My name is Gary Trumper Rider #164. I live in Northern California. I am a commercial fisherman and have participated in 5 Hoka Hey Challenges. I have finished 2 including the first one in 2010 Key West to Homer Alaska. Due to Border restrictions at Canada, I was not allowed to cross two different times. Another time I did not finish I ran into legal issues and was not able to complete the challenge.
Where I live there are many mountainous winding roads, so I feel like I was experienced in that regard and have never and still not into navigation and GPS. But of course the Hoka Hey tested my limits on long distance riding. I always have felt like I was born in the wrong century. I always try to picture myself on a horse trying to find my way thru the desert , plains or wilderness. Being on a bike and sleeping on the ground riding across the country is the next best thing.
I live for traveling to new places and meeting new people. The Hoka Hey Family has become my new family for life. I can travel anywhere in the US and call up a Hoka Hey Family member and have dinner or a cup of coffee and stay a while. As any HH Family member is welcome in my home.
The Hoka Hey changed my life by making me push myself to extremes that I did not know I had in me. My only regret is that I did not write down my experiences on paper so I can remember everything and look back and maybe share with the grandchildren. All I have is the stories I can tell.
My advice to new riders is Don’t take too much stuff. Something comfortable to sleep in that will keep you dry. Some clean socks. A light for reading the map in the dark.
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