Meet The Returning Rider # 1213 Ryan Brady

 

My name is Ryan Brady from Mica, Washington, located near the Washington/Idaho border. I enjoy outdoor activities, riding motorcycles, and tackling hands-on projects, most recently building a shop on our property. My amazing wife and I have five grown children and five grandchildren. For more than 35 years, I have worked in the electrical industry throughout the Pacific Northwest.

 

My interest in long-distance riding began while listening to the Wild Ass Podcast, where Craig interviewed many of the top long-distance riders in the country. Their stories intrigued and inspired me, and a year later, I found myself participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

 

In 2024, Hoka Hey tested my endurance, discipline, mental strength, and riding skills in unforgettable ways. Completing the 2024 Challenge as a finisher and elite rider was an honor, and it strengthened my commitment to ride with purpose on behalf of a cause that is deeply meaningful to me.

 

I am a passionate supporter of Spokane Fantasy Flight, an organization that provides impoverished and at-risk children with a day filled with joy, dignity, and the magic of Christmas at the North Pole. 

 

In partnership with Alaska Airlines, children are welcomed by more than 250 North Pole Elves and Guards who create a celebration filled with hope, wonder, magic, and much-needed essentials. Each child experiences a day where they are seen, valued and cherished in a way many have never experienced before.

I ride each mile to help ensure the magic continues for children who deserve to know what it feels like to be loved, celebrated, and never forgotten.

See you in August,

Ryan Brady

Bug Slayer #1213

Meet The Returning Rider # 1019 Jon Fredrickson

 

Rider #1019: Jon Fredrickson – New London, Wisconsin

Returning for his fourth Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , Jon Fredrickson proves that once the long-distance bug bites, there is no turning back. A father of five whose roots in adventure go back to his Boy Scout days, Jon has traded the hiking boots for high-octane miles. He tackled his first HH on an ’18 Street Glide before moving to the Pan America platform for the last two runs. This year, he’s saddling up on a ’23 Pan Am affectionately dubbed “The Grey Goose.”

 

Despite his veteran status, Jon still feels the same Day 1 excitement of that perfect mix of nerves and adrenaline. Experience has taught him that the miles aren't the only hurdle; he’s still working on the art of not over-packing (a lesson painfully learned during the “dumpster fire” of the Alaska run) and the perpetual struggle of getting his bio turned into Junie on time.

For 2024, Jon’s mission is to tune out the noise and simply ride his own ride. When he isn't eating up asphalt, he’s serving his community as an active Lions Club member. In the spirit of the Hoka Hey, Jon asks that you support your neck of the woods by buying an extra raffle ticket from your local Lions chapter. Hoka Hey!

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1154 Renato Apolonio

 

My name is Renato Apolonio, aka “REN,” from East Taunton, Massachusetts. I’ve been happily married to my wife, Shara, for 15 years, and I’m the proud father of our son, Maddox, who serves in the U.S. Army and is also a motorcycle rider.

 

 

My first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was in 2024, and I was blessed to ride side-by-side with my brother, Rodrigo Almeida #1154. Riding from Florida to Homer, Alaska was truly a dream come true for both of us.

 

Two years before my first Hoka Hey, I had the chance to ride with a few guys who had already completed the challenge. I learned so much from Everett Halpen #1006, Jonathan Santos #966, Eugene Lopez #935, and Joao Mendonca #1010. You guys helped me understand the Hoka Hey directions and mindset, and you made me a better rider.

 

I’m also a proud member of the New England Vikings MC, a family-oriented club that does a lot of fundraising for people in need and always supports its members when help is needed.

 

 

I’m super excited to come back in 2026 for another round of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and to see all the incredible people I met in 2024. Some of the most badass riders I met along the way to Alaska were the ones who crashed into a moose 🫎 and kept right on going — you know who you are! LOL. I was lucky enough to become friends with many amazing people during that journey.

 

This year my friend Nick Stokes #1279 is riding as well. He has been part of my family for the last 18 years, making this whole experience even more special.

No matter how many Hoka Heys you’ve done, you never stop looking forward to the next one.

See you all in Woodstock, Illinois. Ride safely.

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 967 Jon Meadows

 

Meadows aka Tripod. Rider #967. This will be my 4th Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. In 2020 I finished the challenge in 6th place. 2022 & 2024 I had to DNF because of medical reasons. I had such a great time that I just had to reenter in the 2026 Challenge and redeem myself. My riding style has not changed much since my first Hoka Hey. I still push my self and feel 1k mile days are the best. I plan on taking this year's challenge one day at a time. Now that I know what to expect I plan on doing 2026 a little different. I have found out what works and what didn't. I have also changed some of my gear to better help me on this challenge.

I am participate in the 2026 Hoka Hey because I loved the adventure I got from the previous challenges! Not knowing where you will end up or what you will see. Trying to figure out places to sleep. Meeting new people that think your crazy when you explain to them what the challenge requires. Pushing my self to my limits and trying to push past them but always trying to remember where my wall is and stopping before I hit it.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is a very tough ride! You are doing multiple days where some days you can only get in 700 miles while other days you can grab a lot more. I did not wreck during the challenge but I came close to hitting a few dear and ran off the road into a ditch when I dozed off once but the bike never went down. If this challenge is done correctly it will push you to the point where you find out who you are as a person and a rider. I know it did me! 

