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!