Meet The New Rider # 1367 Jeff Hambric

My name is Jeff Hambric. I am 62 years old and have lived around the Birmingham area my

entire life. I got married at age 22 and joined the 117th Air Guard. My wife and I have raised 3

daughters, one of which is a pilot for AirMed International. Until age 30 I worked in construction and later as an industrial maintenance electrician. Then I took an active duty position with the 117th Security Forces retiring about 27 years later.

 

 

 

 My current bikes are 2011 Ultra Limited and a 2008 Street Bob. I am planning to ride the limited for the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . In our local chapter I have a friend that rode in the 2024 HH. We also have another long time HH rider Rip Alexander. This is how I first heard of the HH challenge. I always wondered what it would be like to do the challenge. I guess this is where the spark was kindled. I missed applying for the 2024 run but was lucky enough to be accepted for 2026. There is just something about pushing yourself towards a goal. I think the rules are what separates the HH from all other riding challenges. Riding through each of the lower 48 states with my wife, often sleeping wherever we could bed down, may have helped prepare me in some ways.

 

 

 

My charity is Big Oak Ranch. They have been our local chapters’ charity for years, doing many different fund raisers throughout the year. Big Oak takes abused and abandoned children, giving them a place to live. Teaching life skills, instilling love and honesty and even helping beyond the 18th birthday with trades or higher learning if they choose that path. Big Oak was started by a former University of Alabama football 

Meet The Returning Ride #1167 Hayley Kendall

 

I’m not new to the madness—I’m a returning rider in the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , which probably tells you two things right away: I didn’t learn my lesson the first time… and I believe deeply in what this ride stands for.

In 2024, I crossed the finish line somewhere between exhaustion, determination, and a stubborn refusal to quit. That experience didn’t just test me—it changed me. It reminded me that limits are usually self-imposed, and purpose will always outlast pain.

So here I am again.

At 55 years old, I train hard, ride long, and chase challenges that most people would politely decline. Not because it’s easy—but because it matters. This ride is bigger than miles, motorcycles, or rankings. It’s about pushing beyond comfort, honoring resilience, and riding for something that actually makes a difference.

This year, I’m riding for STEPs With Horses—an incredible organization dedicated to serving Veterans and their families completely free of charge. Their mission is powerful, and their impact is undeniable. When Veterans find their way to STEPs, they don’t just show up once—they keep coming back, because something real is happening within them.

When a Warrior returns home carrying the weight of PTSD, the battle doesn’t always end—it just changes. That unseen struggle can deeply impact quality of life for the very Heroes who defended our freedoms. But healing is possible.

At  STEPs, the herd and licensed professional therapists work together in a way that’s hard to explain but impossible to ignore. These horses have a unique ability to break down walls, build trust, and help repair mental wounds that words alone often can’t reach. The result? Real progress. Real healing. Real improvement in the quality of life for our Heroes and their families.

But like most great missions, they need support.

My goal for the 2026 Hoka Hey is to raise enough funds to purchase a much-needed ranch truck for STEPs. Not flashy. Not fancy. Just a hardworking truck for a hardworking mission—hauling feed, supplies, and whatever it takes to keep changing lives one ride at a time.

So yes, I’ll be riding thousands of miles again. I’ll be tired. I’ll question my sanity at least once (probably somewhere around 2 a.m. in the middle of nowhere). But I’ll also be driven by something bigger than myself.

Because this ride isn’t just about proving I can do it again.

It’s about showing up for those who can’t quit the fight—and if this story moves you, I invite you to be apart of that mission. 

I’ll ride the miles—help me carry the mission.

Meet The Returning Rider # 1190 Leroy Brewer

 

Hi, I am Lee Brewer returning rider #1190. Married to my wife,
Tammy for 36 years. We have four beautiful daughters, a great son-in-law, three wonderful grandchildren, and four dogs. I’m a Marine Corps Veteran and was stationed in Twentynine Palms, CA. 1989-1993. Served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm. I am self-employed and own a landscaping business. I love spending time outside with my family and this business gives me the opportunity to provide beautiful spaces for my clients to spend time outside with their families. On my off time, I enjoy riding my motorcycle, traveling, and barbecuing & grilling for family and friends. 

 

 

This will be my second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , my first being in 2024. It’s a privilege to ride among so many great riders and to be part of this Hoka Hey family. I am blessed to have such a supportive group of friends and family that allows me to participate again this year.

 

 

One thing I can say with certainty after riding the HHMC is: ride your own ride. Every rider has different skills, experience, and comfort levels, and it’s important not to push anyone beyond their limits—or let anyone push you beyond yours. This journey will challenge you mentally, physically, and emotionally, and you will not come out of it the same person you were when you started.

 

I will be riding for donations for my chosen charity of K9 For Warriors. K9 For Warriors was founded in 2011 by Shari Duval. The headquarters is located in Ponte Vedra FL (outside of Jacksonville). Inspired by a son who returned from 2 tours in Iraq and developed PTSD. K9 For Warriors mission is to end veteran suicide by providing highly trained service dogs to military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. The majority of dogs come from high-kill rescue shelters and 80% of all donations go directly to support programs to rescue, train, and pair service dogs with veterans. I’ve seen firsthand the stressful situations involved in combat and it is unfortunate that an estimated 22 + veterans per day commit suicide. This paired with my love for dogs, makes this organization one that I am passionate about.

 

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1151 Ron Krumenacker

My name is Ron Krumenacker…Rider 1151, I currently ride a 2024 RG. I have been riding for a
long time. I was born and raised in a small town in Pennsylvania. I enlisted into the United
States Marine Corps in 1995…Traveled the world and retired in 2016. Since then I have moved
back to the great state of Pennsylvania and am happily married to the love of my life, Heidi, of
12 years. I have 2 daughters and 2 grandsons. I currently work as a greeter for a local school
district.

 

I have decided to ride the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for one simple reason…It is
addicting! I rode in the 2024 Hoka Hey and was ready to run it again. Such an amazing rush!!
Also because of family-like riders that you meet. Everyone is suffering for the same reason
unless your bike breaks down. You all become exhausted, lonely for periods of time, definitely
lost for a time or two. It’s all part of the experience..then there is just the pure open road with just
you and your bike…and unless it breaks down, it never argues back during the many
conversations you have with it…and of course..the bragging rights of not being mentally sane!

 

My non-profit is “MILES AGAINST DARKNESS” donations can be made here.
I created this non profit to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. During my
time serving in the Marine Corps I had the opportunity to serve as a recruiter. One of the young
men I enlisted was Jordan Ziniewicz. Jordan beat the odds at a very young age beating
cancer..later in life was accepted to Virginia Military Institute (VMI) but instead, chose to go
active duty. After serving his time honorably, he fell to his demons and took his own life…..thus
was born…”MILES AGAINST DARKNESS”. This ride will be in honor of my fallen Brother and
for all those who are still fighting the good fight. Semper Fi.

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! 

 

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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