Meet The Returning Rider # 848 Jimmy Milas

  I’ll be turning 62 in June of 2022, so I should be seasoned for the 9^th anniversary ride, which I plan on taking slowly. I’ll possibly be coming in last with you… na, just kidding! (Hey are You talkin' to ME!?!)  In my last two  Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenges   rides, I was lucky enough to finish and still did most of my riding during the day. The sites were unforgettable. They were by far the two best motorcycle holidays I’ve ever had. I had the pleasure of meeting KC Aston, who helped me get to my first fueling station. He rode with me for four days then left for a family reunion. Riding alone was probably the best way to do my first Hoke Hey.  I completely had to rely on myself to find my limitations, and believe me I did have my moments.

When I’m not riding I’m shoveling snow and servicing snow blowers, because it sure comes down up here in central Saskatchewan.  As far as hobbies go, I’m a welder so fabricating out of steel is one hobby.  I enjoy making things for others as well as coaching them to have the satisfaction of doing it themselves. I’m getting to the point where I really dislike the cold weather.  I’m privileged to have my shop off my dining room so I don’t have to go outside. I’m always anxious for the end of April to come, as that is when my riding season starts and I get together with most of my riding buddies.  I usually get a couple rounds of golf in during the summer as well.

I first heard about the Hoke Hey from a friend of mine here in Saskatchewan.  I was on a ride with my better half, who has her own motorcycle by the way. Thank goodness so I don’t have to carry makeup bags and curing irons.  We were riding up the east coast of the US to meet up with some friends from British Colombia. While riding in Canada we had to catch the ferry to Newfoundland. I saw a guy on a trike with a Hoka Hey vest. He was waiting to board as well.  I made my way over to him and introduced myself and ironically his name was Jim.  I told him that I had heard of the Hoka Hey and was interested in riding in it. He filled me in on the dos and dont's and the must dos.  I couldn’t get him out of my mind for the rest of the trip. Thank you #116  Jim Herold for the inspiration to ride the Hoke Hey in 2016.

As I was riding from Saskatchewan to Pala, California I was preparing myself for the challenges ahead. When I was actually riding the Hoka Hey,  my expectations proved to be far from realistic.  I’ve since learned that having expectations brings disappointments. Knowing this at the start of the 2018 challenge made my ride extremely fulfilling.  I‘m now looking forward to the 9^th anniversary ride of 2022.

My advice to new Hoka Hey riders is to ride the challenge alone. Reasons being  #1 Safety.  Peer pressure makes you exceed your limits and puts you in harms way.  Riding your own ride is very difficult to do when you’re following and trying to keep up with a more experienced rider.

My major attraction to the Hoka Hey challenge was riding 10,000 miles thru the United States with confidence, knowing that I could be among the top 20 finishers. I lost all confidence in myself in the first 4 hours trying to follow directions. The days progressed, my skills were starting show that I was truly lost.  The remaining days showed me the true meaning of the core values of the Hoke Hey. Respect, Honor, Integrity and Compassion.  

I finished 18^th in 2016.