Meet The New Rider Ron Duda # 976

When I am not riding a motorcycle I enjoy offshore fishing I am a part time charter captain out of Point Judith Rhode Island. My wife and I enjoy traveling on a motorcycle  and because we are self employed we do not get slandered vacation time so we are forced to do long days to get to our destinations and I have found that the challenges of that come with that are very rewarding and fun so entering the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge only seems natural I have been following it for years

My expectations are to see some great new roads and to challenge myself.  But the biggest obstacle to overcome for me is the time off to be able to do the challenge with no vacation time. I learned about the challenge when a good friend told me about it when it first started in 2010, and I thought how cool it would be to be a part of an event like this.

My non-profit is the American Cancer Society I chose them because cancer has effected the lives of my friends and family for many years.

Meet The New Rider Pat Humphrey # 975

I have been a motorcyclist and bicyclist my entire life and both became passions and prominent in my adult life.  I have ridden bicycle across the Midwest for 40 years with annual miles anywhere between 2,500 and 5,000.  My miles on motorcycle were about the same but with clearly less time invested and usually included bars, mischief and trouble. 5 years ago, I found out I had a cardiac problem and my health and life were in jeopardy. I had to confront my demons, admit I was an alcoholic, and change my lifestyle.  I started attending AA meetings, had several cardiac procedures to repair damage and instead of long distance bicycle rides, I started taking cross country motorcycle rides.  I did not know anyone who rode motorcycles that did not drink and thus I was solo most of the time.  I searched and found a sober MC (Second Chance MC) and began prospecting where I was introduced to many men like myself. 

   I had heard about Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge almost as a myth in conversations the past 4 years.  I have heard people talk about HHMC and say that they would never have taken a trip like this without the HHMC organization. I want the challenge. My expectations are simple (and as I think about it very similar to boot camp): 1) I want to finish. 2) I want to come out the other side with a new appreciation of my abilities. The best advice I have been given about riding the HHMC? Ride until it hurts. Figure out how avoid that hurt or alleviate it.  Repeat until you don’t hurt anymore. My challenge was health related.  I needed to become healthy enough that I could ride for 2 weeks and feel confident that I could finish.

I heard about the challenge through a club brother who signed up but was unable to attend a previous ride.  I was immediately fascinated and began researching and planning. The combination of ride, nature and looking for something within myself and become closer to my higher power.  Similar to the vision quests of the Lakota nation.

Although, I can not give to AA directly because of the traditions of this organization. I can raise money to support other organizations affiliated with AA that work to help those addicted to drugs and alcohol.

Meet The New Rider Tom Neeley # 974

 I am an avid outdoors man and boater. When I am not riding I enjoy spending time with my friends in the mud on my RZR or driving my monster truck. I have heard a lot about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge over the years and have much respect for those who have ridden it in the past. I love to challenge myself mentally and physically and want to put my riding experience to the test. I expect to face both mental and physical challenges. My goal is to finish with a respectable time knowing I completed the challenge with integrity and honor.
 
Being a disabled Vet I have to get my body ready for the challenge but I know it's not a race, but a spiritual experience. Cherish every minute in the good times and the bad. A friend told me about the HHMC and it intrigued me to find out more. I went to the start at Medicine Park in 2018 and become friends with several riders. I enjoyed my time in Medicine Park prior to their departure and was glued to the tracker web page for the entire challenge.  I made it a point to go back to see my friends finish. I have challenged myself most my life and I am always looking for new ways to do so. I also like to do things that others can’t and won’t try.
 I am a third generation Veteran and looked at several Veteran charities before deciding on Fisher House Foundation. Fisher House Foundation builds comfort homes where military & veterans families can stay free of charge, while a loved one is in the hospital. I chose them because only 8% of their expenditures are used for administrative purposes, the rest of the funds are used for the benefit of the Veterans themselves.  I found the overhead expense for other Veteran charities to be much higher, at 65% to 75 .   

Meet The New Rider Mike Hall # 973

Gotta get them papers delivered before dinner! He jumps on his Schwinn and heads out, leaving the smell of Mom’s apple pie steaming from the kitchen window sill. That gig begins to get old when the Circus comes through town and when it leaves, there is one paperboy who is home no more. Have newspaper boys also gone the route of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, never to be seen again? A bygone era?

Three years later and on the other side of the country, the familiar two toots of the whistle and the Circus train rolls out of town missing one young, soon to be sailor.

