Meet The New Rider # 1268 Jim Hicks

 

My name is Jim Hicks. I was born in California, raised in Oklahoma and Kentucky. We moved frequently due to my father’s employment. I married my high school sweetheart and beautiful bride ‘Robin’ of 43 years. I then Enlisted in the Navy Nuclear Submarine program in 1984. Robin and I raised our family of two beautiful daughters, Jaclyn and Melissa all over the Globe while serving in the Navy. We served on Submarines, Aircraft Carriers, and Nuclear Repair ships throughout the Pacific. I retired from active duty in Hawaii in 2013 as a Lieutenant Commander. I earned my Business Baccalaureate from Columbia College, my Nuclear Baccalaureate from Thomas Edison and my MBA from Webster University. 

  

I grew up outdoors and my first motorcycle was a Honda 50cc as a young kid. By my teenage years I was riding enduro and dirt bikes routinely. I have owned motorcycles and logged hundreds of thousands of miles since. Moving overseas, and serving on Ships for years at a time certainly complicates that, but it doesn’t take away from the sheer joy of riding. I am heavily involved in my local chapter of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association®, Tour of Honor (#2), and Iron Butt Association (#712). Brotherhood is such a big part of why I ride. Riding with other Combat Veterans, other like-minded people who respect our nations first responders and veterans, or simply great friends to share a beer or cigar with are all treasures to me. This family we have of riders is important to me; I want to put myself in a position to give back to the same communities that have given me so much. 

 

The clarity and wind therapy we all seek on the road can only be experienced, not explained. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is a remarkable example of a physical and spiritual challenge the provides that wind therapy, mental clarity, and self-reflection. I look forward to experiencing this challenge with a family of motorcycle riders who are as passionate about long distance riding as I am. Ultimately, I want to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because I enjoy a challenge, the comradery, and want to learn more about myself, while surrounded by like minded riders who I respect. 

 

Non-Profits that are closest to my heart are tied to those who help our nations veterans and first responders. Our nation’s first responders and veterans who have committed to protect us are worthy of our respect and gratitude. For those reasons I am proud to raise monies for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. They help catastrophically injured veterans and first responders by building mortgage-free smart homes, provide mortgage-free homes to Gold Star families and families of fallen first responders with young children, assists homeless veterans, and support frontline COVID-19 workers, all while working to ensure America never forgets 9/11. The organization keeps administrative and fundraising costs under 7%, earning an A+ rating from Charity Watch.