Meet The Returning Rider # 994 Matt Busch

My name is Matt Busch. I live in Pembroke Pines, FL with my wife Kerri. I have two children and 2 grandchildren. I own a 2015 Harley Ultra Limited and a 2003 Harley Road King anniversary edition.

 

I always wanted to ride long rides across the country. The freedom of two wheels and the open road, riding the back roads, and traveling the paths least chosen has always called to me. I have crossed the country riding many times. Staying off the interstate, riding through national parks, small towns, and bucket list roads have been my goals on those trips. From the searing heat of Death Valley, to the snowfall on BearTooth Pass, hail storms in the Grand Tetons and Yellowstone, you never know what challenge the next road has for you. I look forward to seeing what this Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge has in store for me and what challenges await me on this journey.

As a returning rider, I know the challenges and obstacles that come with riding in the HHMC. The introspection and growth I experienced in my first challenge has driven me to ride this extreme challenge again. I’m ready to ride again, listening to the wind for guidance. 

What I have most enjoyed is meeting riders like myself that enjoy riding distances and seeing the country the best way – on two wheels! .

I am supporting the MPS SuperHero Foundation. The MPS SuperHero Foundation Is a South Florida parent-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2016 that is searching for a treatment solution for MPS(Mucopolysaccharidosis) II  or Hunter Syndrome.

MPS II, is a progressively degenerative genetic disease that almost exclusively affects males. Boys with MPS II are deficient in the enzyme iduronate-2-sulfatase that helps breakdown glycosaminoglycans (GAG). The net result is that GAG builds up in cells and organs throughout the body. Because this chemical decomposition is unable to happen, these cells continuously accumulate to toxic levels and build up can lead to a fairly uniform plethora of symptoms and can begin around 2-5 years of age. These symptoms include stunted growth, coarse facial features, stiff joints, intellectual disability, serious physical deformities, significant damage to the brain & organ function and eventually leads to premature death. The severe form often includes progressive cognitive impairment and a life span of approximately 12-15 years old. Currently, there is no cure for individuals affected by this disease, which is why funding to bring the research by geneticists to the first phase of human clinical trials is so crucial.

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1091 Chris Passmore

 

Hi I am Chris Passmore New rider #1091

I am 59 and I am looking forward to this bucket list ride.

 The first bike I ever got on was a Bulltaco in the Mojave desert in Southern California. I knew from that moment I was hooked even after I was launched off of it the feeling of freedom was unbeatable and at the ripe age 13, I knew that someday I would have my own motorcycle even if I almost killed myself a few times.

I remember trying to ride a purple Husqvarna in the same desert a few months later.

The Dirt bikes I rode as a kid did not belong to Me as my parents could not afford one or chose not to supply me with one. I think my best friend's dad took pity on me and always took me with them when they went out to the desert to ride. Thank god they did!

After I left home my first road bike, I could afford was an 81 Suzuki GS 550L then a slew of motorcycles came after that. Crotch rockets mostly.

After a 2 year stint fighting fires in Northern California I joined the US Air Force where I served for 20 years and then retired at Fairchild AFB Washington

During My 20 I served in Desert Shield/Storm Twice. once for Operation Phonex Scorpion. A tour in Korea and a tour in Micronesia. All of this while I was a Civil Engineer for the 92 CES

I still work for the Government doing the same thing I did as a GI.

My Absolutely Amazing and wonderful wife Jenifer has been with me (and supporting me) for 29 Years

My First Harley was a 06 Deluxe and I have owned a few since then. Currently I ride A Very nice Grey 2018 FLTRXSE! 

I am a lifetime HOG member

I first Heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge a few years ago while I was in an MC . There were whispers and rumors of some insane cross-country ride

comparing it to the Cannonball run but that was it,  Nobody stepped up to the Challenge, No hard information. Just rumors. Years later a friend and riding buddy mentioned it to me. 

That's where I am today. 

There are 1.8 million nonprofit organization's  in the U.S. as of 2021

 So, I will be riding for St. Jude's Children's Hospital for Cancer Research.

I imagine that most riders have a story similar to my own and I hope I get to Hear all of them on the road when I meet them in person!

