Meet The New Rider # 1281 Bob Burrier

 

My journey on two wheels began in the early 1990s. Over the last three decades, riding has evolved from a passion into my absolute "happy place." There is an undeniable truth to the concept of "wind therapy," and I have relied on it for decades to clear my mind, reset, and self-medicate from the stresses of life.

 

 

While I’ve logged countless miles, my favorite miles are shared. My wife is my main riding partner—she rides a 2015 Street Glide and shares the passion. Together, we’ve chased the horizon to incredible places, our most memorable being an unforgettable run to Sturgis, South Dakota. Over the years, we’ve completed numerous runs, raised awareness for vital causes, and successfully checked off  The Little Bear Challenge. The Little Bear Challenge is hosted and organized by "Just Matt", Hoka Hey Finisher (#1075). We are also incredibly proud parents and grandparents who love our family fiercely.

 

 

 

 

Service has been the defining cornerstone of my life. I honorably served my country in both the United States Air Force and the United States Army National Guard. I had the very distinct honor to continue my service in federal law enforcement, ultimately retiring as a Special Agent with the Department of Homeland Security. After retirement, I joined the best darn Harley-Davidson dealership in the nation, Stinger Harley-Davidson, Medina, Ohio. 

I find fulfillment with community involvement and brotherhood as a proud member of the Sebring Masonic Lodge 626, Tadmor Shrine, and Alliance Shrine Club.

I view the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge not just as an endurance run, but as a true "Vision Quest", also the title to one of my favorite movies. I see it as the ultimate test of boundaries—a way to look inward and see if I possess the mental fortitude, grit, and mindset required to push through the grueling miles and finish what I start.

 

 

 However, I am not just riding for myself. I am proud to be turning my wheels for the Alliance Shrine Club Transportation Unit. This incredible unit is directly responsible for transporting children and their families to Shriner Hospitals for critical medical appointments and treatments—completely free of charge to the families.

Every mile I log during the Hoka Hey will be dedicated to keeping those vans moving for the kids. I will be sharing links and social media channels in the near future for anyone wishing to follow the journey and contribute to this vital cause.

Safe Travels! 

Squirrel #1281

Meet The Returning Rider # 1033 Louis Bergeron

 Bonjour mes amis, (Hi y’all)
       I have been following the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge since 2018 and riding 2022 and 2024 edition. Excited to be on the starting Line in Woodstock, Illinois.

 

 I ride motorcycles for over 5 decades and I still remember my early dream in mid ´70 was to cross North America by fields, mountains and sleep beside the bike. At that time I was riding mostly off-road. Even if I have already rided across 49 states and 12 provinces and territories the Hoka Hey organization gave me the opportunity to fulfill that dream that i am always after. Hoka Hey is also a nest of riders that inspire me and help me to find another dimension to riding, other than physical. Trying to be a better person and live a good Life.

 

I don't run for non profit considering that I chose years ago to work couple per year, of cases pro-bono to help workers to get indemnise for professional injuries. This is the way i give back to my community in Québec.

 

       Thanks for taking time to read intro and looking forward to meet all old and new friends. Hoka Hey

Meet Returning Rider # 981 Henry Lecomte

 

I’m Henry Lecomte. I live in Ste Anne MB. Canada. I rode in 2022 and 2024 but I’m just as excited to once again to be riding in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . I learned of the challenge from Jim Milas and he told me you ride it once you’ll ride it again. He was right, just don’t tell him. I enjoy challenges like this where you're taking the roads less travelled. 

 

 

Our riding season in Manitoba is a little limited at time but I ride and tour when I can. I also enjoy hunting and fishing and I forge knives as a hobby. I was a member of the Boilermakers for 16 years and just received my 25 year pin with UA Local 254. 

 

This challenge enables you to meet people who are like to ride like you do. This ride pushes riders to the extreme and I’m sure many feel their guardian angels are running with them, I know I did. All the riders and the organizers of this event form a great group of individuals who donate their time and energy supporting many great causes and charities. 

