Meet The New Rider # 1351 Victor Steel

 

 

My name is Victor Steel. I'm 66 years old, and have been riding motorcycles since I was 14. I was born & raised in Alaska, and I could get my motorcycle permit at 14 but couldn't get a driver's license until 16—so I rode year-round in Anchorage on my Suzuki 185! I now ride a Harley bagger (and a Fat Boy when I feel like just a nice cruise), and have done many long rides, including a 10,000 mile ride to Alaska from Arizona and back, but nothing like the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. 

 

The Challenge represents an opportunity for me to see how deep I can reach, how much courage I can muster, and how much strength I can find to keep going when all I can think of is quitting. I realize this will be my biggest challenge yet, and I hope to not just find my limits, but push through and expand them, to know that I can do more. If successful, I will have exceeded my subconscious self-imposed limitations, and by meeting this challenge, I will know that I can take on challenges in other aspects of life that seemed unsurpassable. 

 

I am not a veteran. Every day I give silent thanks to those veterans who served in order to provide us with the freedom that we enjoy. These veterans gave so much, and we who benefitted from their service need to give back. Unfortunately, many veterans cannot come back from battle and reintegrate into our society, and some (22 veterans per day, according to a 2012 study) take their own lives as a result. There are many reasons for this, but one major reason is related to Traumatic Brain Injury, or TBI. I am supporting "The 22 Project" to help reduce the number of veteran suicides. The 22 Project helps those veterans suffering from TBI with Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment (HBOT), which has been shown to improve blood flow in certain parts of the brain, allowing the veteran a number of benefits, including restful sleep, improved focus, and improved mood. Over 300 veterans have been served with this treatment, and they report better sleep, better moods, less thoughts of helplessness—all things that lead to thoughts of suicide. Go to their website at Support22Project.org to learn more about how they are using today's technology to help heal our nation's veterans. This is a quote from their profile on Candid.org: "The 22 Project, Inc. is a registered Non-Profit 501(c)(3) organization that is dedicated to reducing veteran suicides by using Single-Photon Emission Computerized Tomography (SPECT) imaging technology and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to treat veterans diagnosed with conditions known to contribute to suicide; specifically, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and their sequelae." 

 

I have long felt that losing 22 soldiers each day to suicide is a travesty. I've supported the Veteran's Suicide awareness efforts in several ways in the past; supporting the “Ride for 22” in Idaho which is a fundraiser and is typically very well attended, also supporting awareness by donating to our local college for a memorial. This challenge gives me the opportunity to make an even bigger difference with physical treatment for those veterans losing the battle with TBI and PTSD. 

 

The donations will be provided directly to The 22 Project, where 94% of all monies go directly to veteran support. The support includes cost for HBOT at the providers used by The 22 Project as well as travel for those veterans to the sites where treatment can be provided. The 22 Project also collaborates with external programs to provide counseling and support services. 

 

If you would like to contribute to my effort to support this charity and help stop Veteran Suicide, please click on this link:  The 22 Project Donations

Meet The New Rider # 1275 Jim Matthews

 

 

Early on in life Jim “Hooch” Matthews (HH #1275) had a knack for being mechanically inclined, which led to an initial career as a Class-A Toolmaker. However, his true calling in service to our nation and others drew him to enlist as an Infantry Soldier, US Army Reserve in 1985 and becoming a volunteer, and eventually a career firefighter, in 1986. After having the privilege and honor of serving both callings simultaneously, he retired from the military in 2019 and from IAFF L-1241 in 2020.

 

 

 A native, and lifelong resident of Winsted, CT with his wife Leslie, three children and five grandchildren, Jim and Leslie enjoy sharing the pleasure of wind therapy whenever the New England weather permits. 

 

 

Riding the HHMC has become the next calling inspired by lifelong friends and veteran HH riders Matt Klebe (HH #752) and Greg Lopardo (HH #993), combined with the desire to follow-thru on a promise to see the lower 48 from our saddles with fellow L-1241 retired brother firefighter Dave Walker (HH #1276). HHMC-2026 has become the challenge in the next chapter of testing fortitude, endurance and resilience; overcoming nature’s encountered adversities; all while creating lifelong memories and lies we can share around future firepit gatherings of friends and family. 

 

 

At this time HH-1275 has not locked in a non-profit he will be riding for. 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1143 Brad Luepnitz

 

I am returning rider #1143, Brad Luepnitz, from Punta Gorda, FL. Some call me
“LOGIC”.

 

This will be my second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . I finished my first in 2024.
That ride, beginning in a hurricane in Florida and ending in Homer, AK, was unlike
any motorcycle trip I have ever taken. I was very thankful that I had prepared
diligently. It was a privilege to meet and ride among so many great riders. I look
forward to the 2026 Challenge and to seeing the new and returning riders in
Woodstock.