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 990 Ksolo Carl Harris

My given name is Ksolo. I added "DaRyder" in memory of my good friend, Kelly "BOSS Ryder Wilkerson, who was gunned down in Oct. 2015. People that know me call me Solo. Motorcycle riding is my therapy, and this is my second time riding the prestigious Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. 

After experiencing my first solo cross country ride in 2013, I knew I wanted to feel the freedom of the road and explore the country on two wheels. I have been long distance riding ever since. 

 2019, I rode to Prudhoe Bay, Camp Dead Horse, by myself, on my Harley Davidson Road Glide Special, also known and referred to as the "Top Of The World" in Alaska, along a 414-mile stretch of dirt road known as Dalton Hwy. The Dalton Hwy. is on the list of "One of the most dangerous highways in the World." This is also the year I rode my first 100,000 plus mile documented miles and was entered into Iron Butt Association Elite 100,000 miles in a year club.

 2020 I participated in my first HHMC. I was third to complete the challenge and one of only five who completed the challenge of 10,000 miles in 10 days, averaging a thousand miles a day.  Honored to have been chosen as a keeper of Akicita, an engraved Moose antler, rightfully named Akicita, the Lakota word meaning WARRIOR. It is passed from rider to rider never carried in a car, always on a motorcycle. Uniting like minded Brothers and Sisters. 

2021 I rode my second 100,000 documented miles in a single year ride across the country. completing numerous IBA,  SCMA, and RTE X USA, AZRATPack rides. Recently I entered the social media spectrum by starting a channel on youtube @ KSOLODARYDER to capture other riders perspective of the motorcycle lifestyle and culture and what it means to them. 

Please follow me and see where this the journey takes us. My slogan is " Aspire to inspire, Be Legendary." I use it to descpibe a positive or inspirational action that others will have a desire or interest in seeing or doing something that will then inspire others to do and be legendary doing it.

This year I will be riding to help raise money for Something 2 Somebody,  my local county Homeless Person Center and Services.

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1090 Tammy Colbert

 

My name is Tammy Colbert. I am Native American, Poarch Creek Indian, and I have that warrior spirit from my ancestors. I was raised and am currently living in Huntington Beach, California. I have two grown sons, of whom I’m very proud. 

 I grew up in an off roading family and started riding motorcycles and driving dune buggies when I was 8 yrs old. Riding in the desert I fell in love with motorcycles and the thrill of the ride. In my forties, desert riding was just so hard on my body that I decided it was time to get an easier ride, a Harley. Best decision I ever made. Currently I have a 2018 Street Glide. 

 I’ve been a self employed mobile dog groomer of over 36 years. As a Master Groomer, I do grooming seminars and judge grooming contests all over the world. I love to travel and meet new people. Owning a successful business has also afforded me time off so I can ride. When I am not riding, I go to Dog Shows. I breed, show and compete in all sorts of events with my Bedlington Terriers. I have been doing this for over 30+ years. My Bedlington, Marbles, loves to go on rides with me. 

  I want to do the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for the thrill of the ride. I’m as ready as I will ever be. Doing long distance trips on my own and camping next to my bike is second nature to me. Plus, I’m riding for a good cause: Warrior Freedom Foundation Station , which is for wounded US Military heroes who have served our great country, Doing this is a small way to give back to them for their sacrifices.I expect this ride to be challenging. I expect to finish somewhere in the middle of first and last place. Not finishing would be something that I would not accept. 

  The best advice was given to me by one of the riders who has done the ride before. He suggested to get a KLIM all weather suit because it saves time in stopping to change into a rain suit. Plus you don’t have to pack extra things. He also suggested to stop when you need to rest. “It doesn’t do you any good if you can’t keep your eyes open.” And….Stay hydrated! 

   My obstacle is that I am a diabetic. Eating enough of the right things to regulate my blood sugar will be challenging. I have to be very aware of what my body is telling me. 

Being a planner, I normally plan my routes for my trips way in advance. Not knowing ahead of time which way I am going will be something I’ll have to get used to. Still, I will enjoy the ride and enjoy God’s country. 

