Meet The Rider # 1234 Josh Lanzinger

 

 Hello! My name is Josh “Judge” Lanzinger, from Toledo, OH. I wish I could say I’ve been riding
motorcycles all my life, but unfortunately I didn’t get started until later in life (Harley-Davidsons
can get expensive! Lol). But when I finally bought my first motorcycle I took to it like a fish in
water. In fact, long distance motorcycle riding is my first and foremost hobby. I’ve ridden as far
west as Sheridan, Wyoming, and as far south as Miami, Florida. I can honestly say that the only
thing I can think of when I finish a long distance ride is “When’s the next ride?”.

When I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from some fellow riders, I knew it
was something I wanted to do. For me, there is no greater pleasure than hitting the open road and
heading out to the horizon. Feeling the wind in my face and meditating to the hum of the engine
is what brings peace and tranquility to my life.

For my charity fundraising I chose H.O.O.V.E.S, a 501(C) non-profit organization that helps
veterans struggling with PTSD through equine therapy. I’m a veteran myself, and a member of
the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®. We’re all about “Vets helping vets”.

Meet The New Rider # 1158 Dennis Baker

 Hi, I’m Dennis Baker new rider #1158, from NJ. I went in the Navy straight out of high school. When I got out of the Navy I worked in automotive and construction. It was then I met my beautiful wife Allison
who has stood by me for going on 38 years, and she convinced me to go back school. I started on motorcycles as a kid with dirt bikes and had them while I was in school. I bought my first street bike, a 1992 sportster, when I was 27 and never looked back. My primary riding consisted of
commuting to work which I did for close to 30 years until COVID hit and then working remote full time
became the thing.

I first got into long distance motorcycle riding in 2001 when my parents moved from NJ to FL and my
mother wanted me to help my father drive down. Being it was right after 9/11 I didn’t want to fly so I
put my 2001 Electraglide in the back of his truck and drove it down to Ft Myers, FL. I unloaded the bike
the next day and road to Key West. From there using the Harley Atlas (wish they still gave them) I
headed north through Western FL, GA country, NC Mountains into TN, Through PA to NJ.
I have done multiple IBA rides that are certified and dozens that are not, my favorite certified ride was
the 2017 eclipse ride which my wife rode as a passenger. We rode 1200 miles round trip to see the
eclipse. My favorite long distance ride was a solo trip to Alaska for my 50th birthday, from NJ to Prudhoe
Bay, AK and back without a plan.

I want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because it is a Challenge. Daily life can become
mundane and complacent and it’s easy to just trudge through the day to day. The Hoka Hey will test
your limits, push your resolve and make you dig deep to push through it.

The Charity I am riding for is Burlington County, NJ Toys for Tots (donation link below). They are a great
organization located in the same county as Joint Base MDL and 40% of the recipients are our young
heros and their families from the base.
Burlington County, NJ Toys for Tots Amazon List - Hoka Hey Rider 1158

Meet The Rider # 1054 Wayne Skinner

I am returning rider Wayne Skinner, #1054. This will be my 2nd Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I’m looking forward to the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and can’t wait to see everyone in August. I wanted to ride my first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge to see if I had what it took to finish and to see where l measured up to this elite group of motorcyclists from across the country.

 For me it is a personal challenge of spirit, emotion, mental and physical limits. When I finished the 2022 Hoka Hey, I was both excited and disappointed. I think I was more disappointed than excited. There was a realization that it was over. I was excited because I had just completed this challenge I had embarked on, yet disappointed because the journey had come to an end. Little did I know that it was just the beginning of my journey. The growth I have experienced as a person since the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge has far exceeded the 2022 motorcycle ride itself.
Hoka Hey!
Skinner #1054

Meet The New Rider # 1189 Tim McLain

 My life been defended more by what I do as a Living then who I am. My career has now been over 30
years of long hours but extremely rewarding work. I work in the training, safety, and transportation
industry where I have been blessed in my field that has positively affected a lot of lives others and their
families. I am at a point in my life that I need more of a challenge something that defines me other than what I do for a living. I grew up with a passion for riding horses and was fortunate enough to have them throughout my childhood. I believe that's why I love riding motorcycles so much, but it also gives me an opportunity to do something to get away from all the stress of work. When you ride a motorcycle, you can't be worrying about what's happening at the office or anything else that may be going on in your life other than ride your ride. So, what brings me to this point in my life? I have a particularly good friend Gary Allmond who is continually active in Tour of Honor and loves doing IBA riding. Gray and his wife and wife and I were in Maggie Valley in the Fall of 22 using it is a base camp for exploring that part of the Smoky Mountains.

