Meet The Rider # 953 Jesse Alexander

Hello, my name is Jesse Alexander, rider #953.


I have had the pleasure of finishing the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2020 and look forward to this year.  I was all set for 2022 and even got as close as York, NE, while heading to the start in SD, but was just still too sick from Covid I caught ten days earlier.

Like many other riders, I have spent a lot of time on two wheels, starting with bicycles and racing BMX, then onto street motorcycles (but not racing).

This year, I am riding to support Veterans through The Dog Alliance Hounds for Heroes.

https://milesoftexas.com/hhmc

I look forward to seeing everyone in Daytona!

Meet The Rider # 814 Robert Saunooke through his Wifes Eyes

1. 

   
   Have you seen any change in Your rider since they started riding the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge? If yes, what?
    
   Rob's first Hoka Hey was 2014 to Alaska.  He had never done anything like it before and was of what to expect.  He would call at the end of each day and would basically say "things are going good, I am closer to the next checkpoint than home so I guess I will just keep going."   By the time he got to Montana he was a different person.  His calls changed to calls of thankfulness, gratitude and emotion.  Each day he made it to the next stop he found miracles and perspective he did not have before.  The ride changed him for the better.  He was more peaceful, humble, and forgiving.  He found an appreciation for the things that he had forgotten or gotten distracted from in the past.   His approach to all aspects of life have been so much different and his love for the world, people, and things around him increased.

    

   

   
    
   
   
2. Why do You continue to support their efforts?
    
   The relationship between Rob and the other riders means so much to him.  He truly cares about each of them.  Rob feels each rider that goes down or gets hurt.  It is literally a physical part of him now.  I cannot remove it from him and support him simply because it is a part of him.  Each ride he does returns to me a better person.

    

   

   
    
   
   
3. What part if any do you have in their adventure?
    
   I make sure everything is ready for his trip.  During the ride I simply let him ride his ride and find myself primarily providing emotional support and words of encouragement.  In 2014 as he crossed into Canada he was doubting himself.  I got all of his friends to send him facebook messages and text messages to keep him going and lift his spirits.  It worked and he finished the journey.

    

   

   
    
   
   
4. Why do you think they keep coming back?
    
   I think that when you do the Hoka Hey and complete the journey it becomes a part of you that you cannot remove.  I used to think it was more for the challenge, but now I think it is more for time to heal, recharge your soul, and allow you to reconnect with yourself.  I think Rob keeps coming back to try and recreate what he felt and experienced on the first Hoka Hey.   It also helps him clear his head from all the stress and pressure of his job so that he can come back and really do what he needs to do.

    

   Rob will be riding for Mile Monsters Inc. donations can be made here.
   

Meet The Rider # 618 KC Aston

My wife & I were on a ride of our own doing the Route 66 with a different group of Harley riders awhile ago. We stopped for fuel in Flagstaff AZ and while fueling up we came across a different group of riders. They said they were riding the Hoka Hey. I asked "What's that?" They said they were on a cross-country ride from Key West FL and ending in Homer Alaska. I thought "that's a long way" and they said that's over 12,000 miles, which they were hoping to accomplish within the next 14 days. My wife & I continued our trip on the Route 66 to San Diego CA. On finishing our ride, I started to look up information on the Hoka Hey and found that it was a fundraiser for the Pine Ridge Reservation, the Lakotas. I became interested in finding out more about it and found they were doing another ride the following year.

I got online & found out what needed to be done to become a participant, and filled out all the paperwork & paid my entry fee & patiently waited for the ride to begin from Mesa AZ to Nova Scotia. I rode from Denver to Mesa & prepared myself for the adventure to come. Not knowing what to expect, I was eager to see if I was able to ride 1,000 miles a day & sleep on the rode & to complete the ride. My intentions were good. After 7 days of riding, I found myself in Colorado going to Grand Junction for one of the stops where we got our next set of directions. After a 5-hour rest, I headed off back towards Denver following the route to the next stop, but I had motorcycle issues & broke down & since I lived in Colorado, I went home & said I was still going to complete the ride, although I had to do it in my pickup truck. I continued in my truck & drove to Nova Scotia following the directions I was given. I was able to be at the finish line about 1/2 a day before the first rider appeared who had ridden the route in full on his motorcycle.