 

 

This year I’m riding for Manitoba Possible, which is is an organization that helps Manitobans with disabilities. This charity has helped some of my friends and family. I’m also riding for Mile Monsters Inc.. I got to meet and know a few of the members and also attended a couple events. When I saw the good they do and how the boys appreciate all that is being done l felt it was a good fit for me. I will attach links below.

 

DONATE Manitoba Possible 

DONATE Mile Monsters Inc.

Meet The Returning Rider # 875 Rick McLeod

 

 

 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2026 Rider # 875-Rick McLeod My wife Naomi and I have 5 children and 7 grandchildren. We are a military family, both of us Persian Gulf War veterans (she’s Navy, I’m Army). Three of our children and 1 son-in-law also served or are still serving (1 Marine, 3 Air Force). We love to travel and have been all over the nation and several countries, sometimes on 2 wheels, sometimes more. We are located in Arkansas.

 

I rode my first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2018 after hearing about it from my Dad. He saw an advertisement somewhere and knew I liked to ride long distance…but this was something new in its scale and timeline. I was hooked on the idea as soon as I heard the details! I rode that first time by myself, and other than getting turned around a few times, had a blast while making my way along the route, and riding alongside newfound friends, coming in as one of the Elite Finishers. In 2020, my brother Mike and I rode together right up to the point where I blew the engine up in my 2013 Ultra. After 17 hours, my home dealership, Pig Trail Harley-Davidson, delivered my newly-purchased 2020 Ultra to Van Horn, Texas, and hauled the old one home, allowing me to finish in 13 days. 2022 was another great adventure, with my brother and I finishing in 12 days. 2024 was perhaps the greatest challenge to me, as we rode through a hurricane in Florida before making our way to Alaska. I learned that I do
indeed need to bring a tent along for unanticipated foul weather!

 

 

I have fine-tuned my riding style and equipment over the last 4 Challenges, but know that each one provides a different set of problems that must be addressed. To me, the key facet of the HHMC is the battle within yourself. You are not competing against anyone else, but instead against your own abilities. I heard the phrase, “Ride Your Own Ride” for the first time in 2018 and have used it as my own mantra ever since. It’s a powerful statement and one that encapsulates what each rider should aspire to accomplish. The Challenge is real and one that cannot be taken lightly.

 

My chosen non-profit is the Northwest Arkansas Food Bank. They work diligently to provide food to those who are food-insecure in my home area. They work on this through partnerships with food pantries, store fronts where clients can obtain free food with no questions asked, and mobile food pantries that travel to various locations. The money raised through our efforts will go directly to the mission of providing food to those needy families.
Donations can be made directly to the NWA Food Bank via this link: Northwest Arkansas Food Bank DONATE and more information can be
found at Northwest Arkansas Food Bank

Meet The New Rider # 1356 Steve Wiecki

 

 My name is Steve Wiecki. I am 53 years old. I live in the small town of Worland, Wyoming. Located in the north central part of the state. 

 

 
I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from some iron workers when we were building the Wyoming Whiskey Distillery, in Kirby, Wyoming. 24 miles from Worland. They described an incredible adventure. From what I understand, the challenge was much different than it is now.

 

 
I have never been in the position financially or relationship wise to be part of the Hoka Hey. Years went by. I just accepted it was not meant to be for me. After some radical changes to my life. I am now able to take on this challenge. I’m fully supported by my family. Even though my beautiful wife is scared to death. She fully supports me. My kids are excited for me too. 
I’m certain people in the past have made claims as to how well they will do. I have no idea how well I will do. I will say I will give it everything I have. I have wanted this for too long to fall short. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the finish line and earn my right to become a member of the Hoka Hey Challenge. 

 

Because of three heart breaking deaths in my family I am not able to run a fundraiser and give it all the time and energy to do it justice. My goal in 2028 is to make up for that and then some with a fundraiser very close to my heart. Please don’t look down on me. Life is too much at this point in my life. 

 

My goal is to run this challenge to the fullest. Meet and maybe ride with as many people as I can. I’m hopeful to make long term friendships and finally be a part of this long time dream.

 

Best of luck to all. 