  I heard about HHMC from other HOG chapter members who have done it. They say it’s life changing and a once in a lifetime experience. They didn’t sugar coat the ride at all. And I still wanna do it! I am so excited to be a part of this elite group of courageous men and women. I’m looking forward to the adventure. HOKA HEY!!

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 987 John Russell

 

This will be my second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. My first challenge was in 2020, and I left 593 miles on the table after having an accident, breaking my nose. My nose was fixed with 12 stitches, accompanied by eight days of bruising to settle things out. It took about a year until I could breathe normally again. 

With the 2022 HHMC on the horizon, several members of our HOG Chapter will be riding this year’s challenge with our fundraising efforts going to the Warrior Station Freedom Foundation (warriorfoundation.org). This wonderful organization provides valuable services for our elite military men and women who have given their all and come home needing assistance to get their lives on track again.

 As for riding, I have made a few adjustments, including a new bike (RG Limited versus a RG Special) and new riding lights to assist with nighttime rides. My focus this time around will be to make sure to get enough sleep so I can make sure that I am clear headed during this challenge. At the end of the last challenge my wife said, “You're not going to do that again, right?” At that time, I felt as if I had ‘gotten it out of my system’ and told her “NO.” However, once my wounds healed, I had a change of heart, and I had to figure out how to move the chess pieces around in order to reveal my intent for 2022 to my wife. She and I are in total agreement. The course is set, and I will be on the ride for 2022! Hoka Hey!!! 

 

I will be again riding for the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station donations can be made here.

 

Meet The New Rider # 1089 Charles Mc Gahagin

 

Hello everyone, Charles McGahagin here, rider #1089. I currently live on the Maryland Eastern Shore. I was born & raised in Florida, but I think my inner roots are in Down East Maine where my mother was from. It was my pleasure & honor to have served 30 years in the Navy. Before retiring I volunteered & spent one memorable year with the Army in Tikrit Iraq maintaining their RCIED jamming systems. I retired from the Navy 2010 and have still worked with & for NAVSEA since.

After taking a 25 year riding hiatus, in 2018 I rediscovered motorcycles & getting in the wind has been a great release. Allowing me to leave the stresses and issues of the world behind and be free has been a lifesaver.

 

I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge during a Wild Ass Wednesday interview Craig Johnson had with Jeff Riot Wyatt. The whole idea of the individual challenge piqued my interest. I have always been driven by overcoming the personal challenge, whether it’s endurance or internal. One of my mantras in the Navy was: We do these things NOT because they are easy, but because they are hard. I also trained months at a time to compete in two Ironman Triathlons.

I think participating in the Hoka Hey Challenge will feed that desire to accomplish a goal through internal strength and endurance. Looking within oneself and overcoming obstacles through perseverance and drive.

 

The best advice I’ve been given is that this isn’t a race but a personal challenge. I think my obstacle to overcome will be embracing the unknowns of the challenge & overcoming them. So that obstacle, in reality, is the journey of the Hoka Hey that I will be taking.

Meet The Returning Rider # 986 Travis Chauncey

 

Hello,

My name is Travis Chauncey aka Tbone rider #986

I am 50 years old and have been riding street motorcycles 30 + years .

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2022 will be my second time riding this amazing challenge.

I first heard about the Hoka Hey around 2014 from a previous rider I know .

In 2016 I knew a couple guys that entered and was the first time I watched the trackers and following different riders . In 2018 I had another friend and fellow Boozefighter enter the challenge and also watched the tracker every day and night before I would go to bed. At that point I was hooked , at that time  it was just a thought that I may could do something like that.  It  didn’t even cross my mind that one day it would become a reality.

In 2019 I wasn’t even thinking about it when my brother text me and said “hey you see where the Hoka Hey in starting from in 2020?”  ( I had no idea)  when I found out it was starting in Panama City Beach, FL  I knew this was my chance .  I went online filled out the forms paid my entrance fee and then the wait…….. waiting for the infamous call for the interview. I had no idea what to expect . Man what a relief it was for Junie to tell me “welcome to the Hoka Hey! “

I have ridden my bikes thousands of miles but could count on one hand how many iron butts I have done , none documented but I know I have completed . This was my first endurance ride of this magnitude. To ride 10,000 plus miles in 14 days etc. (what did I get myself into?) Lol.