From that trip, I found that this was some challenge that I wanted to try again and waited for the next information for the next ride which was the following year. I signed up & rode that ride & found finishing enhanced my spirituality & my faith in myself that I could accomplish these things. The people I rode with for periods of time, the people I met have become friends that I look forward to seeing at each Hoka Hey challenge in the future. I am looking forward to finally being able to do the Homer Alaska Challenge this year so I can say I have done one of the three that they've done. Hope to see everyone in Daytona for this 2024 challenge. I am thankful to be able to support the Kenaitze People.

Rider 618 K.C. Aston  Thank you all for your support and friendship.

Meet The Rider # 1057 Tim Owens

Hi I am Tim Owens Hoka Hey 1057!  I am 46 years old married with 3 boy the ages 26, 22, 15. I enjoy spend time with my family going moto camping, fishing, and of course riding motorcycles. IMG_1314
I have rode and completed the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2022 but when I heard about going to Alaska this was an adventure that I had to jump on quickly! 

 

I will be riding to raise money for LRMC making Christmas Happen! They raise money to provide Christmas for Burleson County for kids in need. They also provide Christmas to the two nursing homes and the assisted living. Which all proceeds are raised through non profit. The Line Riders have been providing Christmas for 20 years with the help and generosity of others! Thank You! Any of these links can be used yo make donations.


Tim Owens Venmo

Tim Owens PayPal  

Meet The New Rider # 1166 Ren Apolonio

I moved to US from Brazil in 1997. I have been riding motorcycles for almost 30 years.
I have always loved riding and being able to see all this country has to offer.
Besides being a Auto body tech, spending time with my wife and son Maddox and riding  motorcycles are of my favorite ways to spend my time.

I learned about Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2021 on a road trip  back for bike week in Daytona FL. 10K miles in 14 days. I was like how do I sign up? This is my first challenge, I am excited to challenge myself, see some more of the country and raise money for a worthy cause. My wife Shara and my son Maddox will be routing me on at the finish line in Alaska. I am very excited for this new experience !
 

Meet The New Rider # 1154 Rod Almeida

 My name is Rodrigo Almeida. I am 39 years old and originally from Brazil, but currently, I live in Texas. I will actually be celebrating my 40th birthday soon after returning home from the Hoka Hey Challenge! I've been married to my wife, Melissa, for 15 years, and we have two kids, a 12-year-old daughter and an 8- year-old son. They are both heavily involved in various sports. I work as a crane operator for an OSB Mill, but in my spare time, I enjoy riding motorcycles, riding horses, team roping, camping, and any type of outdoor adventure.

I wanted to do the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge this year as I have recently completed a couple of Iron Butt challenges. Now, I want to keep expanding on my long- distance rides. I love the idea of how this ride will really push you to get out of your comfort zone, camping by your bike, just real-life roughing it, and with a common goal in mind. This is a great opportunity to meet fellow Bikers who enjoy just getting on their bikes and going with no end in sight, while also benefiting a cause very close to my heart. I try to appreciate each and every day I am blessed with, but sometimes I also know I unintentionally take for granted the days that I am given. I know this ride will be an eye-opener and a reminder to live each day to the fullest because you never know what's in store for you.

I chose to raise money for the Pancreatic Action Network. It has been almost three years since I lost my sister to this terrible cancer at just 39 years old. She only survived four months from the time she
received the diagnosis, even with the aggressive treatment plan she was on. Unfortunately, with pancreatic cancer, by the time it is discovered, it is typically too late to survive. I want to be able to help an organization that is doing advanced research on this cancer, to either find more advanced treatment plans or even learn how to identify it sooner so patients have a fighting chance. This network also advocates for their patients and works with pancreatic cancer specialists for the best care and the best outcomes. Any new development can only be a step in the right path, so any amount is never too small to help this organization. I can’t wait to gear up and get to the starting line of the Hoka Hey Challenge!