 Two wars later with a chest full of confetti, the salty Chief parts company with the “new” Navy. A much kinder, gentler place than when he found it, the Chief is ready for a new turn, a rediscovery of his foundation, his core.

During the Navy years, the fire that started with Then Came Bronson continued to burn and the flames took hold from time to time. Cross country adventures on a Yamaha 650 twin, running with California patches on an ’85 HD Electra Glide, tent and sleeping bag across Europe to experience the Autobahn and Autostrade, and running in the poetic chaos of Bella Napoli on Harley’s in southern Italy are a tip of the story. Finally, the ol’ salt finds himself back in the good ol’ US of A in a time of cell phones, GPS, and with it, a return to rules and order.

A few years go by and organized Long Distance riding is found through the Tour of Honor and with that, an introduction to the Iron Butt Association. Finally, like minded souls! The bug bites and before long the occasional cert rides morph into LD rallies.

The Chief had read something about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , but the first real look was when a couple of his nephews said they wanted to ride the Hoka Hey Challenge. Key West to Alaska. So what is this Hoka Hey thing? A Challenge, not a rally? A spiritual undertaking? A discovery of the soul? He spies the vests at IBA events, brave souls who seem to have an even tighter bond than those other Long Riders. Curiosity grows. It’s more than a Harley thing. The ol’ Chief is told he has got the ‘IT’ that can take on the Challenge. 

 

One of the few who are called. 2020 is the year the ol’ Chief will dive into his inner soul and discover the truths of his foundation. Overcoming health Obstacles in 2019, the Chief will be challenged with recovering while again competing in multiple rallies along with relocating his family from Virginia to Oklahoma, and finally retirement. These are not necessarily Obstacles, but rather challenges to be taken on and overcome.

 

My wife and I have chosen the St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital because of the phenomenal work they do to ease families of the burden associated with children who are stricken with traumatic illnesses by removing the monetary burden they would otherwise be crushed by. https://www.stjude.org

Meet The New Rider Michael McLeod # 972

My name is Mike McLeod and I am a native to Northwest Arkansas.  I have always loved being on a motorcycle, feeling the wind on my face and experiencing our country's great scenic roads.  Owning my own automotive shop and employing 3 mechanics, I am blessed to be staying very busy!  Although we work on anything, my favorites are the classics and hot rods! 

I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge years ago, but unfortunately, with me being Self Employed, I was never able to take the time needed to complete the ride.  When my brother, Rick McLeod, participated and completed the challenge in 2018, we talked of doing it together in 2020.  So this has been a long time coming! Besides the ride being mentally and physically challenging, it is helping me to finally take some time out for myself as well as experience this with my brother.  

Some of the best advice I have been given is that I should be thankful that I have never become reliant upon GPS.  Growing up in Scouts, 4-H, Trail Crew and Coast-to-Coast Truck Driver, I've had to use Atlas' and problem solve on the fly.

                The two obstacles that I have had to overcome are in the preparation needed to take the time off to complete the trip, as well as, invest in a new motorcycle to have better mileage capabilities.

As a first time rider, my expectation is that this will be THE hardest thing that I have ever done but at the same time, the most fulfilling!  I know that it is not going to be easy but I am so looking forward to the experience!

My non-profit charity is the Arkansas Children's Shelter.

Meet The New Riser Chris Mosher # 971

 

I live in Orange County California with my wife and three sons.  Life here has been hectic for as long as I can remember.  My sons are very involved in Scouts and sports and so I have spent years volunteering as an Assistant Scout Master and a Football Coach.  As my sons grew older my wife and I had more and more time on our hands.  I always wanted to get back to riding so about 8 years ago I bought my Heritage Softail. It was a blast and soon I took up riding with our local Harley Owners Group.  Today I am the Director of the chapter and what little free time I have away from work, riding or chapter responsibilities I spend with my very patient wife and sons.I have a good friend, Wayne Green (also participating in the 2020 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge ), who lit the spark of long distance riding for me.  Wayne finished the four corners in 2017 and I was inspired.  Before long we had done some long runs through Arizona and California and in 2018 five of us rode from So. Cal. To the Arctic Circle.  It was the greatest adventure of my life.  The feeling of being on the road and overcoming any adversity all while seeing and being in this beautiful country had me hooked. The HHMC to me,
represents a true quest to test oneself physically, mentally and spiritually.

I expect it will be tough and I know that I will face difficulties that I can’t even imagine.  Years ago I used to race triathlons and ultimately I competed in three Iron Man Triathlons.  I know better than to think I know what will happen on the course however I also have faith in myself that I will adapt to any challenge and see it through to the end.