I am definitely looking forward to seeing all my Hoka Hey family.

Jon Meadows

HHMC #967

Meet The Returning Rider # 1057 Tim Owens

 

Tim Owens is preparing to take on the legendary Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for the third time, proving once again his passion for endurance riding, determination, and giving back to the community he loves. Known for pushing through thousands of miles on the open road, Tim rides with purpose far beyond the finish line.

This year, Tim is dedicating his ride to helping make Christmas happen for families and children in Burleson County who may be struggling during the holiday season. Through every mile, he hopes to raise funds that will help provide gifts, meals, and support to local families so they can experience the joy and hope that Christmas brings.

The Hoka Hey is one of the toughest long-distance motorcycle challenges in the world, demanding physical endurance, mental strength, and unwavering commitment. For Tim, however, the journey is about more than the miles it’s about using his passion for riding to make a difference in the lives of others.

With the support of family, friends, and the community, Tim Owens continues to show that even one rider can have a meaningful impact. As he takes on Hoka Hey for the third time, every mile ridden is a reminder that compassion, generosity, and community spirit can go a long way.

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1355 Robert Gause

 

Hello Wanna Ride? I got a Road Glide full of fuel and ready to go. Her name's Mystic.  I enjoy the long hauls. I do work to fuel hobby.  I just enjoy the ride. If a slow roll through the lot working on skills, riding in a parade, formation riding on roadways or going solo to an undisclosed location.  We can ride.

 

I decided on the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because it is a unique challenge. I have completed many motorcycle quests.  For a mid-life test, the Hoka Hey was my choice of rides.  I am grateful for being one of the chosen.

 

 

My chosen charity is the American Legion Riders of South Carolina Post 175. Veterans helping Veterans is the best way to give a little to those who gave so much. As a veteran, I want to give a little to support the accomplishments of my home post. 

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1237 Frank Stephens

Hello again Hoka Hey kinfolk…  My name is Frank Stephens #1237, still married with 3 daughters, two grandchildren, coming back for another round in 2026.   I still live on that Island on Lake Ontario (Prince Edward County), I'm retired now and enjoying the free time to ride anywhere and anytime. 

 

 

So I thought I'd ask Chat GPT to describe me… 

"You come across as a highly practical, detail-oriented person who likes to deeply understand how things work before making decisions. Your questions tend to focus on optimization, troubleshooting, and long-term value rather than surface-level answers.

• You enjoy technical systems and complex games,
•  You seem comfortable balancing technology with outdoors interests.
• Your motorcycle road-trip requests emphasizing twisty secondary roads, elevation changes, forests, streams, and lakes  — suggests you appreciate scenic experiences as much as technical detail.

Overall, you seem like someone who combines:

• analytical thinking,
• hands-on problem solving,
• curiosity about complex systems,
• and a strong independent streak."

…. Not a bad description…   BUT

 

What it didn't capture was that I enjoy the solitude of long rides, blues playing in the background, incredible scenery and the chance to connect with others along the way.

A wet 20 hour sightseeing ride to Cape Reinga NZ

 

 

Tires in the waters of Nunavut Canada

 

I have been active in Taekwondo for over 40 years which has helped keep me fit and centered..   I flew single engine airplanes,  raised salt water fish and corals, play darts, kayak, and am starting to boat.  I am involved with the local community group to help "safeguard" the health of our local bay. I enjoy hearing different points of view and respect that we all see the world a little differently. 

 

I am returning in 2026 to experience again the personal challenge of the  Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge .  I valued the personal connections made along the way, the support and comradery of the riders,  Beth, Junie and others who put this event together.  I  felt a kindship to this group who like myself like long challenging rides.    I'm hoping to bring a little more experience this time around and avoid those 100 mile wrong turns :)  I finally figured out where to put my Denali lights on my 2020 Roadmaster. (This should help with those dark rainy nights looking for road signs).

 

There were many memorable moments along the way in 2024.

• The Hurricane going into Key West (getting over the first bridge only to then come across the seven mile bridge    
• The 100 mile side trip toward Salt Lake City only to realize I missed the turn in the construction zone (it wasn't the only major sightseeing detour)
• Reading the 2nd last turn instruction from Missoula to Homer  thinking there must have been a typo on the mileage
• D| 29|>260

  U turn

  At Lands Ends Resort

• It was a looooong, cold 26 miles!!...    Thank you Beth and others for getting up in the middle of the night to welcome me in
• There were the friendly folks along the way who pulled up a piece of pavement alongside for a couple hours of rest or simple exchange at a gas/food stop

 

Waiting for service to open in Sturgis

 

So once again we will depart on a journey. The statement that is made multiple times "Ride your own ride" is so incredibly true and important to remember…   It will be even more prevalent in my mind in 2026.

 

See you in Woodstock

 

 

Cheers