Meet The New Rider # 1201 Dan Dyell

Hi there, my name is Daniel "Dan" Dyell, and I am rider #1201.

I was born and raised in Detroit, MI the "Motor City". While growing up I used to spend summers at Harsen's Island. You must take a ferry to the island. My Uncle had a cabin there and had several bikes in the garage. Anything from minibikes (with no brakes), 3 wheelers, Honda Trail 90, Honda 125, and a few larger bikes. That's where I learned how to ride during the summers around the cabins and on the island. Later in my teens we moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL and my Dad had a 1979 HD 1200, I said one day I will own one like that. My Dad found an old 1979 Puch Moped, since I was only 15, we worked on it and got it running. I rode that Moped all over Fort Lauderdale and loved it (didn't need a license because it was less than 50cc). Later in life when I got a license, I rode a 1973 Yamaha Virago for a while then my life changed in my mid-twenties. I joined the United States Marine Corps and became an aviator flying as an Aerial Navigator on KC-130 Aircraft, after 2 years of schooling and living in several places I wasn't able to have a bike. I then moved and lived in Okinawa, Japan for 2 years, then moved to Stewart ANGB in Newburgh, NY. While there for 4 years I deployed to the Middle East in the Iraq war on 3 deployments and traveled all over the world, life was busy. I returned to Okinawa for 2 more years then back to NY to finish my career out for 10 more years. In that time, I refreshed my riding skills with the Motorcycle Safety Course, bought a Kawasaki Ninja 1000 and starting riding all over NY. After 20 years in the Marine Corps flying on KC-130 Aircraft, combat deployments, traveling to 51 countries and US Territories, going to 49 States, and earning several medals and ribbons, I retired as a Gunnery Sergeant and moved to East Tennessee.

I started riding all over East TN and found out that although I loved the speed and handling of a Ninja, I was ready to get a cruiser bike. I found a 2005 Honda 1300C and started working on it and transforming it into a great cruiser. I then took off for Sturgis in 2021 and after two weeks riding and meeting new friends, I chose to continue west to MT and WY. I thought why not I was retired. By the time I got home after 3 weeks I rode almost 6,000 miles and went through 10 states. It was so fulfilling to be out there traveling alone and unafraid. Since then, I have finally bought my Harley, 2015 CVO Street Glide, sold my Honda 1300C and returned to Sturgis annually and met many amazing biker friends from all over. I have met my wife who lived in East TN during this period and married her last year in Sept. 2023. She loves riding as a passenger and is my ride or die partner.  I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from one of my friends who completed the 2022 challenge, rider #1108. During that year at the campground in Sturgis we talked all about the Hoka Hey and he suggested I sign up for the 2024 Hoka Hey and I was accepted to the 2024 challenge. I rode to the 2023 Hoka Hey Rendezvous in Eagles Nest, NM and met the coordinators, heard the stories of the other riders, and watched as they gave out awards to those so deserving of them. I am very excited to challenge myself for this event in 2024. I know I have the riding skills, the time, the patients and my Marine Corps training and combat deployments have prepared me physically, but more mentally for this challenge too. There will be tough times on the road ahead but with perseverance and a positive mental attitude, I know I can get through the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

I haven't chosen a non-profit organization. I have thought a lot about many different military organizations to help other veterans, but I didn't. I belong to the VFW - Veterans of Foreign Wars and AMVETS - American Veterans. This event I will be riding for all those who I have served with who lost their lives in combat and peacetime over my 20 years of service. I will also be riding for my father who lost his battle with cancer in 2017 and my dog who recently passed away in May 2024 from a tumor and cancer. So, it was difficult to not just choose one organization, but I will not be alone on the open road this year. See you all at the starting line in August 2024.

Meet The New Rider # 1229 Van Huddleston

Born in Arkansas on 911, 46 years before it became a patriotic holiday 13 years before it became an emergency phone number and another 8 years before it became my work phone .  My family moved to Texas when I was 2 weeks old.  My dad was in the construction business and we moved every year to a different state Colorado, Utah, S Dakota , Mississippi, Louisiana and Oklahoma . After all this we landed in Paris Tx  While living in Paris I got my first motorcycle at 15.   It wasnt much , a red Honda 65, but it got me around and I loved it.

