Meet The Returning Riders # 1185 & 1186 Brian and Brandi Signal

 

Brian “SIG” Signal #1185 & Brandi “Mermaid” Signal #1186

This will be our second time riding the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. We both rode — and finished — the 2024 challenge.

 

I’m Brian “SIG” and been riding Harleys for 27 years. I’m retired Air Force, retired ER nurse (somehow more stressful than the military), originally from Washington State, now living in Louisiana, and currently building a home in Arkansas just outside Hot Springs. During my time stationed in Germany, I brought my Harley with me and made the most of it. I rode to the tip of Norway — about 600 miles north of the Arctic Circle to Nordkapp — and made it as far west as Ireland and as far south as Northern Africa after ferrying the bike from the Rock of Gibraltar. My farthest east was the Russian border. I also spent about 10 years as an MSF instructor, which came in handy when I taught Brandi to ride about a decade ago. We’ve been riding together ever since.

 

I’m Brandi “Mermaid” and originally from Bakersfield, CA, and always wanted to learn to ride. We spent our 10‑year anniversary somewhere in the Yukon during the ’24 Hoka Hey — not everyone can say that.  I bartend full‑time while working toward my real estate license. When I’m not working, I’m traveling — and my favorite trips are always on my bike. I grew up around motorcycles, but always on the back seat. I started riding my own about 12 years ago, and I was hooked from the very first ride. When my husband told me about Hoka Hey and asked if I wanted to ride with him, I told him no — because I wanted to ride my own bike. I’m always chasing adventure and any excuse to ride. I’ve done several long‑distance trips, but the 2024 Hoka Hey was by far my longest and most challenging. And I’m back for more — hopefully a little better prepared this time.

 

About the 2024 Ride. Well… it was wet. It took us a few days to really get the directions figured out, and we missed more than a few turns. My bike’s hydraulic clutch needed to be bled every morning, and Brandi ended up buying a new bike at the first checkpoint at Pig Trail Harley‑Davidson after dropping hers at the seaweed pop‑up party in Key West. Between all that, we ran a little slower than planned. For 2026, the goal is to shave at least a day off our time — no breaking in a new bike, no babying a clutch, just riding.

 

 

Why We Ride, I’ve been a Shriner for over 20 years, and we’ll be raising funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children. The very first Shriners Hospital opened in 1922 in Shreveport, Louisiana, and today there are 15 hospitals helping children every day.

www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/ways-to-give

With our motto, “We Ride So Kids Can Walk,” I can’t think of a better way to take on the Hoka Hey.

Meet The Returning Rider # 899 Richard Eastman

 

I'm 55 and reside in Kimball Michigan. Married 30 years to my high school sweetheart Kristina. Two daughters, one son and three grandkids. This will be my 5th Hoka Hey Challenge. Starting and finishing in 2018, 2020, 2022 and 2024 with each year bettering myself. Looking forward to the 2026 challenge.

 

 

After you do your first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge it becomes an addiction. Its an honor to be in the company of so many elite riders and a privilege to ride in it. You learn a lot about yourself and your abilities and strive to make the next even better. My advice to the new riders; Go into the challenge with your eyes wide open and don't overthink it. Don't over pack, eat when you’re hungry, rest when you’re tired, don't cheat yourself and go into it with the mindset of being able to ride it yourself. Ride your ride!! 

 

I'm not the greatest and fundraising but looking to support local non profits with my ride. Details forthcoming on my social media.

 

Meet The New Rider # 1329 Doug Emmons

 

I’m Doug Emmons, but most of the bikers know me as “BigE.” I’m 66 years old and originally from Northern Indiana — a lifelong and loyal Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan. I will be riding this year as #1329. I’m married to my “ride or die" and together we’ve raised three amazing kids and are blessed with five grandkids.  After proudly serving 32 years of Active Federal Service in the U.S. Army, I retired and now work as a government contractor on Fort Campbell, Kentucky. We live on a small hobby farm in North Central Tennessee, where we care for horses, chickens, goats, and occasionally a few strays that find their way to us. I ride with CVMA 18-14 and the American Legion Riders. Riding has always been more than a pastime — it’s a way of life and a way to connect with others who share the same passion for freedom and service.

 

I’m participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for several reasons. First and foremost, I love a challenge — the tougher it is, the better. I believe in pushing my limits and proving to myself what I can achieve. I also have a small trace of Native American heritage and look forward to experiencing the diverse cultures and traditions of the tribes along the HOKA HEY route.  Another motivation is my son, Dennis, who is currently serving on Active Duty in the U.S. Army with 22 years of service. My goal is to set an example for him and, hopefully, ride the 2028 HOKA HEY alongside him — an experience that would be an unforgettable father-son memory.

 

My chosen non-profit organization is the Wounded Warrior Project. Having witnessed firsthand the toll that years of conflict have taken on our brothers and sisters in arms, I deeply respect the work this organization does. I’ve personally seen them rebuild and customize motorcycles for wounded Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Airmen, and Coast Guardsmen — giving them not only mobility but renewed purpose. My hope is that the funds raised through my participation will support more of these life-changing efforts.

I’m honored and grateful to take part in the HOKA HEY Motorcycle Challenge and look forward to sharing the road and the experience with all my fellow riders.