One night Gary invited Robert Saunooke whom he met through Tour of  Honor I believe to dinner with us
at the Casino in Cherokee, NC. When Robert walked in, he was wearing the Mile Monsters Inc Epic Shirt
T-shirt. That's where I first learned about Mile Monsters Inc and the story about the great things, they do
for the DMD kids. It's also where I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. As Robert was
telling me about the Hoka Hey I thought he had lost his mind to do such a thing. The entire time Robert
was telling me this Gary who was sitting opposite of me at the table was looking at me shaking his head
no. When Robert got up to go to the bathroom Gary was telling me how brutal it was and something I
really did not want to do. I admired what Robert and the rest of the Hoka Hey Riders have done but at
that point that's all it was admiration, and I could not see myself doing that. Don't have a problem with
the riding long rides Its was the sleeping beside the bike I had to wrap around my mind. As the months
went by there was something inside me that continued to pull me to the Hoka Hey challenge.

 As I continued to watch the progress that Riot and the other Monsters, in making the lives better for the
children with DMD. I started planning what I would have to do to get my bike ready, in the meantime I
am road with Gary on the Monster 100 and helped him with fundraising. I continued to ride long trips on my bike until I finally could not ignore the call that was drawing me to the challenge. So, the very first day
the applicants or accepted for rookies I made sure I had my application in and was accepted #1189 I’m
determined to finish God willing. Seriously doubt that it would be at the 10 day mark my plan is or more
around the 14 day mark did the finish line. I have been trying to decide between a Veterans organization
or Mile Monsters Inc or both. I collaborate closely with veterans daily and help them get into new
careers so God is calling on me to concentrate on the kids so therefore Miles Monsters Inc. will be my
charity. I hate having to ask for money, but I cannot think of a better cause. Hope to see everybody in
August.

Meet The New Rider # 1190 Lee Brewer

Hi, I am Lee Brewer new Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge rider #1190. Married to my wife,
Tammy of 34 years. We have four beautiful daughters, a great son-in-law, three wonderful
grandchildren, and three dogs. I’m a Marine Corps Veteran and was stationed in Twenty-nine
Palms, CA. 1989-1993. Served in Desert Shield/Desert Storm Sierra Battery 5th Battalion 11th
Marines 1st Marine Division during August 1990-April 1991. I am self-employed and own a
landscaping business. I love spending time outside with my family and this business gives me
the opportunity to provide beautiful spaces for my clients to spend time outside with their
families. I’ve created everything from retaining walls, patios, waterfalls, fire pits, to putting
greens. On my off time, I enjoy riding my motorcycle, traveling, and barbecuing & grilling for
family and friends. My dad bought me my first dirt bike, a mini-bike, when I was about 8. Then
at 12, my dad bought me a larger dirt bike. This is where my love for riding began. The last dirt
bike I purchased was a 98 YZ250 dirt bike that I rode for a few years then gave up riding after
an accident. In 2018 I bought my first Harley, a 2005 Harley Davidson Road King and started
riding again. Since then, have added a 2014 Ultra Limited and a 2021 Road Glide Special to
the collection. I love riding my motorcycles on trips across the country and with my friends. It’s
incredible to see what the country has to offer and meet new people along the way.

I was in Sturgis South Dakota when I first saw someone wearing the patches on their vest and
was told a little bit about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from a friend. So, once I returned
home, I did more research and knew it was something that I was interested in doing. I have had
people ask why would you want to do this? And my answer is why wouldn’t I want to do this.
You get to raise money for your charity of choice, and you get to ride your motorcycle to some of
the most amazing places in North America. I know it’s not for everyone, but for me I’m thankful
for the opportunity to ride in one of the toughest motorcycle challenges ever created. When
reading how Jim Red Cloud first had the idea of this Challenge by dreaming of one thousand
warriors riding one thousand horses charging into battle to defend the weak and innocent, I
knew this was a challenge that I would really love to be a part of.

I will be riding for donations for my chosen charity of K-9 for Warriors. I have a goal of $10,000,
which sounds fitting for a 10,000-mile motorcycle challenge one way. K9 For Warriors was
founded in 2011 by Shari Duval. The headquarters is located in Ponte Vedra FL (outside of
Jacksonville). Inspired by a son who returned from 2 tours in Iraq and developed PTSD. K-9 for Warriors mission is to end veteran suicide by providing highly trained service dogs to
military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and/or military sexual trauma. The
majority of dogs come from high-kill rescue shelters and 80% of all donations go directly to
support programs to rescue, train, and pair service dogs with veterans. I’ve seen firsthand the
stressful situations involved in combat and it is heartbreaking to know that an estimated 20
veterans per day commit suicide. This paired with my love for dogs, makes this organization
one that I am passionate about.