 

Everyone will tell you to “Ride Your Own Ride.” Add me to that list. This is the
single best piece of advice I received, and it served me well. Another idea I kept
continuously in mind was, “Make no BIG mistakes.” You will make little mistakes,
and that is OK, but don’t make a 200-mile mistake; don’t get a traffic citation; and
don’t ride beyond what conditions allow and risk not finishing. Don’t compare
yourself to others or worry about where you are in the group. The only ones to
compare yourself to are the person you were yesterday and the person you aspire
to be tomorrow. One last thing: Enjoy the journey.

 

I have chosen to support my local church, Deep Creek Community Church (DC3),
where I attend and serve. The DC3 mission is to turn unchurched and unplugged
people into totally devoted followers of Christ. I can think of no more important
mission. I believe, “If it doesn’t matter in eternity, it doesn’t matter.” This helps
me put the trials of this life into perspective. It also reminds me of the awesome
responsibility we have, as Christ followers, to spread the gospel to the world.

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1217 Dan Mitchell

 

Words From my wife as my mouth tends to get me into trouble:

Dan 1217

When I first met my husband, I didn’t just learn
his name; I learned that he was a rider. I didn't realize
then just how deeply it was in his blood. For twenty
years, I’ve watched him live by a singular philosophy:
“What a man can do, and what a man can’t do.” What
started as a love for curvy local roads evolved into a
passion for the long haul. After he built his first bobber
and eventually moved to a bagger, I jokingly
threatened him: he had better actually use that bike for its intended purpose. That
“subtle encouragement” was the start of his long-distance journey.

 

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge first entered our lives when Dan returned from Daytona in 2020.
At the time, it was a goal he shared with our youngest son—a dream they planned to
conquer together. After we lost our son in
2022, the ride was no longer just a challenge;
it became a sacred promise, making 2026
Dan’s year of redemption. It is the year he
carries that promise across the finish line,
embodying the epitome of what a man can
achieve and the freedom found in the pursuit.
To Dan, a motorcycle isn't just a frame, an
engine, and tires—and “Jolean” is more than
just a machine. She is the vessel for that redemption, carrying him through
the challenges and toward the peace he needs to keep his word to our
son.

 

Being the partner of a long-distance rider comes with its own set of
hurdles—the long days, the lonely nights, and the stretches of silence. But
supporting those goals is what a partner does.

 

For the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, 

Dan Mitchell will be riding in support of Project Harmony, a child protection center dedicated to ending the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Serving thousands of children and families across eastern Nebraska and southwest Iowa each year, Project Harmony provides a single, child-friendly location
where medical professionals, law enforcement, and social services collaborate so that a
child only has to tell their story once. From immediate crisis support and forensic
interviews to long-term mental health care and prevention training, they ensure that the
most vulnerable among us can move from crisis to courage. Dan isn't just riding for the
miles; he’s riding to honor a memory and ensure every child has a safe and promising
future.

Support the Mission and the Ride
There are two ways you can be a part of this journey of redemption:

● Support the Cause (Project Harmony): Make a tax-deductible donation directly to
Project Harmony’s Online Giving Page. Your contribution directly funds crisis
support and mental health care for vulnerable children.

● Support the Rider (Dan’s Ride Fund): The Hoka Hey is a grueling 10,000-mile
self-supported endurance test. To help Dan with "on-the-road" essentials like
fuel, emergency tires, and maintenance for Jolean, you can contribute to his
personal ride campaign on FreeFunder. Dans Ride Fund

Meet The Returning Rider # 1035 Joe Houseworth

 

I am Joe Houseworth, Rider 1035, and this will be my third Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. My first attempt in 2022 failed, and my second attempt in 2024 earned me the title of Elite Finisher.

 

 

 

 To me, the Hoka Hey Challenge is the ultimate test of mind, body, spirit, and will. It’s the toughest challenge I’ve had since basic training in 1979.

 

 

 I believe in riding for charitable causes to help my fellow Americans better their lives. I am riding for the Veterans and Patriots Association in Idaho. The VPA assists veterans and first responders in need in Idaho’s treasure Valley. 

 

 Donations can be made VPA

Meet The New Rider # 1258 Laura Le Duc

 

 

My name is Laura Le Duc, HH rookie rider #1258. I’m 60 years old, mom to 2 dogs and 1 cat. I’ve been riding for about 21 years now…starting on a Harley Davidson 2004 Deuce, putting on a little over 11,000 miles. My next bike was a 2004 Street Glide (not by my choice but glad now I bought it), putting over 98,000 miles on it.  I had always wanted another Deuce – so grabbed one matching the first one as a “fun bike”.  My current ride is a 2018 HD Streetglide Special, named Twisted – my retirement present to me.  I’ve ridden 46,000 miles on him, 4 times to Sturgis. 