Earlier in 2019 my Mom and Dad passed away before I knew about the HHMC in 2020. 

So the 2020 ride was a memorial ride for them, my brother and I wanted to start and finish together, that in itself is a task. It wasn’t easy as some times I was tired and he wasn’t and he was tired and I wasn’t , but we stuck it out and finished  respectfully at 16-17th. At the start we just wanted to finish in the 10-14 days to be qualified as a finisher , I didn’t expect to finish in the top 20  and wasn’t our goal at all.

I was going to sit out the 2022 HHMC but its like in my blood now..lol when I started seeing people post they signed up again and started seeing old pics from 2020 pop up in my social media , I just had to try and do it again. At least this time I have a little experience and know what to expect. Going in blind in 2020 was nerve-racking and lost many nights of sleep for year between the interview and august .

I will be riding this years challenge for the Mile Monsters Inc. , raising money for kids fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. 

The only thing I can tell new riders is,  this challenge will change you. it will challenge you mentally and physically. You will find out things about yourself you will love and may somethings you won’t . If you get tired rest , hungry eat and stay hydrated at all times . 

I can’t wait  to see everyone in South Dakota 

Hoka Hey 

Tbone 

Rider #986

 

Meet The New Rider # 1088 Michelle Feddersen

Hi Y'all! I'm a native Iowan currently residing in Mitchell, South Dakota. From the time I was able to sit upright on my own, I was sittin' in the saddles upon horses and the fuel tanks of my Dad's Harley's. My Dad always told me riding on those HDs was so relaxing to me, I would sleep the whole time whether it was a 10 minute ride or a 3 hour ride as long as it was running. The second he shut it off I would awake and say "let's go!" Now that I'm older, I've come to the think those old choppers just shook me unconscious! 

Throughout the years I had many jobs but one that I truly loved and lit a passion was my job at Indian Motorcycle Co. I fell in love with the brand, the style and the simplicity of working on the machines. I bought Dolly there, a 2014 Vintage which was the first willow green and cream Indian Motorcycle Co revealed in Sturgis, SD. I seen and worked on a lot of history and cool things! ... and not so cool things. lol  Late April of 2021, I bought another Indian. A 21' Challenger. I may need to think about seeking help. I could become a hoarder.

I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from a good friend who is HH# 941. He planted that little seed as we were racing down through the Arkansas mountains to a Guiness World Record Ride in 2019. I said he was crazy but I was intrigued. Then It was like an itch that had to be scratched... so I was looking it up online, reading everything I could find, and looking at pics and profiles. Then the HHMC 2020 started and I was watching the computer screen tracking everyone like I had threw down some money in Vegas! So, after procrastinating for a few months, I decided to  fill the application out. This is starting right here in South Dakota. Perfect!

Some advice that I've gotten...

If I ride with HH# 953... you'll get the best BBQ!

If I ride with HH# 863 ... be sure to have rain gear!

If I ride with HH# 937... be prepared for 100/100!

and dont follow HH# 968... he's lost too!

I want to do this for me as a personal challenge. I love to just get out and go but I want to push myself to accomplish a great challenge as this one.  I want to learn about myself and where I belong. I consider this an honor to be accepted into this and be able to raise awareness and raise money while I'm out there.

 I will be riding for two different charities.

 Loyal Order of The Moose  and the Hillcrest Children's Home of Arkansas.

Shell “ Lletsgoh” Feddersen  Please note your contribution is for Shell's fund raiser.

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 985 Valerie Stewart

 

2020 was my 1st Challenge. An amazing experience peppered with mistakes, beautiful scenery, breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, anxiety about sleeping out alone with my bike, a wrong turn on the 2nd day that took me 2 hours to realize I was on the wrong road. I had spoke rims with tubed tires so of course I had a flat tire, in the middle of nowhere. Waited most of the day for a tow to take me 125 miles to the closest bike shop, who couldn't get me on the road until morning.  A shout out to Terry Mac of Chrome Mafia in Cortez, CO you are awesome!  Too many highs and lows to list. Even though I dumped my bike after the 2nd  checkpoint that banged me up enough I had to drop out. I was so disappointed but I wouldn't change a thing as that was my journey and my lesson. As soon as I realized I wasn't able to finish I decided I had to sign up to do this again.

