Meet The New Rider # 1301 Erik Azar

About Me

My name is Erik Azar, and my love for motorcycles started when I was six years old. My dad came home one day with a used Honda QA50, and that little dirt bike changed everything for me. In my teens my parents didn’t allow me to own a motorcycles while I lived at home, but the moment I moved to Silicon Valley for work in my early twenties, I bought my first bike to commute between San Francisco and Mountain View. I’m not loyal to a single brand or type of riding style, I love all motorcycles and I’m willing to try any style of riding.

That daily ride quickly became something much bigger. I spent weekends racing amateur events and exploring the mountain roads of Northern California with friends. When I started a family, riding took a backseat to raising three kids and building a career, but the pull toward adventure never went away. It was just waiting for the right moment to come back.

Why I Want to Ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

In late 2021 and early 2022, I lost both of my parents. That loss forced me to stop and think about where my time and energy were going. I realized I’d drifted away from the things that once fueled my sense of purpose. With my kids grown and on their own, it felt like the right time to reclaim a part of myself that had been on pause. I created a website to begin sharing my adventures called Life Unpaused, although I’ve not been as good as I’d hoped about keeping it up to date. I’m too busy out riding.

In 2022, I got back into motorcycling and discovered the world of long-distance adventure travel. I traded my old Harley-Davidson Road Glide for a BMW R1250GS Adventure and spent that year exploring backroads and BDRs, covering over 10,000 miles. One night at a BMW club meeting, I heard someone talk about riding from Key West to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska. The moment I heard it, I knew I had to see if I could do it too.

 

In 2023, I rode solo from St. Augustine, Florida, all the way down to Key West and then up to the Arctic Ocean via the Dempster and Dalton Highways—over 16,000 miles in four weeks. That ride pushed me harder than anything else I’ve ever done and reminded me how alive I feel when I’m out there testing my limits. I raised just under $5000 for the American Lung Association in honor of my parents.

The next summer, while living on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula for the summer, I watched Hoka Hey riders pass through Soldotna. I stood on the roadside cheering them on and following their progress online with daily updates from KSolo’s Podcast. There was something powerful in watching that kind of focus and determination roll by—the spirit of grit, purpose, and truth that defines what the Hoka Hey is all about.

My Charities and Fundraising

Cancer took my mom in 2022, and I’ve lost more than a few friends to it over the years. It’s a disease that touches nearly every family in some way. 

For 2026, I’m raising funds for the Child Cancer Fund, a Northeast Florida organization that’s been helping families through childhood cancer for more than 30 years. They provide not only financial help for medical expenses but emotional support when it’s needed most.

 

 

I’m also raising money for Mile Monsters, a group dedicated to fighting Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)—a rare and aggressive form of muscular dystrophy that primarily affects young boys.

The Hoka Hey Challenge, for me, is more than a test of endurance. It’s a chance to live by the values that sit at the heart of the ride—respect, honor, integrity, and compassion—while pushing myself and giving back in the process. Riding for these kids and their families adds deeper meaning to every mile.

If you’d like to support my fundraising effort, please visit my website or donation links below. Let’s ride with purpose, push limits, and make every mile matter.



My travel blog and charity info:Life Unpaused


Donate to the Child Cancer Fund:Child Cancer Fund


Donate to Mile Monsters:Mile Monsters Inc


Erik “Glitch” Azar
HH #1301

Meet The New Rider # 1318 Jonathan Vallejos

 

