Meet The Rider Gareth Morgan # 915

Gareth Morgan, rider #915, is relatively new to riding compared to those that participate in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . He was the youngest rider in the 2018 challenge; getting his first motorcycle in April 2017 to celebrate his 32nd birthday, just 15 months before the Hoka Hey. Once he heard about the Hoka Hey from friends Charlie and Vernice, he knew he had to join! Due to his lack of experience and ride time, they were reluctant to allow him to participate, but thankfully they did, as it was such a phenomenal experience for him!

 As a head chef, he doesn’t get a lot of free time, but all the time he did have off he prepared by going on long distance rides. Rode up to the Tail of the Dragon to repeatedly ride it as there are no twistees in South Florida to get comfortable riding on.

Gareth loved riding in the 2018 Hoka Hey! Prior to the ride, he had not been out west other than on a ski trip, so he had never taken in all that scenery. He saw so many parts of the of country that he had never seen, and had never imagined to be so breathtaking. All the views throughout the ride were what kept him the most excited as he went. He couldn’t wait to see what was going to be next. Every area of the country having its own beauty to offer. Although it was a challenge at some points, Gareth enjoyed the minimalist simplicity of sleeping on the ground next to his bike. And though he had packed pretty lightly for a first timer, he now knows he can pack even less.

His biggest struggle was the directions, as he usually heavily relies on Siri and GPS to help get him where he is going. Some of the wrong turns led to more scenic views though. After a few wrong/missed turns, some more detrimental than others, Gareth crossed the finish line in Medicine Park, and immediately exclaimed he’d be back for more HHMC’s!