My family is super supportive about this. So much so my daughter Andrea Tooley, new rider #1066 wants to experience this with me. I think we might be the 1st mother/daughter team to ride in the Challenge. I have to give a big shout out to my husband Stew. He stays behind and takes care of the 3 horses, 2 dogs and a cat that shares our lives .Not a small task and without his help I couldn't do this. Who knew a blind date with a Harley rider 25 plus years ago would turn this non-rider into someone willing to take on the Hoka Hey Challenge?

 

I have always had trouble asking for  help so fund raising has been difficult for me, even for things I am passionate about. But the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge makes you strive to be a better person. So that being said: I have joined the Mile Monsters Inc team for fight against  Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

 

Down the road from where I live there is a sign at the end of a driveway. I see it every day.  "LIVE A GREAT STORY" 

I am a work in progress .

 

Valerie Stewart 

HH #985

Travel Light, Travel Fast, Travel Far!

Meet The New Rider # 1087 Mark Foxwell

 

A little bit about me - Nerd. Animal lover. Traveler. Foodie. Philosopher. Motorhead. Long distance enthusiast. (Not necessarily in that order.)

Born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, I grew up on the family hobby farm surrounded by all creatures great and small. This brought me in tune with nature, and our place within it. Though not particularly mechanically inclined, I have always had a passion for things with engines - particularly if I could drive them.

A Formula One career not looking too likely, I delved into another passion of mine – computers and technology. Being an insanely logical person, but striving for that connection with real people, I focused on the interactions and practical uses of technology, rather than strictly entering in the 0s and 1s of a binary world.

My life journey transitioned to South Florida to complete graduate studies; I then realized had an affinity for palm trees at Christmas (over slushy ice). Having traveled the globe significantly as well as pushed the wheels of my career into motion, I settled down and started a family. However, the wanderlust was always there…

My amazing and supportive wife recognized it, and fully supported my venture on two wheels. In fact, she helped me select my first (and so far only bike) – a 2017 Harley Davidson Road Glide Special. A well-established coworker and long-distance rider coaxed me into the small club of long distance riding, and I completed my first Iron Butt – a 1500 mile journey in 24 hours to the Stagecoach Café for the “Last Ride of the Year”. I was hooked.

Entering this spiritual and physical endeavor is the ultimate expression of this passion, and with it, I also hope to raise awareness of the plight of indigenous youngster’s challenges through philanthropically raising funds for STEM (Science Technology Engineering Management) opportunities to support these deserving youngsters.

This will be the culmination of my personal “Protagonist Goals”: Man vs. Nature / Man vs. Machine / Man vs. Himself. Bring on the 2022 challenge – Hoka Hey!!

 

Fund raising will be done for American Indian Science and Engineering Society   

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 983 Steven Roark

 

My name is Steven Roark, aka ‘Tork’. I am a big fan of acceleration in all forms. Hence my rider name.

As a former member, and dependent before serving on active duty, of the U.S. Army I have done my share of traveling all over the world including multiple tours in Europe, Asia and the middle east where I got lots of opportunities to ride. As a life member of the VFW and the ALR I have served in various capacities to raise funds and awareness for the needs of Veteran’s and their families. Successfully finished my 1^st Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2020 and looking forward to doing it again.

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1086 Michael Moore

 

#1. About Me : I am a retired US Navy veteran married with 5 kids and a dog. I spent the better part of my military career as a Special Operations Officer. I love sports of all kinds but American Football is my favorite (College, Youth, NFL-in that order). Attending the Army/Navy Football game is a yearly event. I am USNA class of '85, my daughter is class of 2024. I am currently in a competition to build a chopper with Paul Teutul Sr. of " Orange County Choppers".

