Meet The Returning Rider # 1132 Rick Dukehart

 

Ricky D     #1132      returning rider from 2024

   I'm a grandfather to five girls.  Each amazing in their own way.  My son just sent me a video of his three year old Ember sitting on the tank of his dirt bike riding around his lower field.  He says she loved it. 

    Motorcycles, I started with go karts and mini bikes as a kid like most of us here I suppose.  I've been riding off and on since then. My most recent years I've found the long distance community and it's like having a new family.

     

My best friend Ronnie and I had been planning riding off into the sunset on our bikes with retirement.  When we didn't have bikes we were sending each other pictures and ads of bikes we were thinking of.  His nieces husband sold him a Yamaha cruiser and I followed with a VTX 1800 not too long after. We made a bunch of trips back and forth for long weekends to each of our homes.  He in Columbus and I in Pittsburgh.  He was diagnosed with cancer and was gone within 6 months.

    It was then that I realized there was nothing left to wait for.  Tomorrow isn't promised and it was time to start doing those things that I always wanted to do.  I developed friendships with the VTX riders and started attending some of their get togethers.  I made it to their annual events and found a new family I just hadn't met yet.

    

After some long rides with my new found friends to Sturgis, Daytona, the Dragon etc. I thought about trying an Iron Butt.  I have a sister Karin transplanted in Denver. I decided to head out there to visit  by motorcycle. I completed my first Saddle Sore 1000 and Bun Burner 1500 Silver.

    I did several of those and filed the required documentation got my patch. I've done a few where I seemed to fail getting the correct receipts required. Completed as many say but not documented.

    I don't remember where I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge but I was familiar with it.  I recall a finish line video after reading about it and thinking I wanted to do that. Um, could I do that?  I forgot about it till 2023 when Mike Clark #1188 mentioned it to me at one of our winter lunch get togethers. I sent an application in but was late and put on a waiting list.  Luckily I made it.

    I went to the Taco Lunch Run with Mike and we met up with the folks that wore the Hoka Hey patch set.  We found everyone helpful with the million questions we had.  I figured out rather quickly that there is no secret sauce to completing the Hoka Hey.  It's an individual endeavor and your going to make mistakes. It was designed that way.  It's meant to be a CHALLENGE!

Hopefully what doesn't kill ya makes ya stronger.

    Everyday was a new adventure. Riding in a Hurricane. Seeing a Tornado warning pop up a mile ahead while your watching the Hurricane make landfall just ahead of you. The rainbows coming off the mountains in Utah while riding switchbacks down to sea level again. The wildlife Bears, Eagles, Bison, snakes. 

     Most memorable for me were people. Everyone everywhere were helpful and friendly.  Though there was someone who's boss told him to turn a leaf blower on us for sleeping in their parking lot. He didn't, he had his phone make alarm clock noises. I think he was afraid of the big bad bikers.

    Statistics are what helped me select Shatterproof. I wanted something that was important to me personally. Something that I  felt strongly about. It seemed to me everybody was raising money for some type of Cancer or Nationally known charity.  I chose Shatterproof.

     Me 26 stories up
In 2015 I rappelled from the Westin in Pittsburgh 26 stories. Then in 2024 for the Hoka Hey and now in 2026. 

    The Why?  I have a bunch of dead friends.  I lost count.  I've had two friends reach out to me before they committed suicide. I live with those last conversations.  Addiction is a disease that has stigma attached to it.  It's hidden in plain sight. You know someone with a problem, everybody does.  Yet no one talks about it. Shatterproof wants to help change that and so do I.

Some amazing statistics.  

49 million people over age 12 are living with addiction

One in every three American adults has lost someone to addiction

87,000 people died from a drug overdose in 2024

Fentanyl is the top cause of death for Americans 18-49

Alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable Cancer

On any given day more than 360,000 people are incarcerated for drug offenses

How many do you know?

https://cyof.shatterproof.org/campaigns/Hoka-Hey-Challenge-2026-RickyD

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1079 Angelique Dilmore

 

 

I’ve been called many things in my life: daughter, Soldier, medic, mom, biker — and a few names I probably shouldn’t repeat. One title that means a lot to me is my road name, Twitch. It was given to me because of a neurological condition that causes tremors and makes my hands shake. I know… can you believe they still gave me a motorcycle license?

 

 

My condition is degenerative and will continue to worsen as I get older. Because of that, I’ve adopted a now-or-never approach to life and adventure.

 

My journey may look different from others, but I’ve never let my disability stop me from pursuing my goals. Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2024 was my first challenge, and while I didn’t finish, there is beauty in the challenges we face — both on and off the road. Challenges expose our raw, unpolished parts and give us perspective. They make life feel richer.

