I am William “Bookie” Boekholder, rider #1205 from Freeport, Illinois. I've been riding since I bought my first motorcycle in Anchorage Alaska in 1983 while stationed at Elmendorf AFB, yes, I'm a proud Air Force Vet. I did take a few years off when my wife Kate of 37 years and I were raising our two boys, but never have I been without the bike I bought in Alaska and did ride it occasionally. Currently I am riding a 2016 Victory Cross Country Tour that we bought brand new and have put 70K wonderful miles on it since then. I have my Vic set up to pull a trailer, so most of those miles have been Kate and I traveling, pretty much from coast to coast. A few hobbies that I do besides riding motorcycles include golf, hunting and riding my bicycle. When I initially signed up for this ride, I was number 135 which put me 35 on the waiting list of getting in. I was very surprised to get a text and a call 2 months out from Junie and subsequently Beth telling me that I am in the challenge. Being included means that 35 other riders have dropped out for one reason or another and I need to acknowledge them for their sacrifice in giving up their positions. For this I am deeply grateful and hope those 35 are able to participate in future Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.
I learned about this challenge from one of the original riders, Dennis “Cleaver” Yeager, rider #193. The Hoka Hey patch that he had on his vest caught my eye while we were on a ride one Saturday. When I questioned him on it and he explained it to me, I wanted to do it. This year presented itself to me as the optimum time to do this as I just retired as an aircraft mechanic working for Collins Aerospace in Rockford Illinois, so I have the time.
The organization I will be riding for is the DarkHorse Lodge in Springville, Tennessee. They are a retreat for combat veterans from all branches of service to come to relax, fish on Kentucky Lake, enjoy area activities and communicate with others who have walked in their boots. all at no cost to them. Their mission statement is “Honoring our nation's heroes by providing a peaceful atmosphere for combat veterans to enjoy rest, relaxation and recreation.” They are a 501(c)(3) organization that operates off of donations. Please find it in your heart to donate to this great cause at www.darkhorselodge.org.
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