Meet The Rider Kenny Brown # 896

Hello I’m Kenny Brown Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenger #896 ... I’ve been riding since I was able to hold up a 2-wheeler .. started on a Honda Trail 70 an now enjoy traveling on a 2014 Street Glide ... I was told about the HHMC from a rider who rode it in 2016 and within 5 mins of his story I was ready to ACCEPT the Challenge ... I got accepted to ride the 2018 Challenge an made it in 16 Days in which my goal is to make it in 13 days this Year ... My best advice I could tell a new rider is you don’t need more than you can pack on your ride ... just make sure to have warm an cold gear because you don’t know what Mother Nature will throw at You ... the 1 thing I had to over come was keeping updated on the changes to the course because nothing worse than going an extra 100 miles outta your way just to have looked for the updates that was sent out

 This will be my 2nd HHMC an can’t wait to see what will be thrown at Us again this Year an what I’ll be seeing for the 1st time in a new State I’ve never been in .. the most difficulties I endured was just trying to keep myself on watching for the next left or right I would need to turn at ... I’ve been trying to convince a few riders I’ve know for Years that they need to sign up an come RIDE with Me to see all that I got to see in 2018 .... can’t wait for August to see my Hoka Hey Family again ... Kenny Brown HHMC #896

Meet The New Rider William Ryan # 895

    When I am not riding, I can be found camping and cooking in Dutch Ovens, enjoying a campfire meal. Now that I have ridden a Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge my  favorite part of the challenge is the sense of brother/sisterhood that is created among riders.   Reading the bio's of previous riders that accomplished this challenge. Realizing that it would only be a mechanical failure that I couldn't finish.

   For me it's a personal challenge.  I remember it was day 5 of the ride, I just didn't want to be on the bike anymore, I know I would have a day that would challenge me of how much I wanted to complete this challenge.I had expectations of being a finisher, realize that it's not a race, but a challenge of your fortitude. Stay hydrated, always, Ride Your Ride!

   

    I am riding for SU2C "Stand Up 2 Cancer". I have lost my sister and father to cancer. I have survived the fight 3 times against cancer. What I like about SU2C is that all donations, 100%, goes to research. I ride that someday most, if not all cancers will be cured.

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 NIV

Meet The Rider Will Felts # 893

While working and living in Alaska, Will learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because his friend Alex Sweeney rode the 2010 event that finished in his home town of Homer. He liked that idea of pushing himself for a good cause. The Make a Wish foundation will benefit from Will efforts.

His wife Becca thinks he has too many projects between the two girls the have, hunting, fishing, farming, restoring old cars and working on bikes. This will be the second challenge he has juggled into his busy life. Now that he has one under his belt he hopes following the turn by turn directions when your tired may get easier and fine tuning his sleep to make sure he gets the proper rest he needs is very important.

Meet The Rider Gary Ellis # 891

I have completed one Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2018 as an “Elite Rider,” accomplishing the challenge in the top 20.   This was an amazing accomplishment for me and I’m very proud of it.  It was also a very good learning experience.  When you do the HHMC for the first time, you really don’t know what to expect.  Now having one down, I know everything I need and what I need to do to prepare for this challenge.

As a Project Manager at Quality Steel Fabrication, I have the opportunity to create my own custom box to help carry the supplies for this challenge and I feel like this is one of my main objectives before the challenge this year.  Also, nutrition is going to be an important concern this year because in 2018 I failed to give it that much thought and I feel it affected my performance.  If you think things through and prepare well, you can reduce MANY of the problems that you will face during the Challenge and concentrate on the riding and not all of the issues that you shouldn't be dealing with.

My friends, coworkers and (I think, though she won’t admit it) even my wife think I’m crazy for doing the HHMC again but they all support me in my efforts.  I’ve been to many motorcycle events, rallies, rides etc. but you cannot feel the camaraderie and fellowship as you do with the HHMC.  The brothers and sisters of the HHMC are a true family that you will never know until you complete the Challenge. #891

Meet The Rider Thomas Snowden # 888

 Returning for his second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , Thomas has been to the school of hard knocks and admits he has learned from his first event. Sleep deprivation is the real deal. He did not listen to the advice he was given by a seasoned rider about getting enough rest and slept his way into a ditch on his birthday.   The beauty of the ride will be the focus for 2020. Thomas feels "there are things to be found on such a journey, not only what is before your eyes, but also what can be found within your heart and soul."