 

When I first considered applying for Hoka Hey, I knew I would need to grow as both a rider and a person before I could cross that finish line. Hoka Hey 2024 taught me to embrace the unknown and become comfortable with vulnerability. My hope for Hoka Hey 2026 is that it teaches me new strength and deepens my confidence in myself.

 

I’ve chosen the Missing in America Project as my fundraiser. The Missing in America Project works to locate, identify, and honor the unclaimed remains of American veterans, ensuring they receive the burial and respect they earned through their service to this country. No veteran should ever be forgotten, left on a shelf, or abandoned without recognition.

 

As riders, we understand brotherhood, sisterhood, sacrifice, loyalty, and honor. Those values don’t stop when the ride ends — and they certainly shouldn’t stop for the men and women who served our nation. DONATE

 

 

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1162 Kim Henry

 

Kim Henry: A Life of Service, Strength, and a Passion for the Open Road

 

Kim Henry’s story is one of unwavering dedication – to her country, her family, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Born in Portmore, Jamaica, Kim’s journey led her to a vibrant upbringing in Harlem, New York, where she developed the grit and determination that would define her life. This foundation fueled a remarkable 27-year career serving in the United States Army, beginning in November 1988 and culminating in her retirement on July 31, 2016.

 

Throughout her distinguished military career, Kim demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment. She served at key installations including the National Training Center (NTC), completed four tours in Korea, and held assignments at Fort Bragg, NC, The Pentagon in Washington D.C., and Fort Hood, TX. She bravely deployed to the Middle East four times, consistently putting service above self. Retiring as a First Sergeant, Kim left a legacy of dedication, discipline, and mentorship within the ranks.

 

Beyond her military service, Kim is a proud mother of two sons, a role she embraces with the same strength and dedication she brought to her career. For the past 20 years, she has also found freedom and exhilaration on two wheels, becoming a passionate and accomplished motorcycle rider. This passion isn’t just a hobby; it’s a vehicle for incredible feats of endurance and exploration.

 

Kim’s motorcycle adventures are truly inspiring. She has completed six cross-country trips, conquered the lower 48 states in a breathtaking 8 days, and journeyed to the four corners of the United States. But perhaps her most challenging and rewarding accomplishment came in 2024, when she successfully completed the grueling Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. This event is a test of fortitude and determination, designed to push participants to examine their own limits and translate newfound strength into a willingness to act on behalf of others.

 

Kim is now channeling her spirit of adventure and commitment to service into a fundraising effort to benefit Abundance Educational Academy. DONATE Her story demonstrates the power of perseverance, and your support will help Abundance Educational Academy provide a vital range of programs to the community, including a high school diploma program, ACT preparation classes, Praxis Prep for educators, and several other initiatives designed to empower individuals through education. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help unlock opportunities and build a brighter future for those served by the Academy.

Meet The Returning Rider # 1075 Matt Scott

 

My name is Matt Scott, Aka "Just Matt", 

     I am the owner and operator of Classic American Thunder Cycle in Beloit, Ohio. I am a father of 2 beautiful girls and husband to my wonderful most amazing and beautiful wife Melissa who holds down the fort while I go riding and raising money for our local veterans and friends at HOGS HELPING HEROES. I have always enjoyed long distance traveling. For some reason my mind can wander while I put in the miles.

 

 

 

     This will be my second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. The first challenge in 2022 was a challenge to say the least. I had multiple break downs including a broken valve guide in the engine, a broken swing arm, a bald tire and multiple broken speedometer drives. Despite all of the issues I had on the 2022 Hoka-Hey, I was still able to complete it within the 14 days. I have learned a lot since 2022. If I where to give one piece of advice to a new rider, I would tell them to buy KLIM gear and get rid of the bulk of leathers and rain gear. It has been a game changer for me.

 

 

 

     This year my chosen charity is HOGS HELPING HEROES. These people at HOGS HELPING HEROES are truly out helping Veterans. They help people with everything from shoes, food, housing repairs, vehicle repairs, transportation and much much more. I feel this is truly an important thing for someone to do and am honored to ride for them!

 

 

A little about the H3 group: - H3 Mission Statement

No veteran rides alone.

We stand beside veterans and their families when life hits hardest—providing hands-on help, financial relief, and real community that doesn’t vanish when the fundraiser ends.

Through outreach rides, service projects, and open-hearted gatherings, we tackle the everyday burdens that weigh heavy—while joining forces with local champions to build bridges to housing, food security, mental health, and brighter holidays for those who’ve served.

We ride, we rally, we connect—because healing and hope should never be out of reach for any hero. We’re in it for the long road, and we don’t back down.

 

I'm truly excited and ready to see what the 2026 Hoka Hey Challenge has in store for me this year! HOKA HEY!