 Then in my soph year we moved to to Mesquite Tx where I graduated High School and bought a used Honda 450 which I rode everywhere I went , sometimes with scuba tanks and gear strapped aboard .  I majored in aviation technology for a couple years at a local community college until I couldnt afford any more flight time.  I changed my major to Political science and accepted an athletic scholarship At Grambling State University in Louisiana .

 

  In my senior year there a recruiter was at the college from the Houston Police Dept.  I needed a J-O-B so  I applied.  I hit the tough streets of central Houston  as a cop at 20 yrs old before I could even legally buy my own ammunition much less a handgun.  I was a patrolmen for almost 8 years and transferred to the helicopter patrol where I spent a few more years . After a divorce and second marriage we were ready to get out of Houston.  I moved my new bride and two kids both to the Dallas area and went to work for the Mesquite Police Dept .  We built a house on acreage east of Dallas near Wills Point where I commuted 90 miles rt daily on my 750 Honda . I spent my final 15 years as a detective in various divisions as well as being a SWAT team member. While with MPD I was the dept coordinator for the Texas Law Enforcement Torch Run benefitting the Special Olympics of Texas.  The athletes and the program itself became very important to me over the years.

I owned a lot of Hondas over the years including two Gold wings and a CBX 6 cyl beast.  After retirement from MPD I got my first Harley Electra glide and joined a veteran/ LE Mc club .  I started doing the Tour of Honor in about 2003 and would mix in an Iron Butt ride occasionally. 

A couple years ago I became aware of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from several of the TOH riders and right away knew I wanted to be a part of it.  Within a month of signing up for HH 2024 I had some heart issues that required surgery .  My goal then was to recover fully before August 2024 .  Then having recovered sufficiently to ride just a couple weeks before the 2024 Tour of Honor was to kick off,  I was ambushed by a man in Houston while doing a rideshare . I ended up with 40 stitches and multiple fractures of my left orbital socket . Three surgeries later my goal was once again to recover for the August 4 2024 Hoka Hey.   I haven't had a lot of opportunity to do much fund raising for the Special Olympics but will get something going before August .  

Today , just two months before we embark I feel confident im getting back into riding shape .  I look forward to the challenge and the opportunity to join such an exclusive group of men and women on this epic journey of self discovery!

Meet The New Rider # 1177 Robert McCraight

Greetings everyone! My name is Robert "Bobby" McCraight and I am rider #1177.  I was born and raised just outside Detroit Mi. and I've been here my entire life. From the minute I first threw my leg over a friend's YZ 60 back in the day, I knew riding on two was for me. Like most here, I started on dirt bikes, then to sport bikes and then grew up and slowed down on a cruiser. There's something about that wind therapy that just puts everything in the mirror....obviously y'all get it.

 

 
  I've been married to my wife Kendra for 11 years now. Yes, she rides too. She hasn't been on the back of mine since we picked up her '72 and got her riding a few years back. We have 2 kids 27 and 30, with 4 grandbabies...#5 will be due right around the time I am rolling into Homer! Life hasn't been with out struggles but I have to say I am blessed more than I deserve. 

  The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge has been on my radar for a few years, but life always found a way to say "not this year". But I saw my opportunity in 2024 and jumped on it! All in! I can't wait to meet the HH fam in Florida in a couple months. From what I've seen already, you seem like a pretty incredible bunch. 

  My charity I will be riding for is called, Foundation 14. "F14' is a non-profit that I helped build that is dedicated to keeping our veterans riding. Our tasks range from repairs a veteran may not be able afford to make due to some financial hardships, all the way to a complete rebuild to accommodate a prosthetic. In just 8 years, we've been able to help 28 combat veterans get their knees in the breeze! We partner with the veteran,  customize the bike to fit their taste as well as make any modifications neccessary to suit any physical disability. We don't just give them a bike and go on our way, we make sure our warfighters stay engaged and help to pay it forward to the next veteran. The therapy isn't the bike, it's the family and support system that comes with F14 that is the real medicine.  A healthy alternative. To become part of a cohesive unit working together to heal mind, body and soul. Our govt. does an incredible job preparing our soldiers for combat, but we are sorely lacking on training to help them return home.
 Please check out our social media to get a better feel for our mission and our work.
  See you all in a coupe months!