I heard about the challenge because One of our chapter members, who I respect a lot as a rider, has finished the Hoka Hey and he was wearing his Hoka Hey cut on a ride. 

For me the attraction to ride such a tough challenge is that is wasn’t a race.  I am not interested in a race, but I was pulled in because it is an endurance challenge.

Our HOG Chapter supports Warrior Battalion West on Camp Pendleton.  This is a charity that provides services to wounded warriors to help them fully recover from their wounds and transition back to civilian life.  As a former Marine and a veteran of the Gulf War I want to do all I can to help those who have made such a sacrifice for our country, I will be riding for Warrior Foundation Freedom Station

Meet The New Rider Scott Womer # 970

I am a life-long rider, getting my first bike on my 7th birthday.  My father was a rider and a MC troublemaker for as long as I could remember.  He made sure I got a bigger and better bikes just about every year, up until I got my first job and I could pay my own way forward.  I took the typical path from mini bikes to dirt bikes, to small metrics, to crotch rockets, to HD cruisers and finally to HD touring bikes.

I'm a seasoned alpha-geek, working in the information technology field for nearly 35 years.  When I disconnect from the keyboard I am immediately outside.  I restore muscle cars, muscle bikes, build and upgrade off-road vehicles.  I love to to glamp in my motorhome and cook outdoors while trying to destroy some of the toys we build.  In between each of those activities is my bike and the open road.  Breaskfast runs, lunch runs, dinner runs, and bike rallies keep everything greased properly.  At least once a year I take a two week bike trip to some far-off location in the United States, seeing the sites and smelling the smells along the way.

I've been overcoming adversity my entire life, so when I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from a good friend, I was immediately interested and applied to be a rider the first chance I got.  Thankfully I was accepted into the Hoka Hey family and can't hardly wait to get out on the road, forget about COVID for a few weeks.  I'm pretty good at dealing with the unexpected and I'm expecting a lot of those with the Hoka Hey.  I feel like that's the point, testing your mettle and exposing your true character.

I believe character is so important, that I've partnered with the non-profit organization; Measured By Character.  Their mission is to improve our local communities by partnering with schools in empowering students with the knowledge that every human being has a purpose and meaning; and that their own character is the foundation by which change begins.  To learn more, Measured By Character!

Meet The New Rider Lindsey Lewis # 969

Lindsey Lewis, 55 yrs old, been riding 40+ years, current ride is a 2013 Street Glide bought new in July of '13. Will never get rid of this bike. We're in a relationship. Lol. Hope we're both up to the challenge. 4 kids, 5 granddaughters. 2 dogs that I love more than most people. Proud, born and raised, lifelong Texan. Half-assed retired. When I'm not riding, for fun I hunt when I can, and I'll use any excuse to fish our bays. Love that saltwater.

I've been intrigued by and wanted to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge since I first read about it several years ago. Chris Hopper spoke to our HOG chapter in '18 not long after finishing and that lit a fire under me. I've been encouraged by my kids and great friends to enter. While I want to finish well, I want to challenge myself, my skills, and just finish. I believe I'll learn things about myself that I otherwise wouldn't. And I can't wait to meet the other riders, learn from the veterans, and forge new friendships.

The advice I've received so far is hydrate, hydrate, hydrate and don't kill myself. I've done several distance rides, but nothing like this. But then there really isn't anything else like this.

No obstacles really, other than simply making the time.

To be serious for a minute, I think we all reach a point in our lives where we must challenge ourselves in some fashion, in order to learn some elemental truths about ourselves and our physical, mental and emotional limits. It's been a long time since I've done that.

I'll be raising money for a couple of local, smaller animal rescue organizations who do amazing work and desperately need the help.

I'm honored and thankful for the opportunity to participate in the Hoka Hey.

Meet The New Rider Bill Mc Gowan # 968

Also known as Dilligaf, Bill hails from Monroe, Michigan. A small community in the S.E. corner of Michigan. He's been riding Harley Davidson motorcycles for some 42 years now. He's pretty much all motorcycles all the time. When he's not out riding you can bet he's planning his next run. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge , WILL be on his list this year, as he considers it to be the Pinnacle of long distance riding. He expects to use all of the knowledge he has accumulated over the years to be put to the test. Having been advised by past participates to ride your own ride, "It's just you and your iron horse out there".

Bill will be riding for Hoagys Heros, a charity that helps children through different organization's. Such as, Special Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House. Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated. You can donate by simply going to Hoagys Heros C/O Bill McGowan and hit the donate button. 

