Meet The Rider Mark Hopkins # 59

When not riding his motorcycle Mark is reading about motorcycles. He has been riding for 55 yrs. and in the 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge he rode 16,363 miles from his home in Chino, AZ and back. He learned about the HHMC in a Harley Davidson forum and the challenge of Florida to Alaska in two weeks sounded like something he wanted to give a try.  "Proving to himself he could still do it."

In the past Mark has concentrated his efforts to prepare for the challenge on his stead instead of himself and admits it was tough on his body. So with that in mind he has been focusing his preparation on himself. Building up strength and endurance on his new knee has been one of the  obstacles he has had to overcome. He would recommend to a new rider to take about a quarter of what you think you need, more money then you think your going to need and get yourself in shape physically.

Recalling a time in Mississippi when him and another rider came across each other and were lost and riding around all night makes Mark smile. "He went one way and I went the right way and as far as I know he could still be out there looking for the check point."  And the bear bait Gazebo in Alaska was another thing that always brings a smile to his face. He asked the attendant of a gas station outside Homer, Alaska  if it would be alright to sleep in the parking lot. She said with cars rolling in all night it would be safer to go sleep in the gazebo she pointed out. When he woke the next morning he saw the sign on the gazebo warning people about brown bear sightings. But when he did arrive there in Homer and his wife was waiting for him that was the best memory he has.

Not sure exactly why he keeps coming back for more his answer, "I like seeing Beth, she gives me a hug." He feels the HHMC is life changing and very rewarding. The money raised for all the different causes is another reason he feels like the challenge is worth his time. If he was King for a day and could change anything about the challenge he said he would not give the rider their coin until they finish. He gave his 2011 coin back because he didn't finish so he didn't think it was earned.

US VETS and the N8V Generation will be supported by Marks efforts.