Meet The New Rider # 1162 Kim Henry

My name is Kim Henry. My name in the motorcycle community is Jamaica. I currently reside
in Killeen, TX. I am retired military. I served 27 years in the US Army. I am the mother of two
sons. I have been riding for 20 years. I started out riding on sport bikes and in 2014 transitioned
to the cruiser world. The motorcycle that I am currently riding is a 2017 Road Glide Ultra.

The reason I wanted to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I had seen some of my
friends start to talk about it, so I decided to do some research on my own. After I followed a few
of my Facebook friends during the ride in 2020 I decided that I wanted to participate in the ride.
In 2022 I had registered to complete my USA Four Corners ride so I said 2024 would be my
year. I am excited to challenge myself and ride in one of the toughest motorcycle challenges.

 

Stop-Soldier-Suicide provides free, confidential mental health and wellness care to veterans and
service members via telehealth solutions available in all fifty states. Our team of mental health
professionals collaborate one-on-one with their clients to reduce suicide risk and improve their
overall well being.
I served this country for 27 years and I feel that we must put more emphasis on this issue.
We must ensure that if there is someone out there that is struggling mentally that they know
help is there.

Meet The Rider # 1098 Michael Lamb

I am Michael WrongWay Lamb, from Klein, Texas. I am happily married to my lovely bride, Kelley Baby Doll Lamb. We are empty nesters, enjoying doing "our own thing" at this point in life, which for me is lots of motorcycle riding. I'm blessed that Baby Doll rides her own Harley and is good for 5-600 mile days, so we are able to have some great day trips and overnight trips together. I have ridden all over America for many years, visiting State and National Parks, historic sites, remote forgotten places, twisty roads with cool mountains and streams, the southwest desert, whatever grabs me at the time. I have spent my riding life doing lots of miles for charities related to children, law enforcement, and military veterans.

I'm riding the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge as a personal challenge, and to promote my charity of choice, Mile Monsters Inc. I rode 2022 Hoka Hey, my first, and it was definitely a challenge. I finished in 13 days, 5.5 hours, completely exhausted, learning a lot about my ability to dig deep and never quit...Monsters never quit!!! Hoka Hey also opened my eyes to the struggles of the indigenous peoples in America, and what I can do to help address their issues and needs. I met and befriended several indigenous riders, and they continue to educate me in this area.

I am part of the Mile Monster Inc family. I rode as a Mile Monster in 2022 and will again in 2024. We exist to help boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, DMD, live their best lives. We're not about debating treatments or research. We're about the boys, our Heroes, and their daily lives. We do EPIC rides to raise awareness of DMD and money to help The Heroes. We use that $$$ to buy Hero Haulers (wheelchair accessible vans), ramp systems, lift system, gaming systems so they can be social, daily need items, travel for treatment...whatever they need. We bring The Heroes and their families to events...2022 Hoka Hey finish line, 2023 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally...to make them famous and give them a few days to take their minds off of DMD. We visit The Heroes at homes every chance we get, anything we can do to help them live their best lives. From the moment I heard about Mile Monsters in 2021 and began reading about their mission, I knew that I had to be a part of this family, and help The Heroes live their best lives.

Ride 4 Others | Mile Monsters Inc.
(2) Monsters and Heroes | Facebook
Ride for Others | Mile Monsters Inc.
Charity Riders who compete in Cross Country Endurance Challenges. We ride to raise money and awareness in the fight against childhood disease.
Mile Monsters Inc.

Meet The New Rider # 1234 Josh Lanzinger

 Hello! My name is Josh “Judge” Lanzinger, from Toledo, OH. I wish I could say I’ve been riding
motorcycles all my life, but unfortunately I didn’t get started until later in life (Harley-Davidsons
can get expensive! Lol). But when I finally bought my first motorcycle I took to it like a fish in
water. In fact, long distance motorcycle riding is my first and foremost hobby. I’ve ridden as far
west as Sheridan, Wyoming, and as far south as Miami, Florida. I can honestly say that the only
thing I can think of when I finish a long distance ride is “When’s the next ride?”.

When I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from some fellow riders, I knew it
was something I wanted to do. For me, there is no greater pleasure than hitting the open road and
heading out to the horizon. Feeling the wind in my face and meditating to the hum of the engine
is what brings peace and tranquility to my life.

For my charity fundraising I chose H.O.O.V.E.S, a 501(C) non-profit organization that helps
veterans struggling with PTSD through equine therapy. I’m a veteran myself, and a member of
the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®. We’re all about “Vets helping vets”.

