Meet The New Rider # 1365 Chrissy Gerry

 

 

 

Hi there! I’m Chrissy Gerry, Rider #1365, and I am excited for the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge! I’m originally from North Carolina, GO WOLFPACK, but currently reside in Knoxville, Tennessee. My passion for motorcycling began at a young age when my dad would throw me on the back of his Hayabusa, and we’d enjoy some of the most scenic roads North Carolina has to offer. 

 

 

For me, the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is the culmination of my passion for riding and my quest for self-discovery.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge represents the ultimate test of endurance, skill, physical stamina, mental toughness, and the ability to navigate thousands of miles across the United States, absent a GPS. I want to compete in the 2026 event because I crave the opportunity to prove to myself that I have what it takes to complete such a formidable journey.

By participating in the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and seek adventure in their own lives. I want to show that with dedication, preparation, and a positive attitude, incredible goals are within reach.

 

 

This year I will be riding for To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA). TWLOHA is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 with a mission to provide hope and support for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. Based in the United States, TWLOHA has become a prominent voice in mental health advocacy, using storytelling, community, and resources to help those battling mental health challenges.

Every $45 donated provides 1 hour of care; I am seeking to raise enough funds to provide 100 hours of care for those in need.

 

If you would like to donate, please visit: https://givebutter.com/chrissygerry100

And remember, if you, or a loved one is struggling with mental health, call or text 988, ANYTIME, for help. 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1251 Marty Adams

 

My name is Marty Adams, and I’m a computer information systems teacher from Michigan, a longtime rider, and a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran with over three decades of military service. Motorcycles have been a constant thread throughout my life — I’ve ridden in all fifty states, seven Canadian Provinces, and Mexico.  I have also completed multiple long-distance trips, including several journeys to Alaska. Riding has taught me patience, discipline, and resilience, and I bring those same values into my work as an educator and mentor to students. I see every ride as both an adventure and an opportunity to grow.

  

I am riding the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because it represents the ultimate test of endurance, navigation, and personal commitment. Hoka Hey is more than a ride — it’s a journey that demands focus, preparation, and respect for the road. I’m drawn to the spirit of the challenge and the opportunity to push my limits while being part of a community of riders who share a passion for adventure and purpose. Completing the HHMC is a personal goal and a way to honor the mindset of perseverance that has shaped both my military service and my teaching career.

  

For this challenge, I am supporting the Green Beret Foundation, an organization dedicated to providing critical support to U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers and their families. I chose this nonprofit because of my personal connection to the Special Forces community and its commitment to service, sacrifice, and excellence. The funds raised will help provide immediate and ongoing support such as medical assistance, family support programs, transition services, and emergency relief. Riding the Hoka Hey in support of the Green Beret Foundation allows me to combine my passion for motorcycling with a meaningful effort to give back to a community that has given so much. Donate here

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1168 Tim Kenney

 

About Me:

"Riding has always been more than turning a throttle for me. It’s where I feel most grounded, most honest, where I can think and be one with God and feel most alive. On a motorcycle, there’s no hiding—from the elements, from fatigue, or from yourself. Riding teaches humility and confidence at the same time. It demands presence, respect, and grit. Every mile is earned, and every ride is a reminder that growth doesn’t come from comfort—it comes from showing up and continuing on when it would be easier to stop. 

 

 

Why I want to ride in the HHMC:

I want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because it represents the ultimate test of endurance—physically, mentally, and mechanically. HHMC isn’t just about distance; it’s about resilience, problem-solving, and pushing past perceived limits of the mind, body, and machine. I’m drawn to the rawness of it, the unknowns, the moments where quitting feels reasonable—but continuing means transformation. This challenge is an opportunity for deep personal growth, to be stripped down to the essentials, and to prove to myself what’s possible when commitment outweighs comfort. 

 

 

About my non-profit:

I am riding for The Mile Monsters, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting seven incredible heroes living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. I chose them because their courage redefines strength. Despite facing a progressive and life-altering diagnosis, these kids continue to show up with heart, humor, and determination—living their best lives every single day. The funds raised through HHMC will go directly toward providing the items, resources, and support they need to experience more freedom, comfort, and joy in their daily lives. This ride is for them—to help carry the weight they shouldn’t have to carry alone, and to turn every mile into something that truly matters."