Steve Wiecki. Rider #1356

 

Meet The New Rider # 1296 Mark Chavis

 

 

My name is Mark Chavis. I am married to Tasha, my beautiful wife of four years (she rides too). When we joined our lives, our family grew to include six wonderful children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Each one brings their own unique personality and dreams to our family. As a father and grandfather, I hold deep hopes and dreams for their futures.

 

I am a proud veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, and I have continued my commitment to service as a volunteer Firefighter and EMT. I am also a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.

I ride with a group we call RobCo Rides in Robeson County, North Carolina, participating in around 30 charity rides each year. Motorcycling has taken me across the country and introduced me to people who started as strangers but became family—many of them through meaningful rides like the Wounded Knee Memorial Ride. 

 

When I first started long-distance riding, I had no GPS and no cell phone—just a road atlas, a small tent, my Army sleeping bag, and a plan to head West. I slept on picnic tables, rode through the night, and learned as I went. That first trip stretched 5,000 miles and shaped the rider I am today. Since then, I have completed many Iron Butt Association rides and have ridden through 48 of the 50 states. When I was returning from a road trip years ago, a seasoned long-distance rider called and asked if I was already planning my next trip. I said yes, and he replied, “Son, you’re addicted to it. There’s nothing you can do about it but ride.”

 

Why I Want to Ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

This year, I am planning to fulfill one of my personal dreams—participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I have wanted to take this ride since I first heard about it back in 2010.

 

For me, the Hoka Hey is not just about the miles; it’s about personal growth, embracing new challenges, and pushing the boundaries of what I thought possible. The spirit of the ride brings back memories of my very first long-distance journey in 2001—a life-changing adventure that taught me resilience and self-reliance.

 

By participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I hope to set an example of perseverance for my family and community. It’s an opportunity to honor my roots, my riding family, and the values that guide my life. Most importantly, I look forward to the journey ahead, knowing I have the love and encouragement of Tasha and our entire family behind me.

 

Charities

I am riding for two different charities.

The first is Cure Alzheimer’s Fund In honor of my parents, Ned and Margaret Chavis. I lost both of my parents to these devastating diseases. I saw firsthand how they slowly took away precious memories, simple joys, and, ultimately, the people I loved most.

DONATE Cure Alzheimer's 

 

The second is for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Honor of Jacob Moore. Jacob was a brave patient at St. Jude’s whose courage touched everyone who knew him. Seeing him and knowing what he was going through and the courage he displayed has remained with me through the years.

As part of the RobCo Rides group, I once approached a mother whose child was also receiving care at St. Jude’s. I offered to organize a ride to help with their expenses, but she explained that St. Jude was providing everything they needed…

DONATE St Jude's

Meet The New Rider # 1288 Robert Manges

 

My name is Robert “Roadrunner” Manges, though most of my friends just call me Bob. I live in Knoxville, Tennessee with my wife. 

 

 

I proudly served in the U.S. Navy and also spent time working in law enforcement. For the past 21 years, I’ve worked as a mechanic at Arconic in Alcoa, Tn. 

When I’m not riding, I spend a lot of my time supporting fellow veterans through the American Legion, where I serve as the Riders’ Director. Being able to help veterans and give back to the community means a lot to me.

 

 

I’ve always enjoyed riding motorcycles, but in recent years I’ve truly fallen in love with long-distance riding. Taking on the 
is something I wanted to do to prove to myself that I have the mental and physical toughness to overcome whatever obstacles come my way.

 

 

I’m riding to support  Mile Monsters Inc., an organization made up of endurance motorcycle riders who take on extreme challenges to raise money and awareness for children battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)—a fatal disease that primarily affects young boys.

 

DONATE 

Founded in 2021, Mile Monsters turns epic rides like the Hoka Hey Challenge into missions of hope. The funds raised through this ride will go directly toward supporting children with DMD by helping provide mobility equipment, medical-related resources, and life-enriching experiences that improve their quality of life while easing the heavy burdens their families carry.

 

 

For me, this ride is about more than the miles; it’s about pushing myself, supporting a great cause, and helping make a difference in the lives of kids and families who need it most.