 

 I’m retired from the Federal Bureau of Prisons since December 31, 2019 and now work part-time for a DME provider. I am also really good at getting lost…lol..but hey, you’re never really lost, just finding new roads and routes, unless you run out of gas!

 

 I have participated in the Run For the Wall (2025), Tour of Honor, rider #901 (2024, 2025, 2026). I’m also a host for BunkaBiker. I enjoy making people smile and laugh, sharing stories of trips and experiences out on my bikes, and encouraging new riders.

 

I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge a number of years ago through Riot – he was fundraising for his first Hoka Hey that year. I started following the riders during the 2024 Hoka Hey Challenge and thought WOW – what a ride! How interesting! SO….I talked to some friends and was introduced to their friend who rode in the 2024 Challenge.  I thought I can do that! I want to do that!  I want to experience this ride! So I applied and was accepted! I have had a few friends that are “I don’t have anything to prove to anyone – I’d never do that” – well, I’m not doing this to impress or prove anything to anyone – just myself – to challenge my self to be the best I can be, do my best and reach down into myself and find more umph when I need I it, rely on my knowledge and skills, face my fears and know that I CAN!

My charity is Mile Monsters, Inc – helping heroes with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  This charity was started by Riot Wyatt and is celebrating it’s 5^th year. The Mile Monsters raise money by doing epic things – long mile rides, challenges, GeoHunts, mileage awards…you name it and a rider will figure out a way to do it and raise money!  I have not been involved with the group for very long but have watched from the sidelines and wow! What these riders accomplish seems like a lot..EPIC… but to the rider themselves, what these young boys accomplish daily trumps anything they do.  These young men have life slowly taken away from them, one muscle at a time, until they are walking with a walker, then to a wheelchair – sometimes literally over a weekend losing the ability to walk, then everything.  There is so much that insurance does not cover  - handicap accessible van, some treatments, daily items that make mobility easier for the patient and the family. Anything these riders can do to help make life easier, better..they find a way to do it – and I want to be a part of it. Everything raised for these Heroes …no administrative costs, no paychecks, goes to helping with treatment cost, day to day unexpected expenses, adventures, experiences.  It seems these days that most of charities have more money going out for salaries and expenditures than actually goes to help their cause.  Everyone involved with Mile Monsters that I have met, are just great people wanting to help these young boys have their best life and all money raised does just that….goes to help these Heroes live their best life. 

My fund raising link is https://givebutter.com/HH2026/lauraleduc1

Meet The Returning Rider # 1051 Scott Brown

 

 

My name is Scott Brown, Rider #1051, though most people in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge family know me by my nickname, “SugarBear.” I’m 62 years old and call Katy, Texas, home. Riding has long been more than a hobby for me — it’s a test of endurance, faith, resilience, and personal growth. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge represents all of those things. It’s not just about miles; it’s about heart, grit, and the willingness to push beyond what you think your limits are.

 

I first rode in the 2022 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, where I completed approximately 6,000 of the 10,000 miles before medical issues forced me to withdraw. That experience, while humbling, strengthened my resolve. In 2024, I returned with unfinished business. Riding from Daytona Beach, Florida to Homer, Alaska, I completed 10,070 miles of back roads in 16 days. The journey tested every ounce of determination I had — physically, mentally, and spiritually — but crossing that finish line was one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my life.  You can view my 2022 attempt and 2024 finish at my YouTube channel @Sugarbearsadventures.  

 

Along the way in 2024, I met Jeff Mallory in Key West, Florida, during Hurricane Debby. What started as a chance meeting turned into a lifelong friendship. Jeff and I rode the remainder of the challenge together, discovering that we were not only compatible riders but also kindred spirits in how we approached the road and the adventure. While I plan to ride the 2026 challenge on my own, Hoka Hey has a way of bringing people together when you least expect it — so we’ll see what fate has in store.

 

I am returning in 2026 not only to challenge myself once again, but also to continue raising funds for the Alzheimer’s Association, a cause that is deeply important to me. Every mile represents perseverance, purpose, and commitment — to the road, to the challenge, and to making a difference. Hoka Hey is more than a ride; it’s a calling, and I’m ready to answer it once again.

Link to my Alzheimer's Donation Site: SugarBears Adventures - 2026 Long Distance Motorcycle Challenge

Hoka Hey!