Meet The Rider #980 Jim Hollister

 

Greetings from North Carolina! My name is Jim Hollister, Hoka Hey Rider #980.
If you are reading these bios, but have not participated, I am sure you are coming to the
realization that the Hoka Hey Motocycle Challenge is many things to many people. It is an
incredible adventure, that much is for certain. The experiences it provides and the lessons it
teaches along the way are priceless. I know it isn’t for everyone, and that is OK.
I have participated in two Hoka Hey Motorcycle challenges. The 2020 Challenge was my first. I
had followed the event with great interest for several years beforehand until I was able to give
it a shot. I had no expectations going in, as I had never done anything remotely like this before.
What I really wanted was the Hoka Hey experience, as I came to call it. And it did not
disappoint! It was a whirlwind of things crammed in to 16 days of riding in all kinds of
conditions around the country to places I had never been. Most of it was just awesome, with a
few scary moments thrown in for good measure. But you learn from those.

And so, when it was time for the 2022 Challenge, I was totally in! I was going to take my
lessons learned and apply them to my ride. The big thing for me was mile management. I
wanted to finish in 14 days, and so you gotta cover a certain amount of distance each day. I did
not do a good job of that the first time. There were other things I tweaked to my liking, and I
felt I was doing pretty good managing my days while still enjoying everything around me, which
in all honesty, is the most important aspect of all of this – in my humble opinion. I was on
track! I will tell you that my experience was much different this time, thoughts and perceptions
I had along the way. And I continued to learn and grow from what the challenge provided each
day. Anyway, things were just peachy for 6,114 miles...and that is when I had a catastrophic
engine failure. Dang it! Ugh...geez man, that’s not cool. I weighed my options...this challenge
was done...well, suspended. I do have the remaining route...just sayin’.

So here we are today. After much discussion and debate – primarily with myself but with my
wife Cheryl as well to provide some solid advice and perspective – I have decided to participate
in the 2024 Challenge. Why? Well, with a one-way route going to Homer, AK the allure of this
adventure is strong and if I am being honest with myself, I would never do this otherwise as we
have lots of other cool stuff on our list of things to do! And more importantly, I have her total
support, which is everything! Love and support will get you to where you need to be...I am
thankful for the love and support she gives me each and every day. Armed with that, my faith
and a renewed perspective of the spirit and intent of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I am
truly excited about this grand adventure and riding with:
INTEGRITY...COMPASSION...SACRIFICE...HONOR...RESPECT.

Of course, another great thing about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is the opportunity to
bring awareness to and raise funds for charities or organizations that are near and dear to our
hearts. Our nation’s veterans comprise a small percentage of our population. You’ll find them
living and working in communities all across America. Most folks do not know the things they
may have seen...the holidays they spent away from their families and friends...the sacrifices
they have made. They are patriots who would step up in a heartbeat to once again defend this
nation and our freedoms. Whether they served a few years or made a career of the military,
they call each other brother and sister. Having spent 24 years in the USAF, another 16 years
working for the USAF, and living in the shadow of Fort Bragg, NC for the past 34 years I have
had the distinct honor and pleasure to get to know and work with many of my brothers and
sisters from all branches of the military.  

Unfortunately, through this same experience, I have learned that things like veteran
homelessness...PTSD...and veteran suicide are very real.
Off Road Outreach NC is a local organization that strives to assist veterans experiencing these
and other issues. They are dedicated to serving those who served our country through various
programs such as:
Homeless Veterans Outreach – provides assistance to include mobile showers, food, clothing
and access to essential services such as healthcare and transportation.
Veggies for Vets – strives to provide fresh, nutritious produce to veterans and their families
through community gardens.
Suicide Prevention – committed to preventing suicide among veterans by providing accessible
mental health resources, peer support services and suicide prevention activities.
These folks are awesome, they are committed to our veterans and do great work here in the
community. I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to help them out through generating
awareness as well as raising some funds for them to continue their mission.
Off Road Outreach is an IRS registered and approved 501(c)3 non-profit, public charity
organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Take some time to check them out at www.offroadoutreach.com.
Y’all stay safe out there! Hoka Hey!