Movies, concerts and running a social club in Michigan are some of the things he does for fun. Loving the camaraderie of the HHMC and is glad to be among a group of "elite" riders. The social club allows Tom to give back to many local charities and this year the Local Eagles Club will benefit.


 

Meet The Rider Sean Winkler # 887

My name is Sean “Winks” Winkler, rider #887. I’m a Union Carpenter out of Local 13 Chicago.  For the most part I had a blast in the 2018 Hoka hey!! There was one thing that was extremely difficult. I have been riding bikes most my life, I have enjoyed traveling and riding cross country for many years! Nothing gives me more enjoyment than seeing the beautiful country than on two wheels!! It’s one of those humbling experiences that I find within myself. I have always loved just taking off to a beautiful trout steam and fly fishing for a few days, or getting out in a canoe for a few days, or just taking off on the bike and flying by the seat of my pants.




 I first learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge when I was laid up in the ICU from a motorcycle wreck that I wasn’t supposed to walk away from. My dad came to visit me and told me about “these nuts riding from key west to the homer spit”........he said “ it was up my alley “ I was hooked! 2018 I finally had my ducks in a row to do the challenge, it has been a goal of mine and following all the riders online I was excited to toss my hat in the ring!

 I met a HHMC rider Joe Finke, we became pretty good friends, talked almost everyday. I had the opportunity to meet a lot of HHMC riders in 2018 and Probably the best word of advice was, “ride your own ride”. No matter how good of friends you might be, your riding style can still be different. After having major motor problems in rapid city South Dakota  and losing almost two days, Joe  Finke called me to see how I was doing, we talked for a minute then my bike was done and we said our good byes. About five minutes later his brother in-law called to tell me that Joe crashed and passed away. The next few days made the challenge a real challenge! I didn’t want to finish, I wanted to turn around and be at Joe’s funeral to say goodbye. This was the second guessing myself time, the not so fun part. I continued on and was able to complete my goal to finish.  I’m very grateful for everyone who donated and bought T-shirts for my fundraising for my charities! I’m very grateful for the sponsorships and the people who stood behind me!

 This year I’ll be riding in memory of my friend Joe Finke, my non for profits will be K.A.R.E (Kane Area Rehabilitation and Education for Animals), and Operation Combat BikeSaver.  HOKA HEY!!

Meet The Rider Vernice Wilson # 884

When I’m not up to my ears in dog hair grooming dogs for my mobile business I enjoy any type of crafting project from sewing to stained glass.

I want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge again in 2020 because I love the adventure and the people that my Husband and I have met have become a second family.
The best advice I received when riding the challenge for the first time was to pack lite. I  left my cot in Oklahoma, my tent in Louisiana. Stuff can really drag you down in time and effort.
I heard about the HHMC in 2016. I was researching motorcycle endurance challenges for a friend and stumbled upon it on the internet. After reading about it I was hooked and so was my friend Brian Campo rider 886.


I was attracted to the HHMC because I love how the ride unfolds before you turn by turn. I love not knowing where the next turn will take me. The roads they choose for us to ride are amazing. You ride, sleep repeat, it’s a biker’s dream.
I participated in the 2018 challenge for the first time. The most difficult part for me was reading the directions. I had them mounted on my tank bag which forced me to look down far too often. In 2020 I plan on having them up high on my bars more eye level.
My husband Charlie Wilson rider 883 and I will be supporting the Florida chapter for ALS

Meet The Rider Charlie Wilson # 883

When I’m not arm deep in grease working on heavy equipment, I like to build stuff out of metal. I built a bed for my grandson using a 1954 Chevy pickup, many fire pits for friends and family.
The best advice for my first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2018 was to get enough sleep from day one, and don’t over pack.

I want to ride the HHMC again in 2020 after learning from my mistakes in 2018. I’d like to improve on making less wrong turns, quicker gas stops and less sightseeing( that will be the hardest) My Wife Vernice Wilson rider 884 and I would like to make the end of the road party this time around, but finishing comes first.
The biggest obstacle I had was convincing my employer to give me enough time off.
I learned about the HHMC from my wife, she comes up with the craziest ideas.
When I learned about the HHMC what stood out for me was the beautiful roads, landscapes and views the previous riders talked about. I participated in the 2018 challenge, the ride was amazing and lived up to all their stories.
The most difficult time for me during the 2018 challenge was mentally getting over making a 200 mile wrong turn out of Yellowstone. On the bright side we got to enjoy the Teton mountains that were not on the intended map.
I will be supporting the Florida chapter for ALS. I had a friend pass away from it in 2018. This chapter helped him and his family with all the special care he needed.

