Saturday, May 16, 2026

Meet The New Rider # 1276 Dave Walker

 



My name is Dave Walker, rider #1276.  I currently reside in Glastonbury, CT and I am the proud Dad to a son and twin daughters (hence the gray hair).  I grew up in East Hartford, CT in a motorcycling family, the youngest of 5 siblings with my father and two older brothers all riding in both the dirt and street. Needless to say, I happily got introduced into the family tradition at an early age.  I bought my first motorcycle, a dirt bike, at the age of 12 and I’ve been riding ever since. I attended college, earning a bachelors degree before becoming a career firefighter, retiring after 26 years of service. 


I’ve ridden expensively around New England and beyond, and I enjoy riding as often as possible. Getting on my bike and logging miles is great for my state of mind.  It’s where I can think, sort through life’s challenges, or just tune out of it all for a bit and enjoy the curves and scenery. It gives me a chance to unwind and disconnect from everything but the road and what’s ahead of me. I’ve attending the Laconia Motorcycle Rally in New Hampshire every year since 1990 and am a member of the Iron Butt Association (IBA #88777), enjoying those long rides.  

 


I initially heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from friends of my riding buddy and fellow firefighter Jim “Hooch” Matthews (HH#1275); Matt Klebe (HH#752) and Greg Lapardo (HH#993).  I had been looking for something to challenge myself, both physically and mentally, as well as allow me to pursue my passion for riding, since my retirement from the Fire Department.  The HHMC seemed like the perfect fit to test myself, as well as accomplish the goal that has been talked about for the last 15 years, that of riding around our beautiful country with my Union brother and riding buddy, Hooch Matthews. I’m looking forward to riding parts of the country I haven’t been to yet while also challenging myself in new ways.  


 

 



One of the jobs I do, after retiring as a firefighter,  is as a Transportation Specialist for the Nationwide Organ Recovery Transportation Alliance, NORA. We handle all the transportation needs for organ donation. One of the Organ Procurement Organizations we work with is New England Donor Services, Inc. (NEDS). I’ve chosen to raise funds to support them and their mission. Every dollar raised will be going to NEDS as I am self funding my ride. This incredible organization plays a vital role in coordinating organ and tissue donation across New England, helping to save and enhance countless lives. Your donations can make a profound impact in our community.
With your support, NEDS can continue its essential work, including:
  • Coordinating tissue donation and recovery to ensure that those in need receive life-saving transplants.
  • Providing administrative and clinical services that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of organ donation efforts.
Together, we can contribute to this noble cause and bring hope to families in need. Please consider donating today and sharing this campaign with others. Your generosity truly matters!

 



The charity I’m riding for is New England Donor Services (NEDS), an Organ Procurement Organization based in Waltham MA. 


One of the jobs I do, after retiring as a firefighter,  is as a Transportation Specialist for the Nationwide Organ Recovery Transportation Alliance, NORA. We handle all the transportation needs for organ donation. One of the Organ Procurement Organizations we work with is New England Donor Services, Inc. (NEDS). I’ve chosen to raise funds to support them and their mission. Every dollar raised will be going to NEDS as I am self funding my ride. This incredible organization plays a vital role in coordinating organ and tissue donation across New England, helping to save and enhance countless lives. Your donations can make a profound impact in our community.
With your support, NEDS can continue its essential work, including:
  • Coordinating tissue donation and recovery to ensure that those in need receive life-saving transplants.
  • Providing administrative and clinical services that enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of organ donation efforts.
Together, we can contribute to this noble cause and bring hope to families in need. Please consider donating today and sharing this campaign with others. Your generosity truly matters!

DONATE 

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