This will be my third attempt to complete the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Just
two short weeks prior to the 2020 MOMIS KOMET, my father passed on.
Robert “Rainman” Talbett (#832), was my best friend and my Hoka Hey
riding partner. Only death would keep us from the starting line of the
2020 Hoka Hey. I first
attempted the Hoka Hey in 2016 after a chance encounter with a group of
Hoka Hey riders as they passed through their check point in Gowanda,
NY. I often wonder if I found the Hoka Hey, or, if the Hoka Hey had
found me. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my father and the
Hoka Hey. Memories of previous rides (the scenery, the people, the
struggles and the sheer joy) as well as thoughts in preparation for 2022
filter into each and every day. My mind wanders about the open road,
chasing that perfect sunset and the excitement of where “KIKSUYA” where
take me. While the goal
of any challenge is ultimately to cross the finish line, the real prize
is found in the personal, spiritual growth and evolution as a rider. The
epic memories and experiences along the way are gifts that can never be
lost or stolen. They are the building blocks to becoming not only a
better rider, but to becoming a better person. I know without doubt that
I am a different person than I was when I departed the starting line at
Pala Resort, San Diego in 2016.
The goal of the Hoka Hey is to “Enrich, Empower, and Unite” [from the
Hoka Hey Mission statement]. In 2016, I was honored to be chosen for one
of the four major awards reflective of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle
Challenge core values, “Riding with Respect”. I hold this award close to
my heart and will treasure it always.
Going into the 2022 Challenge, I feel confident. This will be the year
that I cross the finish line. I have embraced longer rides, going
further and further for an event or to visit a friend or family member.
One of the changes that I have implemented in my riding since riding
the Hoka Hey is that I prefer to stay at Hoka Hey hotels while being out
on the road for multiple days. I would much rather spend time sleeping
under the stars, my bike beside me. There’s nothing quit like waking
in the morning dew…. One
of the many things that I have learned in my time as a Hoka Hey rider to
pass on to new riders is to pack light, “gas and go”, and not to quit
(even though you will want to). Two years is a long time between
opportunities to ride this epic event. Two years is a long time spent in
regret, reflecting on what could have been. Also, you’ll hear the
phrase “expect the unexpected” many times prior to the start and it
couldn't be more true.
Before his entry into eternity, my father- Rainman 832, handed me his
Hoka Hey vest. “Finish it for you….I know you can do it. I will be
there with you the whole way and I’ll be there when you finish.” Until we ride together again, you are loved and you are missed. Robert “Rainman” Talbett, Sr. (11/1/1952- 7/17/2020)This
year, I will be riding to raise funds and donations for my friend and
colleague, Jamie Billquist, who started a non profit fund “Rosie’s Run”
in honor of his unexpectedly and tragically deceased wife Rosemary
“Rosie” Billquist. She was a woman of many passions, Rosie was a
marathon runner, triathlete, community volunteer, animal lover and one
of the nicest and kindest humans on the planet. Jamie is carrying on
her spirit with love, honor, grace, integrity. The Rosie’s Run fund has
been giving back to the community and helping as many people and
families as possible. Through various fund raising events, Jamie and the
fund have been able to not only help local families in need its also
been able to help the Southern Tier Kidney foundation and the Chautauqua
County Humane Society. Please consider donating to The Rosie’s Run
fund because “In a world where you can be anything, Be Kind” For donations please DM me
See you at the starting line,
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