Meet The New Rider Jon Meadows # 967

When I'm not riding I spend most of my time hanging out with my family, watching tv, playing video games or participating with my son in his Boy Scout troop. I enjoy doing research on places to ride to and how to plan for multiple day motorcycle camping trips.

I want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because of what it stands for.  I love how everyone is close and friendly, a family.  I also appreciate the fact that part of joining the HHMC is to raise money for a charity.  I enjoy being apart of a group that thinks of others.

The only expectation I have is to make sure I finish the HHMC.  Never having done something like this I don't want to put expectations on it.  I know that parts will be difficult but I'm hoping that I will become a stronger and better person for having done it.

I've gone to a couple of the HHMC events with past HHMC riders and have had the chance to ask them about what it's like.  The best advice I got was to "ride your own ride".  I know people ride differently and not everyone will want to ride like me.  I tend to ride, not even getting off the bike when I get gas.  I don't want to hold others up, or change my way of riding to accommodate others.  

Before committing to the ride, I talked to my family to discuss the time I would be away from them.  I didn't really have obstacles to overcome to get to ride in the HHMC.  Having the support from my family means a lot to me.  I know the ride itself will be difficult, so I've been riding long distances the HH way. Sleeping next to my bike, riding 15-20 hour days for several days in a row to get the feel for what the HHMC will be like.  Knowing when to stop has been my biggest challenge so far.

I heard about the HHMC through some motorcycle friends that I chat with Facebook.  So I started following the HHMC on Facebook and looking into it a little more.  When I got to be friends with a HHMC rider and after talking with him about it, I decided that it was something that I wanted to do.

The HHMC attracted me because of the difficulty level and what it stood for. You find out more about yourself when you  push to achieve something out of your comfort zone. So finding out more about my self and being helpful to others at the same time is very attractive.

I choose the HOG Indianapolis Chapter No. 1 Payton Manning Children's Hospital for my charity to ride for.   I have ridden with the Indianapolis HOG Chapter No. 1 when they have done their annual toy drive for Payton Manning Children's Hospital for a couple years now.  I choose them because they are doing what they can to help make a bad situation better for the children.  Knowing those children are facing unknown and scary times, wanting to give them something to smile about is a cause worth supporting.

Jon will be riding for Peyton Manning Childrens Hospital 

   And will be sponsored by Harley Davidson of Indianapolis!

Harley-Davidson of Indianapolis | Harley-Davidson® of Indianapolis Welcome to Harley-Davidson® of Indianapolis. Your authorized local Harley® retailer, with exceptional offers on new and used Harleys. Visit us today. hdofindy.com

Meet The New Rider Jon Santos # 966

I am a 49 year old father of 4, with a passion for motorcycles.  I got my first bike when i was about 5 years old and have been riding ever since. When not on my bike i am the Fleet Manager for Gold Medal bakery in Fall River, MA. I enjoy camping and boating with family whenever we can.

I first learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2017 at The Haven to Hell Rally put on by Hoagy's Heroes Long Distance Charity Riders in Glendale WV.  I met a couple riders from The Hoka Hey there and knew I had to find out more. 

  At first the stories I heard made The Hoka Hey sound very intimidating but the more people I talked to and information I found out about it I knew it was for me. I had to know if I had the perseverance to finish the challenge. I first inquired about the 2018 Hoka Hey but was unable to make it work between my job and family commitments. I made plans for the 2020 Hoka Hey determined to be part of it and  submitted my application as soon as it was open hoping to be accepted. I couldn't tell you how excited I was when I got the call from Junie on Tuesday August 13th.  Ever since then I have been on blogs and Facebook and talking to people that have done it. The best advice I have received so far is when your tired sleep, everything else will take care of itself.  I still don't know what to expect doing the challenge, but i am ready ( I hope) to take it on. 

I am riding to support Hoagy's Heros . Ever since the first ride I did with them in 2017 I knew they were the kind of people I wanted to be around. I have since been brought on as an adviser with them. They do so much for the kids I had to be part of it.  A couple of the charities they support are A Special Wish Foundation and Ronald McDonald House.

 

Meet The New Rider Roger Clark # 965

I have lots of hobbies but really don’t have time for any of them. One reason I started riding long distance is that I can do it solo whenever I get an opportunity to do so. It’s hard for me to schedule time off and when I do it’s usually spent with my young kids. My wife and I have six kids, two of them still elementary school age and she home schools them. Back when I did have free time and whenever I can I try to go to the gun range. I used to do a lot of kayaking and I like to camp. I went to elementary school with John Levins and have known Eric Buskel for several years.

