participate in the challenge. At the time they weren't accepting trikes. And I wasn't ready. For the last six years I've been preparing for this ride. I was even trying to think of ways to become a route tester. One way or another I was determined to ride this ride.

"Wheels for Hope" is my fundraising campaign for Breakthrough T1D. It's for Type One Diabetes research. A hope for a future were those we love and cherish won't have to struggle with this disease. Were they don't have to worry about choosing between affording their insulin or paying bills. Not worry about possible loosing limbs or their life to this disease. Hopefully we can come together to help find a cure for those we love.