 

 

Please DONATE to HOGS HELPING HEROES 

Visit Hogs Helping Heroes

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1050 Jason Brown

 

My name is Jason “Ronimo” Brown and by day I work for Angelo State University as an Assistant Director of Instructional Design and Adjunct Instructor. I love the outdoors and wish every day that I had chosen a career path that would have gotten me back outside. My motorcycle is my way of getting back out there, seeing all the great things on this earth and meeting all the different people you come across on the road. 

 

 

I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge around 2014 which started my intrigue.  Due to life situations, I knew I could not participate at the time, so I forgot about it.  In 2020, I was talking to some guys about dream rides and was reminded of the HHMC.  In 2022, I had the great opportunity to complete the Kiksuya Hoka Hey (’22) as an elite rider and participate in the Chiqinik Gheli Hoka Hey (’24). It sounds crazy to most, especially to my wife, but for me every time I ride this challenge, it is a call I answered, and I am answering again in 2026.  This year, I am setting some new personal goals and looking to see what this experience will bring. I have no doubt this ride will have a profound effect on my life as the last two have.

 

 

As part of the 2026 Hoka Hey, I will once again be riding as a Mile Monster. Raising money and awareness for our Heroes: boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). Mile Monsters Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit which hopes to raise awareness of DMD, but also to inspire and motivate people.  We ride to make the world a better place.  Money raised helps children affected by DMD, as they fight circumstances beyond their control.

 

 

Fundraiser link: DONATE

~Jason "Ronimo" Brown 

~HHMC #1050

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1198 Justin Tharrett

 

Hello there fellow HOKA riders, WALDO (Justin) here from the Great Lakes State of Michigan.  I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge while on a beer run down to Knoxville Tenn to see a fellow club member.  We ran into a veteran of the ride at a fuel stop and he filled us in on the numbers tagged on his ride.  He too was on his way home from a beer run from NC to Michigan.  

 

When not out on two wheels I am a Sgt with the Detroit Fire Department.   With my great firefighter schedule, and the blessing from my soon to be wife, I have been able to put some good miles on two wheels all thru the US.  I've been fortunate to complete the 48 states in 10 days, and most recently a trip to Deadhorse AK to take a dip in the arctic ocean.  Thru Detroit Fire Dept I was exposed to the AXEMEN MC.  The AXEMEN MC was founded in 1998 in Detroit by a small group of professional IAFF fire fighters and has grown to 35 chapters from Washington to New York, South Carolina out to Arizona.  Even a chapter located in Windsor Canada.  All of our chapters are a 501(c)(3) and hold multiple fundraising events throughout the year benefiting charities. 

 

 In Detroit we have worked closely with many different causes but the one that is near and dear to me is the Great Lakes Burn Camp.  Funding raised sponsors burn injured children at the Great Lakes Burn summer and winter camps.  The camp provides a unique experience promoting self esteem, confidence and healing while being with other burn injured kids. They also offer scholarships for campers to attend college or trade schools. 

 

To me the HOKA HEY Challenge is just that, a challenge of oneself.  We have all been out on the road for long days and tons of miles.  But  I've always had that gps to get me where I  need.  I've always had that hot shower and bed at the hotel when I stop.  Or those brothers riding next to me to push that extra fuel stop.  This is something that I'd never do on my own.  Can't wait to see everyone in Woodstock.

Great Lakes Burn Camp.        https://glbcforkids.org/

Meet The Returning Rider # 907 Ken Cowart

 

This will be my 3rd Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.  I was able to finish in 2018 after having an engine blowup and spending 3 days at Taboo Harley Davidson in Alexandria, LA.  I missed the end of the road party by only a few hours. In 2020 I had an accident with fellow Hoka Hey rider Kenneth Andrews.  This was definitely one of the worst experiences of my life.  I relive that moment often and still have not figured out how it happened other than I had a momentary loss of concentration. Thankfully, we both have recovered and are riding again.

 

 

The Hoka Hey sends us down some challenging routes and I’ve never been afraid to ride new and challenging roads.  The Hoka Hey just confirmed that I can do anything!  I really think the absolutely best advice for new riders is ride your own ride and know that whatever plan you think you have, it will change on the road and you will change along with it!  For me, it’s funny that now as I’m out on the road, I look at places and think “Hmmm, that would be a good place to sleep for the night”

 

 

 

Family and friends have been super supportive, but understandably worried at the same time.  The tracking of Fleet Tracker does ease their worries some.  When stopped for the night, I try to remember to send a text letting them know that I’ll be resting for a few hours.

 

 

 

My chosen charity is The Special Olympics in honor of my sister Debbie.  She was a participant for many years until she passed in 2014.  The hardest thing about fundraising for me is finding the time to do events for the fundraising.  Facebook is a great tool to get the word out and I have used their charity donation feature with lots of success. 

 

 

 

Ken Cowart

Hoka Hey rider #907