Meet The New Rider # 1241 Eugene Berryman-Kamp

Eugene Berryman-Kamp B.M.S, CMInstD

Tena koutou ki Aotearoa, Ko Te Arawa me Mataatua nga waka, Ko Ngati Kearoa, Ngati Whakaue,
Ngati Awa, Ngati Manawa nga iwi, Ko Horohoro ringaringa a kahumatamomoe toku maunga, Kearoa
toku marae, Pokaitu toku awa, ko Eugene Berryman-Kamp ahau, Tena tatou katoa.
Greetings from New Zealand, Te Arawa & Mataatua are the canoes that bought my ancestors to
Aotearoa NZ, my tribes are Ngati Kearoa, Ngati Whakaue, Ngati Awa & Ngati Manawa, Horohoro is
the name of my mountain, Kearoa the name of my tribal village, Pokaitu the name of my stream, my
name is Eugene Berryman-Kamp. I am a General Manager at the NZ Ministry for Environment, a
board member on a number of Maori health & social service agencies & I have ridden motorcycles for
over 40 years. Yeah I’m that old.

I am honored as rider #1241 to be able to accept the wero (challenge) of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2024, as outlined above in my mihi (greeting) I am Maori, indigenous to New Zealand (in our language Aotearoa) & part of the attraction of the Hoka Hey is the kaupapa (purpose) set out by Jim Red Cloud in 2007. I am involved in indigenous affairs in NZ, Canada & the USA, having worked with the Wabanaki confederation of tribes in Maine (Penobscot) and the Lakota in Rapid Springs, focused on
our role as indigenous water protectors, along with a number of 1st Nations in Canada as part of the
Indigi-X program. The indigenous component of the Hoka Hey is a key driver for me, along with the
physical, spiritual, mental & emotional challenge of the ride itself. Our people are wayfinders,
polynesian voyagers, travelling new lands as guests of the home peoples, is part of our culture. I will
be fortunate to be riding alongside my relation Dr Kepa Morgan #1242.

In terms of riding I think I’m up to bike number 9, I have motorcycle toured & camped extensively in
Europe (26 countries, 70 000kms), completed 6 IBA SS1600kms, 2 TT2000 (2000km in 48 hrs) & 6
1KCs (1000km in 1 day) in New Zealand plus ridden in 9 USA states & attended Sturgis so I should
have the long distance riding experience required to undertake the Hoka Hey. My current ride is an
BMW R1200 GS Adventure, but am negotiating to purchase an American V twin for the challenge. My
objective will be to finish within the 14 day time frame to qualify as an elite finisher, also I will be
having to take a considerable amount of leave from work (flights from NZ take 2 days each way) & so
need to focus on completing within the 14 days, to fit in my 3 week annual leave opportunity.

My charity is the Waiariki Womans Refuge, a charity supporting Maori woman escaping domestic
abuse & family violence. I plan to hold a ride day, arrange per mile sponsorship and also hold an
event on my return to Aotearoa NZ, to raise funds for this very worthy cause (website link below).
Waiariki Womens Refuge 

I look forward to joining you at the start line in Daytona, Mauriora, may your life force be well.

Meet The New Rider # 1163 Paul Davis

I’ve been riding motorcycles for fifty-three years now – forty-nine with an actual
license! They have served as my main transportation and as my escape. There
were periods when riding wasn’t as practical, but I’ve always had one, or more,
in the garage. I’ve had the opportunity to see some beautiful, interesting places
and some that I’d rather forget. As the years have passed, I’ve become ever
more obsessed with the ride, with places I haven’t seen, and just getting lost in
the wilderness. Not so sure of the reasons behind this but I suspect it is my
new understanding of the march of time. I’ve got more miles behind me than in
front – I don’t intend to waste any more time.

I have served twenty-nine years in the Army and fifteen years now, post-
retirement, as an Army Civilian. I believe it’s about time to begin my third
career – free-lance moto-journalist! So perhaps writing and photography aren’t
my strong suit, but I can ride! I’m not expecting this new career to be a money
maker, but I won’t be retired. I’ve got many trips across the U.S. and Canada
that have allowed me to patch together 800-mile days, but the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is a
whole new ballgame. I’m looking forward to starting my third career soon and
sharing the road with the riders of the Hoka Hey in ‘24.

My focus charity is “The Wheels Through Time” located in Maggie Valley, North
Carolina. They are a 501c3 not-for-profit museum, dedicated to preserving the
most important parts of American motorcycle history and culture. “The
Museum that Runs” offers an up-close, immersive experience in motorcycling
history. Funds raised will support museum operations, restoration, and
preservation of motorcycling history.

Meet The Rider # 844 Bruce Hippie Rimes

 

I’m 64 and a retired locomotive engineer after 42 yrs with the IC railroad. Married to my high school sweetheart for 49 yrs. Three daughters, one son and nine grandkids and one great granddaughter. This will be my 5th Hoka Hey Challenge. After finishing 13th in 2016 , 18th in 2018 , wrecking about halfway thru in 2020, 35th in 11days 16 hrs in 2022. I can’t wait for this year’s return.