Hello fellow Riders,

I am Jonathan “Juan Juan Huevos” Vallejos New rider #1318 and I am excited to be joining you for the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Before my enlistment in the NM Army National Guard, I gained leadership in the civilian world while working as a Wild Land Fire Fighter for 3 years, becoming a Squad boss and leading a squad on numerous wildfires throughout New Mexico, Arizona and into Montana. I enlisted into the Army National Guard in November 2003, joining the ranks of the 126^th MP Company. November of 2004 the 126^th Deployed to Baghdad Iraq where we worked with Iraqi Police. I was assigned as a gunner on the QRF/PSD squad. Upon returning from Iraq, I changed my MOS and transferred to the Infantry. I was on Active duty In the NM Army National guard going on nearly 21 years. When I returned from Iraq I married My Wife, Yvonne and have been happily married for almost 19 years. I am able to do what I do because of her; she is my biggest supporter. We have three sons and four amazing grandchildren. Unfortunately, when our oldest Jonathon was 27 years old, he was unexpectedly taken from us in Albuquerque NM. My whole family has ridden motorcycles to include my grandparents, parents, my own wife and sons. I have owned and rode since I was 16 years old and enjoy long rides. I joined the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, (CVMA®) in January 2019 and most recently served as chapter Commander. I have ridden coast to coast from California to D.C With Run for The Wall at least 4 times, as a Tail Gunner and this year have the honor of returning as a Road Guard for Central Route. My experience not only with my time in service, work in civilian field, and my Over all riding experience will help me to accomplish this challenge in 2026.

 

 

  I learned about the Hoka Hey from fellow rider Dee Rice #1123 while on Run for The Wall. I have Rode with Dee for 3 years or more and would ask him questions about this awesome challenge. When 1^st hearing of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I began doing internet searches and watching some of the rider You Tube Videos and my interest was tweaked even more. Me, being a military veteran, the Hoka Hey Motorcycle challenge, I feel, embraces the Warrior spirit all while being a giving organization through their donations, charities and their overall mission. This challenge will allow me to prove the skills I know I have both mentally and physically, allow me to see more of this great country all while still proving to myself that I still have a warrior’s spirit.

 

 

  This year the charity I will ride for is Phils Ride. Phils Ride is a charity event that my CVMA® chapter NM 47-3 puts on yearly to support a Veteran, Active-Duty soldier, Airman, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard men or their spouse or dependent that is currently going through Cancer Treatments. This event has been taking place for over 5 years now. The ride is held the last Saturday in September every year. We have a poker ride, Silent Auction, live auction as well as accept donations for the recipient. We pride ourselves that 100 percent of the proceeds go directly to the recipient. Recipient applications can be found on our website, https//www.combatvet473.com. DONATIONS:  Combat Vet 473

 

Meet The New Rider # 1283 David Stone

 

My name is David "Smalls" Stone. I'm a 39-year-old Father of 2 Daughters, U.S. Army Disabled Veteran, Proud Member of the 13 Rebels MC, and preparing to take on the Challenge as Participant #1283. Fatherhood has defined my life more than anything else. My oldest daughter is a college junior studying Forensic Science with double minors in Chemistry and Criminal Justice. At the same time, my youngest is a high school sophomore who pours her heart into multiple softball teams. Watching them grow into strong, capable young women has been my greatest honor and my strongest motivation. Every Challenge I accept is done with them in mind, as an example of resilience, commitment, and finishing what you start. When I'm not wandering around on my Scoot, I'm spending time with my family, bouncing around softball fields, or wrenching, tinkering, and solving the world's problems in the garage, one piece at a time. 

 

I have been interested in participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for a few years now, but the stars had not aligned for me until now. I have been impressed and inspired by many who have and continue to take on the challenge. For me, the Challenge is more than a test of endurance; it's a statement about embracing hardship, respecting the journey, and proving that with preparation, integrity, and determination, even the hardest roads can be ridden.

 

For the Challenge, I'll be riding my 2022 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Limited, meticulously prepared for endurance and self-reliance. I'm proud to ride in support of the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia. The Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia is a 501(c)(3) purpose-driven nonprofit that educates men to become stronger husbands/co-parents and more active fathers to drive true systemic change in Virginia. This Cause resonates deeply with me as a dad who has navigated raising children primarily on my own. Strong, present fathers matter, and this ride is my way of giving back while honoring the roles of service member, father, and rider that define my life.

 

V/R,

Smalls

"The Wandering Black Cat"

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1163 Paul Davis

 

Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2026 – my second attempt!  That old saying “You don’t know what you don’t know” is an absolute fact when considering the Hoka Hey.   I assumed that time and distance would be similar to previous long-distance riding – was I wrong!  Two days of pirouettes with hurricane Debby was an exciting start and by the time I made it to Arkansas it was clear that I would not have time to complete as planned (ride to and from Alaska and be back to work in 14 days).  For 2026 – I’ve solved the work problem (retired 1 January  2026) and I do know more about the ride than I did in 2024.  I still have a lot to learn but I’ll be better prepared on this attempt.