When asked why he wants to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge his answer, "I want to prove to myself I can do it. I want to go places I’ve never been and I look forward to the idea that I don’t even know where I’m going. Going places and really doing anything without a plan in mind is something I seldom do. I just look forward to attempting something so far from anything I’ve ever done before. I hope to just make it to the end. 

Many people I met at the meetup in Tennessee gave great advice. I think the most important advice is to go ahead and eliminate half of the stuff you’re planning on bringing and then scale it down some more from there. I will need to overcome several obstacles to ride the Hoka Hey in 2020. One is convincing my six year old son and eight year old daughter that they can’t come and have to accept that I’ll be gone longer than I have been away from them before and another is to make sure that my business is prepared to do without me for a couple weeks or more.

I am supporting the Tyler Robinson Foundation because they’ve helped so many people, including a close friends family who lost their son, with the costs associated with having a child with pediatric cancer. 

https://www.trf.org/

Pediatric Cancer | Tyler Robinson Cancer Story The Tyler Robinson Foundation. The Tyler Robinson Foundation was born in 2013 when Imagine Dragons’ superfan and friend, Tyler Robinson lost his battle with cancer at the young age of 17. www.trf.org

Meet The New Rider Ignacio Merani # 964

My other hobby is running. Sometimes my running events overlap with the motorcycle ones and I have to choose. Last year during the Taco Run I was running the Paris Marathon. This year I’m running the Berlin Marathon in September, after the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge .

Why do you want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge? I want to go over the country, discover places that are not usually seen and be in touch with nature. I want to be part of a great brotherhood. I’m expecting finishing safe and sound and coming back with a lot of stories to tell. Eric Sprague gave me what I think is the best advise: always ride during the day, take advantage or every minute of daylight and rest well during the dark hours.

The most important blocker I had was taking 3 weeks off work. I had to make a plan with my boss. I have met multiple riders in different motorcycle events and I ride with them often. I heard that is challenging but also very rewarding and that you come back as a better person.

I will be fundraising for St Jude Children’s Hospital. It breaks my heart seeing children fighting for their lives when they should be enjoying their childhood. I support St Jude because I believe children don’t deserve to die because their parents cannot afford the cancer treatment.

This is the link for St Jude:  https://www.stjude.org

I’m also working on a blog. I expect that I would be able to spend 20’ a day while on the road to post pictures and short stories to promote the fundraising.

http://www.longdistanceriding.com

Meet The New Rider Richard White # 963

"I love to put myself through the toughest challenges possible." The road challenges me physically and spiritually admits Richard. He has been riding now for about thirty years. "When you are on a motorcycle you can really soak in the countryside." He learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge while riding through Lawton, Oklahoma and is now being sponsored by Diamond Back Harley Davidson. He likes to take 3 or 4 weeks every year and just take a motorcycle trip.

Preparing physically and mentally, body and mind is something he will be working on right up to the start in August. He would like to be one of the first 10 riders to arrive back at the finish line in Panama City Beach this year.

I will be riding for Mission 22 who is dedicated to healing America’s veterans when they need it most — right now. They offer treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, substance abuse and all of the issues veterans are facing today.

Meet The New RIder Jack (Daniels) Dressler #961

Born in 1967, I grew up in Edmonton and later in Vancouver.  For nearly 20 years, beginning in the early 1980s I worked behind the scenes as a ‘roadie’ and sound engineer for tours and various other special events. But those days are behind me now and I have refocused my career on building maintenance gigs. As riding has been a passion of mine since I was very young it almost goes without saying that for fun I’m usually out riding. During inclement weather or over the long Canadian winter months you will frequently find me upgrading or working on my bike…of which there have been many.

As a family man I enjoy down time, social events and outings with my wife and as time permits, quality time with our two adult daughters. I’m also pretty good at finding my way around a kitchen and recently acquired a smoker. I enjoy entertaining and cooking for family and friends. When I’m not riding, working on my bike, socializing or enjoying limited downtime you may find me filtering used deep fryer grease and using it to install waste vegetable systems on vehicles as a means of cheap transportation. It’s cost effective and I consider it my contribution to respecting our planet and saving the environment. Besides, I love driving for free!