Meet The New Rider # 1273 DeVonte Sconiers

My name is Devonte “Short Dawg” Sconiers, Rider #1273 in the 2026

 

I first learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge through friends on social media. After researching what it represents, I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. The HHMC isn’t just about distance; it’s about mental discipline, resilience, and self-reliance while traveling the back roads of the country. I’m drawn to the challenge because it tests you both physically and mentally and forces you to stay focused and present in every moment. Completing this ride would be a meaningful personal accomplishment, but more importantly, it gives purpose to every mile I ride.

 

For the 2026 challenge, I am riding in honor of two incredible women: my grandmother, Blanche Walker, who passed away from pancreatic cancer on May 18, 1999, and my best friend Nick Goldwire’s mother, Elizabeth Goldwire, who passed away on April 30, 2012, after her battle with uterine cancer. Both women were strong, supportive, and deeply loved by their families. Even during their final days, they continued trying to be strong for everyone around them. Their strength and the impact they had on those who loved them continue to live on through us.

 

I chose to support the American Cancer Society so this ride can directly help individuals and families who are still fighting. Funds raised will support lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and patient support programs that provide hope and resources during some of life’s most difficult moments. I’ve named my motorcycle Ms. Blanche, and every mile of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will be ridden with intention...in honor of Blanche Walker and Elizabeth Goldwire, and in support of everyone impacted by cancer. Through this journey, I hope each mile and each donation contributes to progress, awareness, and ultimately, a cure.

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1342 Michael Coon

 

At 59 years old, Michael “Bubba” Coon is a lifelong rider who is truly at home on the open road. Born in Maryland and a graduate of Hobbs High School in New Mexico, Bubba enlisted in the U.S. Army immediately after graduation. He trained in Air Defense at Fort Bliss and proudly served with the 2nd Infantry Division in Korea from 1987–1988.

After his military service, Bubba worked in the Permian Basin oilfields before returning to Maryland, where he became a Triple Master Technician for Jeep throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. In 2007, he changed paths again, working as a repossession and recovery agent until a severe injury in 2012 altered his course.

For over 20 years, Bubba has been an Iron Horsemen 1%er and has traveled extensively across the United States on two wheels. Motorcycling is not just a passion—it’s a way of life. His motto has always been “Ride fast and take chances,” but for the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, his priority is clear: to finish safely and in one piece.

Family is at the heart of everything Bubba does. He is deeply in love with his Ol Lady, Alana, who supports him every mile of the journey. He is a proud father of three biological children, a grandfather to two, and carries love and respect for several bonus kids along the way.

Beyond the ride, Bubba has launched a 501(c)(3) organization focused on Fathers’ Rights, aiming to help men navigate a family court system that often places fathers—and especially motorcycle club members—at a disadvantage. The charity is called RIDING THROUGH THE STORM PATERNAL RIGHTS. RIDING THROUGH THE STORM PATERNAL RIGHTS

Bubba documents his journeys and experiences on his YouTube channel, Bubba Rides the Distance, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook under the same name.

For Bubba, this challenge is more than miles—it’s freedom, purpose, and the road ahead.

Bubba is also a 20 year member of the Iron Horsemen Motorcycle Club. 

Meet The New Rider # 1365 Chrissy Gerry

 

 

 

Hi there! I’m Chrissy Gerry, Rider #1365, and I am excited for the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge! I’m originally from North Carolina, GO WOLFPACK, but currently reside in Knoxville, Tennessee. My passion for motorcycling began at a young age when my dad would throw me on the back of his Hayabusa, and we’d enjoy some of the most scenic roads North Carolina has to offer. 

 

 

For me, the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is the culmination of my passion for riding and my quest for self-discovery.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge represents the ultimate test of endurance, skill, physical stamina, mental toughness, and the ability to navigate thousands of miles across the United States, absent a GPS. I want to compete in the 2026 event because I crave the opportunity to prove to myself that I have what it takes to complete such a formidable journey.

By participating in the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I hope to inspire others to pursue their passions and seek adventure in their own lives. I want to show that with dedication, preparation, and a positive attitude, incredible goals are within reach.

 

 

This year I will be riding for To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA). TWLOHA is a non-profit organization founded in 2006 with a mission to provide hope and support for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. Based in the United States, TWLOHA has become a prominent voice in mental health advocacy, using storytelling, community, and resources to help those battling mental health challenges.

Every $45 donated provides 1 hour of care; I am seeking to raise enough funds to provide 100 hours of care for those in need.

 

If you would like to donate, please visit: https://givebutter.com/chrissygerry100

And remember, if you, or a loved one is struggling with mental health, call or text 988, ANYTIME, for help.