 Bobby #1177

Meet The New Rider # 1122 Bradley Thomas

My mother always said, be careful what you wish for…
It was 2010,I had just rolled into Sturgis with a lifelong friend.
On the longest motorcycle ride Either of us had ever been on (1200 miles in about three days).
It was there that I saw a poster, and a man speaking about a half million in gold.
It was at that moment I told my buddy Dave, I wish that we could give that a try sometime,
Gee whiz, as Alaska kids, all we gotta do is get home.

Fast forward 11 years later, my wife and I had just finished a Coast to Coast in under 50 hours.
It was that evening at dinner that we met some Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge riders,                          and we all shared our tales from the road
Most of them thought that we were out of our minds for riding together that far…
That evening, on the way back to the hotel my wife said, I think you “found your tribe”
They speak your language.

Speaking of my tribe,
My lovely wife of 29 years  Vicki Vuarnet,Our daughter Sheena,
2 Newfoundlands and 2lynx

I volunteer with the Elks Lodge, Family kitchen, Veterans & Christmas Baskets

I am grateful for the opportunity to spread awareness
The charity I will be riding for is Mile Monsters Inc.
Thank you for # 1122 (according to mama, it’s my birth weight in kilograms)1.122 .
Bradley H Thomas
Bend, Oregon
HH # 1122

Meet The Rider # 836 Jim Fish

 I always look forward to the next Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. There is no other ride that even compares. For the first time riders you will either hate the navigational challenges, sleep deprivation, gas
station food, bad weather, bike breakdowns in the middle of nowhere or you will become addicted
to the technically difficult roads, the best scenery in the country, solitude and the pride that you
had the self-determination to finish the Challenge. This is not a race against other riders but an
individual soul search to accomplish more than you knew you were capable of.

On my first challenge I was truly blessed to have experienced riders Bill, Wendy and Jim take me
under their wings to teach me how to navigate, where to sleep, staying hydrated, etc. Their lessons
were invaluable.

Since then, I have learned I need to ride solo as it was very difficult to match sleeping schedules
with anyone else for days in a row. After 4-5 days sleeping only 2 hours was not enough and I
needed to add another hour in the afternoon to get through the evening hours. Everyone is different
and you will find what works best for you.

I must thank Beth and all the Challenge organizers for continuing what is now a tradition. Everyone
should show their appreciation to this group of dedicated individuals as they continue to create the
best riding experience possible.
Jim Fish
#836

Meet The New Rider # 1233 Portia Boyce

 

 My name is Portia “Incredible” Boyce. I currently work as a Bookkeeper in a non-traditional
middle school in the Cumberland County School District. I am also the National Vice President
of the Bessie Belles Riding Club Inc. The Bessie Belles Riding Club is named in honor of Ms.
Bessie Stringfield (1911-1993), who was the first known African American woman to ride solo
across the country on a motorcycle 8 times in the 1930’s. As was Ms. Stringfield, I too am a
motorcycle enthusiast and I am very passionate about the sport of motorcycle riding.

 