Mile Monsters, Inc - donate here: Mile Monsters Inc

Thank you,

Tim "Smokey" Kenney HH#1168

772-812-1037

Meet The New Rider # 1361 Eric Britton

 

My name is Eric Abraham Britton — Rider #1361 — and I’m honored to be riding in the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, a journey that pushes the limits of skill, endurance, and spirit across thousands of back roads from Daytona, Florida, toward Alaska. The Hoka Hey isn’t just a ride — it’s a test of heart, will, and resilience, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this challenge alongside an incredible community of riders who share the same passion for long-distance motorcycling and personal growth.

I’m a 100% disabled U.S. Army veteran, photographer, storyteller, and lifelong motorcyclist. Riding has always been more than a hobby for me — it has been a sanctuary, a way to reflect, reset, and reconnect with who I am and why I ride. Over the years, I’ve logged countless miles on back roads and highways, learning that every journey teaches something new about patience, perseverance, and faith.

This challenge is deeply personal. As a veteran, I understand the physical and mental demands of pushing through adversity and staying committed when things get difficult. But I’m not riding only for myself — I’m riding for others.

 

 

 

Every mile of my Hoka Hey journey is dedicated to supporting the Northwoods Veterans Homestead (NVH), a nonprofit organization that provides safe, stable housing and healing support for homeless and at-risk veterans in Northern Wisconsin. NVH is working to restore dignity, purpose, and hope to those who have served our country and now need support in rebuilding their lives.

 

 

 

You can learn more about their mission at: Northwoods Veterans Homestead�

With every turn of the wheel, I’ll be thinking of the veterans who deserve a place to call home, a community that cares, and a future filled with opportunity.

 

 

 

I know the Hoka Hey will test me physically, mentally, and emotionally, but I also believe it will strengthen my sense of purpose and gratitude. I’m thankful for the unwavering support of my family, friends, sponsors, and fellow riders, and I’m excited to see what this journey will reveal along the way.

Hoka Hey! Let’s ride.

 

 

 

— Eric Britton, Rider #1361

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1323 Bill Burnside

 

 

My name is Bill Burnside. Forty years ago, I was fortunate enough to meet the love of my life, Michelle, who is now my wife. Together, we have traveled across the country on my motorcycle, lived in several different states, owned multiple businesses, and, most importantly, raised two wonderful children. After a fulfilling career as a Journeyman Pipefitter spanning twenty-five years, I am now happily retired. 

 

New Beginnings 

After my retirement last year, Michelle and I decided to relocate from our farm in central Illinois to the mountains of Western North Carolina. We saw this move as an opportunity to begin a new chapter in our lives, cherishing our past, embracing change, and looking forward to exciting new adventures together. 

 

Passion for Riding and Hobbies 

My enthusiasm for motorcycles began when I received my first minibike at eight years old. Riding has always brought me a sense of freedom and peace throughout my life. In the last decade, as my children have grown, my passion for long-distance and adventure riding has intensified. Alongside riding, I also enjoy traveling, hunting, and spending time in my garage tinkering with motorcycles. 

 

Inspiration to Ride Hoka Hey 

I had heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge before and it was always on my bucket list as something to do someday. However, my interest truly grew after meeting Rob Keller and Chris Callen through a mutual friend. Hearing their incredible stories about the challenge inspired me to take it seriously and apply to participate myself. 

Now, with my family grown, retirement behind me, and living in a beautiful place, I am ready to take on the Hoka Hey Challenge and make the most of this new adventure. 

 

 

Riding for a Cause 

During the upcoming Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I will be riding to support the Shriners Hospital for Children, a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting children in need. I am personally very grateful for this organization because they helped my family when one of my children required treatment for a spine issue. We struggled to find a pediatrician who specialized in spines, or a spine doctor who treated children. The Shriners Children’s Hospital stepped in, and from personal experience, I can say they go above and beyond for anyone they are able to help. I am proud to support and give back to Shriners. 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1373 Walter Maze

I am a first-time rider

I am married 38 years to my wife Terry. We have 2 grown children,  I live in Flemington, New Jersey. we have lived there 36 years, I attend Flemington UMC. I currently work for Amtrak as Locomotive Engineer. I have been an engineer for almost 15 years. I grew up on a farm in Pennington, NJ.  I went to college and got my B.S. Degree in Agronomy I farmed with my father till I got a job with Agway co-op. I managed a fertilizer blend plant in Delaware. I moved back to New Jersey and managed 2 feed mills before my wife, and I bought a small mill and expanded it to include lawn and garden supplies. We owned it for 18 years before we sold it.in my free time I enjoy hiking, camping , gardening and now motorcycle riding. I belong to JSHOG chapter. I also have been on several mission trips to clean up after hurricanes. 