 This year’s theme is"Chiqinik Gheli" (Chic-nik Gelly), which means "Many Thanks" . I’m thankful that I was not hurt in either wreck in 2018 and 2020. (MANY THANKS to JIM REDCLOUD for coming up with the challenge and to BETH for continuing it ❤️❤️) Looking forward again to the great roads and scenery that is in store for us. For the first timers, remember, it’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey that gets you there! My plans are to enjoy the journey and sites to be seen and hopefully make the finish party.

Hippie , the worlds most interesting Biker

Meet The New Rider # 1188 Mike Clark

 I guess my fascination with motorcycles started in my early childhood when my older brother
got an old school minibike with a 3 horse-power engine in it. Of course, it was "his" and I
couldn't ride it, but Mom and Dad over-ruled and I was eventually able to get it moving by
myself, pants caught in the open clutch and all. From that moment on, I was hooked on 2
wheels!

Growing up on a 22-acre horse farm and working on a 200-acre dairy farm led to many
opportunities to ride. My first real bike was a 1974 Honda XR 75. I think I rode it to the moon
and back about 3 times! I loved that little thing! As time went on, my friends and I got bigger
dirt bikes which turned into 3 wheelers then into 4 wheelers which led to racing motocross! I
never finished in the top 10 but I was having the time of my life. Once out of high school, cars
and women were the thing, I traded college for a big block 1970 Z28 Camaro, hindsight is a
killer when I think about that one!

One evening in the early 90's my brother brought home a 1985 Honda V45 Magna. At first, I
thought he was crazy, until he let me ride it! Holy schnikes! I had to have one! Beginning in
1995, my boys Austin (29) and Tyler (26) became my priority with sports, BMX, 4-wheelers, then
motocross, again, growing pains, grandchild, life in general. When the boys were racing, I got
the itch to race motocross again with them, which led me to breaking both ankles and put me in
a wheelchair for 3 months. In early in 2000, I had a grand-mal seizure, in bed next to my ex-wife
thank God, which led to the discovery of a malignant brain tumor. Surgery, radiation, chemo and
24 years later and I’m still stable! I didn't get the opportunity to buy my own street bike until
2005 when my neighbor bought a brand new 2004 Honda VTX 1800C. As a result of his new
purchase, I bought his old Suzuki VS800 Intruder. It was a great starter bike, and I learned a lot
about riding the streets. Things didn't work out for him financially and he ended up selling the
“X” to me. Feeling bad about his financial distress, I gave the keys to the Intruder back to him
and having almost nothing, he shed a few tears and so did I. I've put over 100K on the X since
October of 2005. I did a lot of local riding and bar hopping at first then in 2014, I decided I
wanted to stretch my wings a little farther.

There had been a poster of a covered bridge hanging on the wall at work for about 10 years so
and one day I said where is that? Turns out it was Watson Mill Covered Bridge in Comer, GA,
(675 miles 1 way). So, I made the decision to take a long weekend just to ride through it. As
“practice” before my first “solo” tour, I set out from Northern DE towards Western MD, maybe
300 miles round trip, easy peasy. I’m not scared to admit that I was scared and shaking going
around the Baltimore beltway the first time! All the “what ifs” passed through my mind and I
turned around, defeated, after 100 miles. A few weeks later, full of confidence, I set off on a
glorious 1900-mile round-trip tour of covered bridges and waterfalls throughout VA, GA, NC,
and WV.

A couple of months after my return from that beautiful 9-day trip, another grand-mal seizure,
behind the wheel at work this time. I rear-ended a 3500 series dually while stopped at a traffic
light. Thanks again to God that there were no injuries to anyone involved! Because of this
seizure, the doctor told me that I had leukemia and would need to be on chemo for the rest of
my life. It’s almost as if the seizures were telling me to go to the doctor because something was
critically wrong with me. I’m grateful that the seizures are under control, and I have a new
outlook on life.

I have done quite a bit of solo touring, week long vacations with small riding groups and
sightseeing since then. Now is the time for me to face the ultimate challenge. I cannot wait to
put myself to the ultimate test and find out what I’m really made of on the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge ! In light of the physical and mental fears that I have faced in my lifetime and because of the
challenges that so many men and women face on a daily basis, I have chosen 2 non-profit
organizations to help show people that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and that they are
not alone. My fundraising contributions will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
and

                                                                                                        

Meet The Rider # 305 Kerry Nelson

My name is Kerry Nelson. I live in Sugar Land, TX, just outside of Houston. My finisher coin says that I was rider #305 in the 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I’m a retired Lutheran minister. My wife and I have four kids and three grandkids. She is a very supportive and understanding woman.