I grew up riding motorcycles, and have been in some capacity on a motorcycle since the age of 3. My
father taught me how to ride motorcycles at a very young age, and I will forever be grateful to
him for that. Over the years I've ridden 100's of thousands of miles. I’ve ridden many different
models and sizes of motorcycles just to name a few: Honda 750, Suzuki 1000, Hayabusa 1100,
Honda Goldwing 1800, and I’m currently riding a 2016 Harley-Davidson Street Glide Special.
Riding motorcycles for me offers a unique sense of freedom that is unmatched by any other
experience. The wind in my face, the open road ahead – it's a feeling of liberation that fills me
with joy and excitement. The passion for riding fuels a unique connection between myself and
my iron horse, creating an exhilarating experience every time I hit the road. My passion for
riding motorcycles has taken me from coast to coast 5 times. I’ve completed many IronButt
Association (IBA) Challenges. I’m a 7-year participant of the annual Bessie Stringfield All-
Female ride. Which has given me the opportunity to ride with women from all over the country
such as myself who share the same passion for the open road. The lead road captain and one of
23 women to complete the 48 States in 8 days as a group in IBA history. I’ve completed the IBA
Ride Around Texas Challenge (R.A.T.) as a Gold Insanity finisher (completed in under 72
hours). I am 1 of 15 women to certify the IBA Bessie Stringfield Civil Rights SaddleSore. Yes,
I have ridden many documented miles. Yet, I have countless undocumented miles. I feel I can
say with confidence, and most would agree, that I have a very respected and impressive riding
resume. I have a true passion and talent for riding motorcycles and pride myself in being a very
skillful rider. I respect the motorcycle and the motorcycle respects me.

Anyone who knows me knows that I never compete with anyone other than myself and every
time I straddle my motorcycle I strive to be a better rider. Which I feel has prepared me for such
an endurance challenge as a Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge participant. I’m very humble to have been
chosen as one of the elite riders to participate in the toughest ride for the toughest of the toughest
riders on Earth! I’m super excited about embarking on this journey of becoming a Hoka Hey
Challenge Finisher. Taking part in the most demanding motorcycle journey with the most
resilient riders on Earth is going to be a thrilling adventure that will push my riding, critical
thinking skills and boundaries to the absolute limit. I am super excited and up for the challenge!
Let’s Go!! Hoka Hey!!!

As a mother of a child with Autism. I will be riding in honor of those with Autism such as my
son, and raising money for Autism Awareness. Autism awareness is crucial in fostering
understanding and acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum. By increasing awareness,
we can promote inclusivity and create a more supportive environment for those with autism. It is
important to educate others about the unique strengths and challenges that individuals with
autism may experience, as well as the different ways they may communicate and interact with
the world. Building a society that values neurodiversity and embraces individuals with autism for
who they are is essential in creating a more compassionate and inclusive community. Let us
continue to spread awareness, acceptance, and kindness towards individuals with autism.
Every donation, no matter how big or small, contributes to creating a more inclusive and
understanding society for individuals with autism. Together, we can make a difference and show
our support for Autism Awareness in a truly impactful way. Thank you in advance for supporting
my charity that is near and dear to my heart.

Food for thought: If riding through the countryside or cruising along the coast line, the joy of
riding is not just in the destination, but in the journey itself. Embrace the freedom, the
exhilaration, and the sheer bliss of being one with the road. And always remember, the ride is
yours to enjoy – so live in the moment and savor every second of the extraordinary experience.
Much Love & Respect,
Incredible
#TripleB
Beauty, Brains, and Braaap!!
.

Meet The Rider # 1038 Gene Fiamma

In 2022 I completed my first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in a total of 16 days. It was one of the
greatest adventures and accomplishments of my life. I am focused on the 2024 Hoka Hey and will take
what I learned from 2022 and apply it to this upcoming Challenge. My goal is to become an Elite
Finisher by crossing the Finish Line in less than 14 days.
I have spent many hours tinkering with my bike set-up and with my sleeping arrangements in order to
achieve my goal of finishing in under 14 days. I have shelves in my garage filled with items I have
purchased, tested, and decided against using on the Hoka Hey for all kinds of reasons. But as we
approach the August 4th start date, I have finalized my set-up that works well for me. All of the tinkering
over the past year and a half is an aspect of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge that I really enjoy.
When I am not working or spending time with my family and 2 dogs, I spend a lot of time on my
motorcycle as the leader of the Ft. Lauderdale Harley-Davidson Drill Team presented by Palm Beach
Harley-Davidson. We are a precision motorcycling team that performs at charitable events throughout
the southeastern United States. I have been a member of the Drill Team since 2012 and have
performed in dozens of shows.