 

Why I want to ride

As a child I was a Boy Scout and attained the rank of Eagle Scout I was also a member of the Order of the Arrow. I enjoyed camping hiking and learning about survival outdoors. Also learned about orienteering ,map and compass skills. When I learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge ,I was drawn to be reminded about self reliance and about helping others. When I read about the rules of the Hoka Hey Challenge it reminded me of the values I learned as a Boy Scout and still live those values today. I want to challenge my inner self, to learn more about my ability to cope and overcome a set of tasks required to succeed as a recognized finisher of the Hoka Hey Challenge . I want to see places I have never been, meet new people with similar interests and experiences, to grow in myself as an individual. Have been riding in charity events ie Tour of Honor, to 1 find new places to ride and see and 2. To pay respect to those heroes who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. In this Hoka Hey Challenge I want to honor and give respect to the Native American people and to reflect on their culture. When I read the Sacred Buffalo I learned a little about Jim. I can see why he put this challenge together and I want to honor his memory by completing this event and sharing to the world what this event is promoting.

 

 

 

Non-Profit I am raising money for 

Mile Monsters Inc. it is a 501c3 I am raising money for. I learned about them just before the 2024 Hoka Hey Challenge. I went to a local meetup that was happening where one of the boys was riding around the country with Jeffery ‘Riot’ it was karma, as I mentioned above my wife and I had a feed mill and garden center, Riot was one of my customers who purchased supplies. And secondly, I had a cousin when I was young who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Unfortunately passing away from it. At the time there were no organizations or support groups like Mile Monsters to assist the boys and their families. That’s why I started riding for them and spreading awareness about DMD. 

They do awesome things, helping with medical supplies, handicap vans ,wheelchair chairs, mobility lifting equipment in the homes. They also take the boys to fun events and places to give them experiences that other kids do. I am proud of what I can do to help another family out in any way ,large or small. 

 

 

I am 

Walter Maze

1373

Meet The New Rider # 1363 Andy Spindler

 

My name is Andy Spindler HH# 1363, and I live in the Chicagoland area. I am 53 years old, I have 2 adult children and have been married to my wife Kathi for over 30 years. I was in the Marine Corps for 4 years from 1990-1994. I have been a member of the Grundy County Marine Corps League for over 10 years. I am a proud union electrician in IBEW Local 134 and have been involved with the Locals Veterans Committee and The Motorcycle Riders Club for 9 years since its inception. I am currently the President of the Local 134 Riders Club. I do it because I love everything about riding, the people you meet and the places you travel to. I have been riding motorcycles since I was 16 years old. 

 

I first heard of The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge™ several years ago when I was with a friend on a ride and we ran into someone with a Hoka Hey™ shirt on. The individual talked to us and explained what it was all about. My first thought was “That is Nuts!” Several years later, another good friend of mine mentioned that the registration for The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge™ was coming up and asked if I was interested in doing it. At first, I was not sure, but the more I thought about it I realized it was absolutely something I wanted to do. I am just stubborn enough to finish a challenge like this, and what a great way to test my physical and mental being, while raising money for a great charity.

 

The charity that I am riding for is Honor Flight Chicago. Honor Flight Chicago provides Veterans with a “Day of Honor” in Washington DC by visiting the memorials built in tribute to the service of our veterans from the World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. At the end of 2025, Honor Flight Chicago has flown 126 flights and honored 12,212 veterans. I had the honor of being a guardian / escort on the 119^th flight and was able to experience first-hand what this incredible organization does to honor our Veterans. I ask if you are able, please donate what you can to this great organization and help me meet my personal fundraising goal. You can either use the link or QR code to donate.