Meet The New Rider # 1345 Jeff Hildebrand

 

Hi!  I am Jeff.  I am 56 years old and I live in Altoona, PA. 

 

I began riding at 6 years of age on a Benelli 65 that my friend owned.  I was instantly hooked and I bought my own dirt bike.  I rode dirt bikes and a Honda ATC 200X throughout the 1980’s.  When I turned 16, I started riding on the road with a 1980 Honda CB750.  My parents would never have allowed me to ride that CB750 had they known how fast I rode that bike.  My Dad kept asking me why I went through rear tires so quickly.  I never told him about all the wheelies I was doing at the time.  I also raced locally in AMA amateur motocross throughout the early 1990’s on a Honda CR250 and a Honda CR500.  I had no business being on a CR500 and I should have never been racing a CR500, but my God, it was fast and fun!  I also rode sport bikes on the street for years and started doing track days on a Yamaha R6.  I got my WERA Road Racing license and went on to win two regional WERA Road Racing championships on that Yamaha R6 in 2010.  I retired as a Corporal with the Pennsylvania State Police in 2020.  While I was still a Trooper, I was on the Motor Unit with the PA State Police, but I would only ride for the State Police on special events such as political events, Presidential escorts, sporting events, funerals, and other events that required a State Police Motor Unit presence.  I did not ride full time for the PA State Police.

 

I am also currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army Reserves with over 37 continuous years of service with a plan to retire from the Army Reserves soon.  I began my Army career as a Military Policeman with the rank of Private E-1 in the PA Army National Guard.  After OCS graduation, I was an Armor Officer and now I am currently a Military Police Officer.  Iraq 2005 and Afghanistan 2008. 

 

I thrive on challenges, and I have wanted to do the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge  for years, so here I am.  I am looking forward to the camaraderie of meeting other riders with similar interests, riding through the beautiful scenery that America has to offer, and experiencing everything that is Hoka Hey!!.  Lack of sleep and my beat-up body will be my biggest nemesis.  As I sit here and finish writing this up, I am wondering how a full-size mattress would look strapped to the tour pak of my Limited.  I am looking forward to meeting you all.  Thank you all for the opportunity. 

 

I am a full member of the Combat Vets Motorcycle Association (CVMA).  The CVMA’s motto is Vets Helping Vets.  100% of the money donated to the CVMA goes back to Veterans in need.  The CVMA has chapters in every state as well as other countries around the world.  I will be setting up a link to donate to the CVMA soon.