Meet The Rider Paul Turner # 882

When Paul heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge he was told this would be a challenge he would remember for the rest of his life so how could he not try this. The excitement level for him is almost unbearable. He doesn't feel he has obstacles to overcome because he has been riding since he was 17 and done lots of long distance riding.

Although he has a strong belief in pursuing what ever he sets his mind on with a "Never quit" attitude, he was injured in a motorcycle accident the day before the challenge started and due to pain from broken bones he had to leave the challenge after the second day. Paul learned in 2018 that there are limits, but also has found that proper preparation can prevent injuries.

Meet The Rider Jason Miller # 878

Jason is returning for his second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , the first being in 2018.  After completing the first challenge and knowing now more of what to expect and exactly what it takes, he is looking forward to getting back out on the road.  Jason is also looking forward to experiencing this challenge solo in 2020.  Finishing the 2018 challenge in the top ten was more than he could have hoped for and is looking to improve on that this time around.  He considers it an honor to finish among the elite riders in the challenge.  Jason’s favorite part of being in the Hoka Hey Family is just that, all the friends that he has made as being part of the challenge and they have become just like family.

Jason’s favorite part of riding the challenge is the few hours every day at sunrise and sunset, and the incredible roads that you travel that you would never visit on your own.  The most difficult part of the ride for him in 2018, was dealing with the lack of sleep and judging when to stop and rest.  

A word of advice about riding the challenge:  Drink lots of water, sleep when you are tired, be fat adapted and do not carb load. Take time to look around and take some pictures, you will regret it if you don’t.

 

Jason will be riding to raise money for “The Charlie Foundation. ” This organization helps children of all ages fight seizure disorders with Ketogenic diets. Avoiding invasive, debilitating brain surgeries through diet, by getting kids connected with Doctors, treatments and other resources.  The Charlie Foundation is helping children through and improving cancer, autism, ALS, Parkinson’s disease, type-2 diabetes, and traumatic brain injuries.  Check out the Charlie Foundation website. Jason is passionate about the Ketogenic diets and living without sugar and grains.

The fundraiser will start on May 1st, 2020 through Jason’s Facebook page.

Jason is also a husband of wife Sarah and dad to Hudson 14, and Elspeth 11. He enjoys watching his Son play sports and bass guitar and his daughter dance and play the guitar. He is also passionate about Oklahoma University sports, and making videos for his YouTube channel JMillRider.  He is also a member of the Scottish Rite in Guthrie Oklahoma.

Please follow Jason and his progress during the challenge, and donate to The Charlie Foundation. Also say a prayer or two for ALL the Riders of the 2020 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, and an extra one for Rider #878.

Meet The Rider Rick McLeod # 875

                Other than family fun in general, I suppose my greatest joy is traveling with my wife, Naomi. We’ve gone to many areas in the U.S, and around the world. We’re traveling to Ireland in 2020 prior to the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge!   The Hoka Hey presents a number of challenges you don’t see in a lot of the rallies. Removing GPS devices, camping with your bike, and no extra gas cans makes for fun backdrop against the miles, weather, and other obstacles. Most of all, it’s challenging to you as a person. You find out a lot about yourself on a ride like this.

                This will be my second Challenge, but I expect that I’ll face many of the same issues in making sure I’m on course, not sleepy, and prepared for what the road will throw at me. As a return rider, I’m not nearly as concerned about how to find a sleeping spot at night, or what equipment to bring, so that’s a definite plus. I think the camaraderie of such great riders is certainly high on the list of favorites, plus the fantastic route we go over. I saw a lot of country I’d love to travel to again. The most difficult part, just making sure I stayed on course. There were a few times I was too focused on speed and not enough on watching for the next turnoff. I learned a great deal about how to better monitor signs on the small backroads of our nation!

              Some of the best advice I have been given,  “Ride your own ride!” I tend to get anxious if I see people passing me, or doing something different than me. I learned in the last Challenge to simply ride in my own way, and let the chips fall. I have a great support group at home, so I’m able to make the best of my preparation for the Challenge!

#6. How did you hear about the HHMC?