 

I’ve been riding motorcycles for fifty-five years.  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.  

 

 

My focus charity continues to be “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 New Rider # 1255 Frankie Morris-Lamb

 

Hello, I am Frankie ‘Rolo’ Morris-Lamb, a daughter, wife, mother, sister, nurse, and Army veteran. My passion for riding began at 13 when my Dad dared me to kickstart his motorcycle. It evolved into a lifelong passion. As a teenager, I remained off-road, but my thrill-seeking nature never faded. In my 30s, I pursued my motorcycle endorsement and felt liberated and joyful. Discovering the Iron Butt rides in 2023 marked a new chapter, and I’ve since completed long-distance rides and rallies.

 

I met Honor “Trip,” whose passion for boys with DMD inspired me to meet our Heroes, the Mile Monsters Inc. The boys and their families are amazing. This inspired Star and me (2 Crazy Ladyz) to continue Trip’s tradition of riding 365 days a year to raise awareness about DMD and support our Heroes. Completing challenges with the purpose of fundraising brings immense joy and fulfillment. Donations can be made at Frankie Lambs Miles Monsters Fund raiser

 

 

The camaraderie and friendships I’ve forged through riding inspire me to push myself to new heights. I’m eager to embark on the esteemed Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, exploring America’s beauty with elite riders. This transformative journey will fuel my passion for adventure and personal growth. I look forward to this life-changing opportunity! 

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1285 Richard Simmons

 

Richard Simmons – A Life of Purpose, Family, and Adventure

Hi, I’m Richard Simmons, and I grew up around Ft. Worth, Texas. Above all, my family means the world to me—I’m a proud husband, dad, and Pop to three beautiful grandchildren. After retiring as a firefighter a few years ago, I’ve been living my best life with the love and support of my family. My journey since retirement has included travel, off-road SxS adventures, restoring my ’72 C10, and spending quality time with those I love. I also enjoy spending time on two wheels, preparing for my next big challenge: the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (HHMC). My personal goal is to cross the finish line at the “End of the Road Party” and earn the coveted HHMC patch.

 

 

Why the HHMC?
My first exposure to the HOKA HEY was in 2018, when it started and ended in Medicine Park, Oklahoma. Since then, the challenge has captivated me, and the more I learned about it, the more it became a personal goal. This adventure is not only about physical endurance, but also about mental and spiritual growth. Rooted in Native American warrior traditions, the HHMC represents a deeper journey, one that I’m eager to undertake. Becoming a finisher would be an incredible honor. The HHMC community, a true brother/sisterhood, is a powerful motivator, and the charitable service aspect makes this event stand out as a life-changing challenge.

 

 

Supporting Causes Close to My Heart
As part of my participation in the HHMC, I’m supporting two organizations that are close to my heart:

 

1. Jackson County Memorial Hospital (JCMH) Hospice Memorial Fund  https://givebutter.com/hyCVOg
   After attending a special event last year to celebrate the lives of patients cared for by Hospice, I felt moved to help those who can’t afford end-of-life care. The funds I raise will support local community members who don’t have hospice insurance, ensuring they receive the quality care and dignity they deserve. Even $5,000 will provide supplies, medications, bed rentals, and visits from nurses and chaplains for two patients who might otherwise not have access to these services. JCMH Hospice is the only hospice provider in our area that offers this level of support to those in need. 
2. Mile Monsters Inc. (MMI)  https://givebutter.com/HH2026/richardsimmons1
   I was introduced to Mile Monsters Inc. as I prepared for the HHMC, and I’ve been moved by their mission to support seven young heroes battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). The funds raised help these boys and their families navigate this difficult journey, providing not just financial assistance, but also opportunities for the boys to experience incredible moments that make life truly "EPIC." Being part of the MMI family is a privilege, and I’m proud to support their effort