 

I entered the first challenge because…it was a challenge. And yes, it changed my life. I came home determined to seek a new job. I basically quit leading group rides and predominantly started riding by myself. And I started doing more motorcycle camping and all the long distance challenges the IBA sanctions that fit my schedule and tiny budget.

 

I’m riding in 2024 specifically to retrace the old route. I want to see those places again, especially now that I’m more prepared to have a great time. I’m not raising money for charity – although I respect all of you who are – because I spent my entire career asking people for money (see above) and I’m retired from that. See you all in August.

Meet The New Rider # 1174 Scott Smith

I started riding when I was 8 or 9 years old. My sister’s boyfriend Russ ( god rest his sole and fuck cancer) told me if I could start it I could ride it. I kicked that enduro until gas was flooding out of the carb. But somehow after what seemed like 1000 kicks, it started and I’ve been in love with motorcycles ever since. I am currently married. My amazing wife Rebecca for the past 10 years treats me like a king. I am truly the most blessed/luckiest man alive. Between us we have 3 kids( all grown and out of the nest) Ashley, Hayley, @  Skyler @ 1  granddaughter, Mazie Jay.  I attended The Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Orlando Florida back in the mid 90’s. I graduated with degrees in early and late model classes. Life’s events led me out of the industry and have been a letter carrier for the usps for the past 17 years.

  

            I will be 55 years old at the start of the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. While following the challenge over the last few years I’ve heard riders say  things like “ the hoka hey will teach something about yourself real quick”.  With that said I’m hoping  the Hoka Hey will actually help me regain my old self as well find a new part of me I never knew was there…. I’ve become lost in the world of planning and strategizing and making sure every little thing is the way life says it’s to be. The younger me only needed my bike @ enough gas money to get there and back , and the rest would just fall into place and a great time was had…I NEED THAT PERSON BACK!! My mantra for the 2024 Hoka Hey Challenge is “NO HURRY NO WORRY”.  I would like to complete the challenge in a reasonable time and make the challenge a challenge but I also want to live every minute of it not chasing an end. 

   

        For the 2024 challenge I have chosen THE CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK at PENN STATE CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL in Hershey Pennsylvania. This charity is very close to my families heart as they ,(with experimental procedures that had only been done once in this country at the time) saved my sons life after a near fatal motocross accident while practising for the upcoming race season, at 12 years old.  His left femur was shattered above the knee and the main vein and artery leading down his left leg were destroyed in the accident . He had surgeries numbering in the teens and although he lost the toes on his left foot from the blood flow being lost for so long they were able to save his left leg from amputation. It as you can imagine if you’re a parent was the worst time in our family’s lives .. Thanks to the Dr.s  and nurses and that experimental procedure he has recovered and has grown into a big man with a big heart. We (my family and friends) have been raising money since the day I received the email confirming I had been accepted. Literally.. I started a sub sale that day. My goal was to raise $5000. As I’m writing this bio we’re at $4500 with 10 months of 2024 to go! 

 My contact with the Children's Miracle Network, (Angela Linton) has told me the money donated to this charity.

I'm supporting Children's Miracle Network at Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital!

be going directly to the children’s hospital in Hershey pa. A big percentage of the money raised locally  here in central Pennsylvania goes to the  Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Newborn / premature babies will get a better chance at life with this money!!!!!

              I would also like to thank my sponsors for this event, Susquehanna Valley Harley Davidson and I just got...   High Strenth Vtwin  and also a special thanks to Leaman Signs for providing my rider number  decals.

Meet The New Rider # 1170 Lee Kibbee

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The three most important and sacred things in my life are God, Country and Family.  God is always first, but much to my wife's dismay the other two are interchangeable because neither can flourish without the other. 

As an avid motorcycle rider I was introduced to the LDR community through the Tour of Honor, America’s Ultimate Long Distance Rider, Ride to Eat Across the USA and Mile Monster Inc., challenges.  I became a member of the Iron Butt Association and have assisted several other riders on their quest to become members as well.  

I watched the 2022 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from the sidelines as riders I knew were disqualified, forced to withdraw or fought tooth and nail to get to the finish line.  Their fortitude and dedication to the challenge along with some other fortunate events sparked an interest and I began reading everything I could about Hoka Hey.  The more I learned the more I knew it was something I had to be a part of.  

It has always been important to me that we as a community stand up and honor our heroes of yesterday, paying tribute to the sacrifices both they and their families made for us.  However, it is equally important to me that we work to ease the burden and sacrifices being made by our heroes of today while simultaneously educating, mentoring and leading the next generation into a position to become the heroes of tomorrow.  As closely as these beliefs align with the vision of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenger I knew my charity needed to have a similar mission.  

