My name is Mark Chavis. I am married to Tasha, my beautiful wife of four years (she rides too). When we joined our lives, our family grew to include six wonderful children, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. Each one brings their own unique personality and dreams to our family. As a father and grandfather, I hold deep hopes and dreams for their futures.
I am a proud veteran of the 82nd Airborne Division, and I have continued my commitment to service as a volunteer Firefighter and EMT. I am also a member of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina.
I ride with a group we call RobCo Rides in Robeson County, North Carolina, participating in around 30 charity rides each year. Motorcycling has taken me across the country and introduced me to people who started as strangers but became family—many of them through meaningful rides like the Wounded Knee Memorial Ride.
When I first started long-distance riding, I had no GPS and no cell phone—just a road atlas, a small tent, my Army sleeping bag, and a plan to head West. I slept on picnic tables, rode through the night, and learned as I went. That first trip stretched 5,000 miles and shaped the rider I am today. Since then, I have completed many Iron Butt Association rides and have ridden through 48 of the 50 states. When I was returning from a road trip years ago, a seasoned long-distance rider called and asked if I was already planning my next trip. I said yes, and he replied, “Son, you’re addicted to it. There’s nothing you can do about it but ride.”
Why I Want to Ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge
This year, I am planning to fulfill one of my personal dreams—participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I have wanted to take this ride since I first heard about it back in 2010.
For me, the Hoka Hey is not just about the miles; it’s about personal growth, embracing new challenges, and pushing the boundaries of what I thought possible. The spirit of the ride brings back memories of my very first long-distance journey in 2001—a life-changing adventure that taught me resilience and self-reliance.
By participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I hope to set an example of perseverance for my family and community. It’s an opportunity to honor my roots, my riding family, and the values that guide my life. Most importantly, I look forward to the journey ahead, knowing I have the love and encouragement of Tasha and our entire family behind me.
Charities
I am riding for two different charities.
The first is Cure Alzheimer’s Fund In honor of my parents, Ned and Margaret Chavis. I lost both of my parents to these devastating diseases. I saw firsthand how they slowly took away precious memories, simple joys, and, ultimately, the people I loved most.
The second is for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Honor of Jacob Moore. Jacob was a brave patient at St. Jude’s whose courage touched everyone who knew him. Seeing him and knowing what he was going through and the courage he displayed has remained with me through the years.
As part of the RobCo Rides group, I once approached a mother whose child was also receiving care at St. Jude’s. I offered to organize a ride to help with their expenses, but she explained that St. Jude was providing everything they needed…
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