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge has been on my ‘bucket list’ ever since I first heard about it in 2016.  I intended to apply for the 2018 ride but shortly thereafter I received news that my daughter was planning her wedding in August of the same year. Yep, sometimes life gets in the way and it’s necessary to reconsider priorities and readjust plans.  But here I am, almost two years later and my application has been accepted!  So “why?” or “why now”?  Life is short and there’s one thing I know for sure; I never want to look back on my life with regrets about the things I chose not to do but should have done; or those I postponed doing while my mind and body were still young enough and able. At 52 I have already seen too many of my family and dearest friends fall prey to ill health, injury or worse. Life has no guarantees and you never know what may be lying in wait around the corner. I recognize each day as a gift to embrace what I love to do and it is for that reason I intend to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So I’m ready to roll and excited to finally be joining my brotherhood of motorcycle enthusiasts primed to embark on this challenge of a lifetime. My enthusiasm for this ride, the anticipation I feel, and the adrenaline rush of simply preparing for the challenge, “... the toughest ride for the toughest riders on earth…” are real and formidable. Decades spent in the saddle have prepared me to push through my own personal boundaries, to challenge my limits, and to overcome any of the hardships and adversities inherent of long-distance and solo riding. In my world “real” riding means longer hours, more challenging terrain, and journeys into the unknown demanding of unparalleled skill and endurance. Without question the Hoka Hey promises to be my longest, most challenging and most adventurous ride by far. I thrive on adventure, the rush of adrenaline, and the thrill of the unknown. 

I expect the HHMC to be the ride of a life time as well as the challenge from hell all rolled into one. But I also believe I’ve been preparing for this my entire life and that it’s what I aspire to do. Demanding of steel will and dogged determination, this ride will certainly separate the boys from the men and prove to each of us what we’re really made of. Without a doubt the HHMC will be an unforgiving and gruelling battle of physical and mental will, endurance, strength, stamina, skill and focus. Definitely not a venture for those faint of heart or weak of spirit. But I’m ready and eagerly await this adventure with all of its’ potential challenges, obstacles and risks. I anticipate reaching that illustrious finish line with a much deserved and unique sense of pride, achievement and accomplishment. Do I have what it takes? Time to find out!

               

The best advice I have received includes:

·       Having good lighting for nighttime riding and map reading

·       Having a weather proof bag for maps

·       Having a back-up plan in case of emergency

·       Stay positive, don’t get discouraged

·       Pack light but be prepared  

·       Ride safe: remember those back home rooting for and counting on you

·       Just do it…no regrets

·       Oh, and …. Good luck!!!

Fortunately for me, I encountered very few obstacles to overcome prior to joining the HHMC. Of course the financial commitment associated with such a venture including: time away from work, lost wages, and approval for time off were all worthy of serious deliberation. But where there’s a will there’s always a way and these so-called “blips” were more inconveniences than obstacles and fairly easily overcome. Another potential concern was my home location in Vancouver, Canada and the additional travel time and expense of the return trip home. But I took inspiration from the bio of at least one Auusie in the group who refuses to let the minor inconvenience of living on a different continent, half way around the world deter him. I figured if he can do it, so can I!

Of course my family will miss me and I am equally sure they will eagerly await my safe return. But they are also my biggest supporters. They will remain close in heart and accompany me in spirit as I venture the open roads and live my dream… just me, my bike, my thoughts

Other than the aforementioned I’m just spending the remaining Canadian winter months going over my bike and making sure she’s in tip-top shape and as ready for the challenge as I am.

I learned about the HHMC quite by accident, I first discovered it while casually surfing on an online forum. It immediately tweaked my interest and upon doing some serious research I knew I was hooked. Little did I know that my lifelong journey of cruising and adventures would eventually lead me to “the toughest ride for the toughest riders on earth”… the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

Hearing that the HHMC is the toughest motorcycle challenge out there I just had to know if I had what it takes to complete it successfully. There is definitely an almost overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment that comes with pushing one’s limits and emerging victorious! Somewhat of an adrenaline junkie, I have always been one to seek out adventures and embrace new challenges. I have nothing to prove to anyone and it’s not a competition with anyone other than me. Having said that though, the more family, friends and acquaintances who know of my intention and thought I’d completely lost my mind for even considering it only served to reinforce my resolve and determination to do it. I suppose a dare trumps personal challenge any day, lol!!

Finally but not least of all, I have absolute respect and appreciation for the camaraderie of the riders, their willingness to support one another, and the inherent potential for newly forged friendships along the highways and byways of our journey.

I will be raising money for The BC Cancer Foundation. Sadly this cause is near and dear to our hearts as I lost mom to cancer and my only brother-in-law law is currently in palliative care.