                                                      

Friends In Service of Heroes (FISH) is a 501c3 non profit organization that does just that.  To date FISH has provided over 40 Service Dogs, 38 mobility devices, and 9 all terrain track chairs to Veterans to help them live their daily lives.  In addition FISH has assisted over 1,200 veterans financially and adopted over 600 military families during the holiday seasons.  However, FISH originally started as Food Industry Serving  Heroes with the goal of feeding our service men and women who were struggling.  This remains a pivotal part of FISH’s mission with over 8,000 meals provided to date with many of these meals going to disabled veterans and some of the 24% of active duty families who face food shortages each year.   

My campaign, Fill the Pantry with FISH, will be raising funds for FISH to stock food pantries on military installations in Kansas and Missouri.  The veterans and service members standing up for us shouldn’t have to worry about where their families' next meal is going to come from.  Let's help ease their burden.  Donations can be made for FISH right here!

Meet The New Rider # 1231 Sonya Williams

 I’m Sonya Williams and I go by the riding name Kosher. I am rider
#1231. I work for the state of Illinois counseling teachers on their retirement
benefits. I have done this for almost 25 years. I considered retiring but as you
know, this motorcycle life-style is not cheap so I think I will be here a few more
years. In my spare time I like spending time with family and friends, traveling and
of course riding Sparkle, my 2018 Harley Davidson Road Glide. After turning 40, I
decided I wanted to try something new so I learned to ride a motorcycle. I have
been riding for 14 years. Kathy Geary, a co-worker, told me about an annual all
female ride headed to Killeen TX. I had never rode long distance before but I was
up for the challenge and she trusted me enough to get us there and back. Her
trust fueled my confidence and I have been going strong ever since. Kathy is no
longer here but I know she peeks on me from time to time.

Why the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge? I rode to South Dakota in 2022 to support a friend that was
participating. First off, the beautiful landscapes I rode through to get there were
breath taking. I think doing the Hoka Hey would take me through areas just as
beautiful. Secondly, the men and women I met, of all ages from all walks of life
were intriguing. I’m sure the 100 new riders picked to participate in the 2024 ride
will be just as intriguing and ambitious. The camaraderie among them was like none
other. I could see some of the primary objectives of the Hoka Hey right away;
community, peace, friendship and respect to name a few. Sit around with some of
the participants and just listen to their stories and it will be evident to you as well.
A large part of the ride is to raise awareness of Social issues and fundraising for
the Indigenous population.

Being the grand-daughter of a Cherokee freedman, I want to give something back
to the Cherokee Nation. I think this is a great way to honor my grand-father and
Jim Red Cloud. The Cherokee Nation is the organization that I'm choosing to raise
money for. The money collected on my behalf will go towards education services.
Education services provide educational, history, cultural, language, scholarships
and youth leadership opportunities for eligible Cherokee Nation citizens.
Donations can be mailed to: Cherokee Nation, C/O Treasurer Janees Taylor, P.O.
Box 809, Tahlequah, Oklahoma 74465. Please put my name, Sonya Williams
HH#1231, on the memo of the check. You can also make a donation on line at this
site: Cherokee Nation/Online Giving/Donations/create Make
donation in Memory of: Sonya Williams HH#1231

Meet The Rider # 1023 Keith Herve

Hello brothers and sisters,
2024 will mark my third Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I did complete the 2020 and 2022 Challenges. I live in Alaska and heard about the Hoka Hey from an Alaskan friend who attempted the first challenge in 2010, without success. At one point in my life, I had a home in Florida and one in Alaska and have done many motorcycle round trips back and forth so this distance was nothing new to me. The Hoka Hey gives me a purpose to explore the country.

The reasons I want to do it again are:
1. I have no idea where I am going until 5 am the morning of the start. The navigation challenge is
a big part of the adventure for me.
2. I know I am going to see parts of the country I would probably not explore on my own.
3. Finding a place to park and sleep with the bike makes for an interesting challenge and adds an
extra level of adventure.
4. Following a predetermined route is a great challenge and is probably the most exciting part for
me.
5. I want to finish faster than the 2022 challenge.
6. I enjoy the challenge of pushing myself to finish as fast as I can. It is an endurance challenge and
is a different riding style than my normal long-distance rides.
7. I have made some of my best friends in this challenge and look forward to expanding my riding
family.
My nonprofit is Shriners Childrens Hospital. I have been involved with Shriners for over 50 years.
Shriners Hospitals are the world leaders in childhood neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn
injuries and other special health care needs. All children are eligible for admission and there
is no charge to the family for the care.

Love To The Rescue donations can be made here