#2. Riding the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is something that I can not wait to do! What more could a biker who wants to see the US, bring awareness to Native Americans and/or a favorite charity, bond with like minded others and simply RIDE, ever want?!

#3. My expectations are few. Among those are; experiencing all types of riding conditions, taking in some beautiful sights/ geography, meeting other riders before, during and after. discovering new people, places and things.

#4. The best advice I have been given about riding the HHMC is to prepare for; Road hazards, weather, wrong turns and the unknown/ unforeseen 

#5. I think the only " obstacle" I have to overcome is staying the course.

#6. The way I discovered the HHMC was by seeing a fellow rider/ group member with a HHMC hoodie on under his cut. Our riding group was eating at an outdoor patio restaurant when I spotted this unique design 3 tables away. A rider sitting next to me began to explain what this design represents. After hearing about it I had to explore and know more.

Michael T Moore

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 982 Billy Knoll

​My 1st and only Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, was the 2020 "Momis Komet" Challenge.  I'm happy to report, I was a finisher!  The challenge itself, changed me.  I have much more confidence and endurance as a rider. It's hard to explain, but there is a new sense of spirituality and oneness when I ride now.  I've always enjoyed the freedom that comes from motorcycling, but I now feel it at a different level.

​After meeting and riding with some of the other Hoka Hey riders, I am not as badass as I thought, but I think I have an improved skill set over a lot of others that this Challenge helped me to hone.

If I could give any advice to the new riders, it would be: Ride your own ride!  If you try to push yourself to the skill set of another rider or change the way you have always rode, it could be a recipe for disaster! It's not a race, it's a destination, enjoy the Challenge and all it has to offer!  I would also say to "practice".  Go out and navigate different routes with written turn by turn directions.  If you are not accustomed to sleeping outside on your rides, you'd better get used to it!

After competing in and finishing my first Challenge, I have felt the pull to come back and do it again.  I learned so much the first time and look forward to using my lessons learned to finish a little faster, but at the same time, soak in a little more of the amazing landscape God has created for us to experience!  I am truly blessed with an amazing support system including my wife and 2 boys, my family, my boss and co-workers, my friends and my community as well.  I had folks I didn't even know, encouraging me and donating money to my charities along the ride, through social media and messenger!  It was truly humbling and I couldn't have done any of it without God's guidance and all of their support!  I look forward to raising awareness and money for my same 2 charities from 2020. The Van Wert County Humane Society Shelter and FOA Families of Addicts-Van Wert. During 2020-21, with the help of fellow rider and friend JB #950, we were able to raise over $16,500 to split between the 2 non-profits!

 

 

Meet The New Rider #1085 Randall Chambless

    

Hello from Huntsville, Texas. I rode a Honda Mini Trail a friend of mine got for Christmas in 1969, and I was hooked. I’ve been riding ever since.  It was 1975 before I made enough money to buy my first Harley and I’ve been riding them since.   By the time I got the memo about not being able to ride long distances on anything but a dresser it was too late, I’d already done a few cross country trips on Sportsters and Super Glides.  I catch a lot of crap for not having at least a windshield, but that's ok, it just puts a larger smile on my face at the end of the trip.  If the generation before me did it with hard tail frames and front springers, I can do it with hydraulic shocks and springs.  Touring models are beautiful bikes, and I have nothing against them, just not my style yet. I’ve always ridden as much as I can, and since retiring, ride more.  When I’m not riding I’m getting prepared to ride.

  I came across the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge while looking at websites in about 2012.  I put it on my to do list after I’d retired, as the work I did wouldn't allow me to take that much time off at one shot. The more I found out, the more committed I became to doing it. I like the challenge of completing an old school, long distance ride, with the only reward being bragging rights. Mentoring to young people that you don’t need to have all the modern toys to accomplish a task is something that needs to be continually taught. Sleeping next to my ride will take some getting used to as I haven’t done it since 1988.

  I will be raising funds for the H.E.A.R.T.  Veterans museum in Huntsville, Texas.  They not only have the museum, but also sponsor a number of outreach programs for veterans and their families.  They have close ties with Lone Survivor Foundation, the local American Legion, and VFW.  The link  is funding for their programs with a description of one of the current projects.