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"

Meet The New Rider # 1341 Allen Darling

 

 

My name is Allen Darling Rider #1341. I reside in Oklahoma and I’m a Navy veteran and first-time rider for Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I got my first taste of riding motorcycles around 1970 while in the Navy stationed in San Diego. I rented a motorcycle for a day and really enjoyed it and later bought a motorcycle to ride back and forth to base and I guess you could say I was hooked. After the Navy I didn’t ride for about 7 years (life happens). In 1979 I bought a dirt bike and rode some cross-country races and some enduros. I then bought a 1979 750cc Yamaha Special and got my first taste of long-distance riding. I bought my first Harley, a 2000 Wide Glide and then traded it for 2012 Street Glide. I’ve traveled over 122,00 miles on my Street Glide with my wife alongside me on her 06’ Deluxe, we’ve traveled coast to coast, Canada and everywhere in between making memories by the mile. 

 

I am excited to have been accepted to ride the Hoka Hey not only for the challenge itself but to challenge myself physically, mentally and spiritually. 

 

My charity of choice is St. Christopher Trucker's Relief Fund (“SCF”). Being a trucker myself for over 50 years (3rd generation), I have seen the struggles some truckers go through due to illness or injuries. “SCF” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit founded in 2007 to provide financial aid & health support to professional over-the-road (OTR) semi-truck drivers & their families when illness or injury takes them off the road. Recognized nationwide, SCF’s mission is to ensure drivers can focus on healing without the added stress of financial hardship. What sets this charity above the rest is the fact that 95% of the revenue goes towards the revenue expenses. It would be a privilege and an honor to raise funds for this charity as I ride the Hoka Hey. 

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 190 Chris Drake

 

 

Chris Drake, out of N, Ft. Myers, FL. 

 As One of the few that have ridden all HOKA HEY's

I have been blessed to meet so many new family members from all over 

that I would have ever met if not for big Jim & Beth making it possible

with the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 

 

I ride because I just want to ride, I enjoy the personal  challenge

and the comradery that I get from the challenge,

 

 

I ride for the chosen charity of the HOKA  HEY

which is a NATIVE AMERICAN TRIBE as BIG JIM wished

To help those that have been treated so poorly 

This year the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation

Boys & Girls Club is the chosen charity.

 

DONATE HERE 

 

 I will be fund raising for them,

Thank You To NAGMO JACKSON for the GREAT ARTWORK.

He made for this year's challenge coin.

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1066 Andrea Tooley

 

Hello my name is Andrea Tooley....they call me "Tooley". I am a mom of 2 fantastic kids Nick 24 and Addie 12. I work full time as a dental hygienist which keeps me busy, along with Addie. I work hard so I can play harder. This will be my 3rd Hoka Hey riding for Mile Monsters Inc. If you would have said to me 4 years ago that I would be riding long distance for a charity that has my whole heart. I would have said you're crazy. That first Hoka Hey changed me even though I wrecked and totaled my bike. I still went to the finish line to hang with fellow like minded people, cheer on the finishers and to meet the boys with their families that we ride for. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge  gave me a purpose I didn't know my soul was searching for riding in it and for Mile Monsters. I also am blessed to share the road with my mom Valerie "Gypsy"Stewart #985 and brother Craig "Subs" Tooley #1156. Those memories are one in a million. I really can't wait to see what this Hoka Hey has in store for us all. I'm excited to see parts of this country I haven't seen before.

I ride for Mile Monsters Inc which is a 501c non profit charity. We ride for our Heroes so they can live their best lives. I am honored and grateful to be apart of something that is bigger then myself. These boys and their amazing families have welcomed all of us in their worlds, and I have seen first hand what all of us incredible charity riders are possible of doing when we give it our all for these boys. Truly makes me proud and happy to be a Mile Monster!!

 

 

So stocked to see all of you fellow Hoka Hey brothers and sisters. Seeing old friends and meeting new ones, but honestly you're all family that I didn't know I needed. 

Live Well, Live Boldly, Just Live!!! ~Tooley 

 

DONATE TO MILE MONSTERS INC
 

Meet The New Rider # 1254 Nathan Dee

 

     I grew up in Wasilla, Alaska, where I joined the local fire department with my parents at 13. After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served 14 years, including a deployment to Afghanistan shortly after September 11, 2001, and two combat tours in Iraq before being medically retired due to combat injuries. I later earned a bachelor’s degree in biology and taught middle school math and science before moving to Texas, where I combined my military and teaching experience to become a firearm, personal safety, and private security instructor and an Adjunct Instructor at Texas A&M. In my free time, I volunteer with Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief, often riding one of my motorcycles, whether it's my Harley-Davidson, Honda, or Royal Enfield, to disaster response sites across the country.

 

     My stepdad, Buckwheat, is the one who got me into motorcycles. Before moving to Alaska, he raced flat track in California, and his love for riding rubbed off on me. Once I got my own bike, I was hooked. Whether I'm carving through the Tail of the Dragon or cruising the endless highways of West Texas, there's nothing quite like the freedom and peace that comes from being on two wheels. After Buckwheat passed away a few years ago, I started looking for longer rides and endurance challenges that would push me to experience more of the country and the outdoors. That's when I found the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, and it felt like exactly what I had been searching for. On every ride and tour I take, I carry a small portion of his ashes with me, hoping he's still along for the ride and watching over every mile.

 

     The nonprofit I've chosen to support is Samaritans Purse. I first found the organization in 2013, during one of the hardest periods of my life, through its Operation Heal Our Patriots (OHOP) program. OHOP provides married military couples with a marriage retreat in Alaska and continues to support them long after they return home. Samaritan's Purse also responds to natural disasters across the United States and around the world. As part of the OHOP program, veterans and their families are encouraged to serve others by joining disaster relief deployments, with Samaritan's Purse covering their travel, lodging, and meals during their volunteer service. The funds I raise will help support both Operation Heal Our Patriots and Team Patriot, the veteran disaster relief program. If you ever see someone in an orange Samaritan's Purse shirt arriving at a disaster site on a motorcycle, there's a good chance it's me.