                My Dad told me about something he’d seen on the wall of a convenience store in Garfield, Arkansas about the challenge.  Just some note about a motorcycle challenge. When he told me the name, I looked it up online. I knew immediately this would be something I’d enjoy! But what attracted me the most was the self-reliance factor. It really is you against Mother Nature, the road, and most of all, yourself. I know we can all depend on our fellow riders to assist us along the way, but knowing your responsible for getting yourself to the finish line on such a tough challenge really sparks something in me.

 

                The Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter is who I will support on my ride.  I rode for them in 2018 as well. They work to support children that have been uprooted from their homes in terrible circumstances, ensuring that they have some level of continuity in their lives. Really a great mission.

               

Meet The Rider Jeff Bourdage # 872

Hi my name is Jeff Bourdage.  I’m a 57years old guy from Michigan.  I have been riding motorcycles since I was 6. Bought my 1st street bike when I was 18. I started doing long distance riding in 2017, thanks to some good friends of mine. I’ve been hooked ever since.


 I look forward to the 2020 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I love everything about riding this great country and look forward to meeting people on the road and pushing myself “safely “ to new boundaries.
Hoka Hey!!!

Meet The Rider Brad Edmonds # 867

I’ll be riding in the 2020 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because of my passion for long distance riding.  I’ll be riding in honor of my late wife Lina (she supported my love for riding) and in honor of my grandfather Ken (one of America’s first motorcycle stunt riders, 1920s).  For me, the HHMC is analogous to our journey through life with no shortage of twists and turns and ups and downs.  Ride with Christ. 

Easy Glider #867

Meet The Rider Aaron Doty # 871

I am a military veteran and served 40 in the USAF retiring as a Chief in 2017. My hobbies are Jeeps, target shooting, and of course riding. I have 4 sons, two grandsons and a granddaughter. I have been riding street bikes since 1975 so riding in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was a natural choice for me after Listening to a friend who previously rode the 2016 Challenge. It reminded me of Survival School In that it required you to function with sleep deprivation, hunger, trying to stay hydrated all while moving forward as expeditiously as possible.

What I consider the most important thing I was told about the Hoka Hey was to make sure my bike had good lighting for night riding, that came in handy while riding Hoka Hey 2018. My biggest challenge while riding is physical pain in my neck from arthritis, a little aspirin goes a long way. I have found that things that challenge me physically and mentally like the 2018 Hoka Hey and survival school are some of the best things in life and make it more fulfilling.

I am supporting Amvets Post 72 for my non-profit because they do things for Veterans, Children, and other worthy causes near and dear to my heart. As stated above I rode and completed the Hoka Hey in 2018 and am looking forward to the 2020 Hoka Hey even with Covid 19, Riots and uncertainty. Those things just make it more of a challenge for us all. My favorite part of the ride is the quiet and wonder that is found around every curve and mile traveled, I especially enjoy twisty windy roads, they are my favorite. The most difficult thing for me was developing a short sleep cycle allowing me to continue without falling asleep during the long stretches. One of my good friends will be doing the Hoka Hey next cycle. He was unable to do the 2020 ride due to how his work was disrupted for Covid 19. He is already planning for the next one. Thanks for taking the time to read my rambling account.  

Meet The Rider Guy Paquin # 865

Hi, my name is Guy Paquin, rider 865.                                                                              I am a Canadian Army veteran who served 30 years: Infantry /Airborne/ Ranger (US Army) finally retired 2008. I served at home and abroad. When not riding, I am an avid long distance cyclo-tourer, a photographer and a hiker. During our long Canadian winter rather than suffer from Parked Motorcycle syndrome, I ski, cross country ski, fat bike and snowshoe until March 16, first days when we can legally put our bikes on the road!I ride the Hoka Hey for the challenge. I had no expectations when I rode my first Hoka Hey in 2016. The best advice I received at the time was to expect the unexpected and be ready for anything. Being retired,other than being available, no obstacles had to be over come to participate. I first heard about the Hoka Hey in 2012 in the Lon distance riding community, I am member of the IBA(Iron Butt Association#35606) and was naturally attracted to such a challenge. 
 
This year I am planning to support the Canadian cancer society for their fight against breast cancer, it has touched many members of my family and friends.This is my second participation, 2016 was my first and I was not available in 2018. As for trials during 2016 challenge: In Colorado a lady backed her SUV into my bike ,witnesses got her to leave her number but she wouldn’t answer her phone until I got a local police officer to call: lost about 10 hours ...so not much of an ordeal but frustrating nonetheless but as the saying goes Don’t mean nothing Drive on or in this case Ride on....See you all on the road