 

Just like in 2022, I want to ride the upcoming Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge to test my resourcefulness
and my motorcycling skills, to push myself mentally and physically through long days of riding, and to
earn the accomplished feeling of successfully achieving a tremendous goal. In addition, I will assist other
riders in the Challenge to also achieve their goal of finishing, whether that means helping with a
mechanical issue on their bike or encouraging them with positive words to keep them going during the
difficult moments. We are all in this together, whether in life or during the Hoka Hey Motorcycle
Challenge, and I am very aware of that fact.
The organization that I have chosen to support is the Bull Terrier Rescue of Central Florida. In May 2023,
my 10 year old female English Bull Terrier passed and I continue to miss her every day. Bull Terriers are
a very special breed of dog and I have come to cherish them. By donating to the Bull Terrier Rescue of Central Florida, my contribution will help to offset the costs of the fostering and adoption process that
will allow Bull Terriers in need of loving families to be re-homed rather than to be euthanized.

The 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will be a journey that will test the motorcycle riding skills, the
mental strength, the stamina, the endurance and the resourcefulness of all participants. Each rider will
be forced to “figure it out” to successfully complete the Challenge. I am looking forward to my time
spent with the other riders before, during and after the completion of the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle
Challenge!
Chiqinik Gheli
---Gene Fiamma, Rider #1038

 

Meet The New Rider # 1173 Gary Ranne

My name is Gary. I am not much of a writer, but I am a follower of Jesus, a husband, a father, a grandfather a veteran and many more things, just ask my wife 😊 I have been doing support of one sort or another my entire career. I did avionics in the USAF on the F-111, have been a support engineer in robotics, telecommunications, and have been doing software support for Microsoft since 1995. I currently lead a team of support engineers. In my spare time I like to follow many of my passions: riding motorcycles, camping, traveling, woodworking, and renovating/remodeling my house. My most recent pursuit is to get my certifications as a master life coach because there is nothing that excites me more than helping others grow and achieve their goals.

 

It has been a long journey to the Hoka hey Motorcycle Challenge for me, here is an article I wrote about it From Suicidal to the Hoka Hey: MY STORY of Survival, Rescue and Adventure - Ranne Adventures (ranneon2wheels.com). I have struggled with depression my entire life and in January of 2022 I was losing the battle. I wound up having to be hospitalized and was diagnosed with several issues. That was a turning point for me. I was put on meds and a couple of different treatments. Shortly after I came back to work, I was talking to a teammate of mine about the things I wish I could do before I got too old to do them, one of which was the Hoka Hey. My friend shot down every excuse I had and encouraged me to reach for my dream now instead of waiting. Of course, I had to wait until the new rider sign-up opened. As soon as it did, I put my name in the hat. I was so excited when I found out that I was accepted! You see, my time on the motorcycle during long trips has always been a time of solitude with God for me. I can’t wait to see what God is going to show and teach me on this part of my journey.

 

I have themed my ride as “Riding for the Children, Born and Yet to Be”.  I am working to raise awareness and money for three different organizations that are special for me.

    The International Justice Mission (IJM): IJM is dedicated to fighting against human trafficking, modern-day slavery, and other forms of injustice. Their tireless efforts bring hope and freedom to those who need it most.
    Mid Cities Women's Clinic: Supporting women’s health and empowerment, Mid-Cities Women’s Clinic provides essential services, education, and resources to women in our community.
    Blue Haven Ranch: Blue Haven Ranch is a sanctuary for courageous women that care for their children in challenging, complex situations. They help with Living Space, Discipleship and Farm Therapy.

To donate to any of the above charities, please go to their site and make the donation directly to them in honor of Gary Ranne. This will allow them to track how much we raise so I can let everyone know the impact that we made when we are done.

 

If you would like to financially assist me, you can Zelle money directly to ranneon2wheels@outlook.com, or send me an email to garyra@outlook.com and we can set up another way for you to help.

Learn More and Follow My Journey here at RanneOn2Wheels.com to stay updated on my training, preparations, and the ride itself.

Remember, the site is still under construction, but I promise to share all the exciting updates as they unfold.

Let’s ride together for a better world!  Feel free to connect with me, and let’s make a positive impact!

 

Thanks,

Gary Ranne

Rider #1173