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1000 E Ed Maulbeck

 

A carpenter/cabinetmaker at 22, I felt a calling for something more.  I joined the Navy in 1988 to become a SEAL.  After Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) training I spent a twenty-year career as a SEAL.  I remain connected to the SEAL Community and the Navy. I’m the owner of Indian Motorcycle of Southeastern Virginia, the Mid-Atlantic Region’s premier Indian Motorcycle Dealer.  I’m married to my wonderful wife Cecilia that I met during the 2021 HHMC Rendezvous!!!  Collectively we have been blessed with five adult children.  We attend Church, workout, meditate, walk, motorcycle ride, and travel as much as possible together!

 

This Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge represents my attempt at “4 for 4,” in finishes.  HHMC’s are immersive and present many puzzles along the journey, it’s fun to throw a bunch of problems at sleep deprivation and see where things land.  I’m absolutely blessed with my wonderful Cecilia that refers to me as “her gift from God.”  However, I’m immeasurably blessed with her, my faith, my  family, and friends.  HHMC’s allow me to refocus inwardly, and enjoy a very spiritual experience (yes, on a motorcycle).

 

 

My charity, “The Give-to-Give Foundation” blessed me over the last year with two full scholarships. One was a 5-day basic retreat in TX, and  the other a 7-day advanced retreat in CO. Immediately prior to this HHMC (26-29 July), I will be enjoying my 3^rd scholarship which is a 3-day follow-up to the advanced 7-day retreat, again in CO.

 

The basic work teaches participants how to regulate emotions, and how to live in “creation,” and not unsustainably in “survival” or as a victim of your environment.

 As the creator of your personal reality/environment, the advanced work leads you to the best version of you.  You just must invest the time in yourself to get there.

 

There is science behind your existence in this 3-dimensional world and most importantly in the immeasurable space beyond it, the “quantum field.”  Understand this and you become LIMITLESS!

 

Want to understand more???  Hear some anecdotal HHMC stories???  Or, maybe… just maybe… attempt a 15 minute meditation focused on empowerment? 

 

Please click: GIVE-TO-GIVE TO DONATE

 

And, to Donate scan: 

The link for the approximately one hour video I want you to post with my bio is listed as:

 

https://givetogivefoundation.org/Soul_of_a_Warrior/Episode1

 

The actual internet link to the above video link if needed:

 

https://email.givetogivefoundation.org/share/hubspotvideo/211806881353?utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_XzXbl7c1knBStCjByu7_ru64nPqKltGuWzIMpNd650u9qG0aVR6BsUgDJqIwHgLYFqQ1dB1okbEO2caLhTgXsLRIt0Dw2LpNPDlTBBoJr_GQot58&_hsmi=419023707&utm_content=419023707&utm_source=hs_email

Meet The Returning Rider # 1090 Tammy Colbert

 

My name is Tammy Colbert. My road name is Marbles.
HH Rider #1090

This will be my second ride, (2022 my first) Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge .

 I currently live in the little town of
Yucca Valley, California. I love the slower pace and the
desert. I have been riding some sort of motor vehicle since
I was kid. Dune-buggies, quads, off road motorcycles, and
my handsome touring bike Wicked Stallion.

 

It's definitely a challenge of strength and perseverance.
Had a couple personal rough patches, but pushed
through. I think the change in myself from the ride is I have
become a softer person. Now don’t take my softness for
weakness. Each rider will have the time to think a lot!
Enjoy the ride, ride your ride.

This year the charity I’m riding for is Mile Monsters Inc
Team. Riding for the boys with Duchene Muscular
Dystrophy. Every mile, every $1 goes to the boys to help
them and their families get what they need to live their best
life. I am so proud to be a part of this team this year. Can't
wait to see all my brothers and sisters in August. Ride safe
and Monster on! Thank you all for your generous DONATION !!!

Meet The Returning Rider # 1116 Dustyn Monismith

 

 

I’m blessed to be able to participate in my 3rd Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.  I learned from my first one in 2022 that life is short, so live it to the fullest! 

 

 

I’ve been around motorcycles my whole life.  For the last 20 years I’ve worked for Harley-Davidson in some way or another.  10 years as a master technician, 8 years as a senior technical representative for HDMC and most recently a service manager at Shipwreck Harley-Davidson in Wilmington, NC. 

 

 

In my spare time I enjoy hanging out with my family at the beach.  I’m new to being a grandparent and love seeing my grandson Mateo grow up.

 

  

This year I’m riding once again for Band of Blue. Raising money for those families who lost a loved one in the line of duty.  Let’s not forget the sacrifices these people make to make are country a better place!!  

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1158 Dennis Baker

Hi, I’m Dennis Baker returning rider #1158, from NJ. I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Allison for 40 years in August. I have 2 great boys (men), a future DIL and my sweetest granddaughter. I am a Navy Veteran, worked in financial systems for decades and am getting ready to retire.

 

I rode in 2024 Challenge and got as far as Jonesboro, AR, where I pulled my hamstring on my left leg.  I rode the next day but it just got worse and I made the tough decision to call it for safety. My son drove out from Jersey with the trailer to bring me home. 

 

I want to return to complete the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because it is a Challenge. Daily life can become mundane and complacent and it’s easy to just trudge through the day to day. The Hoka Hey will test your limits, push your resolve and make you dig deep to push through it. This is my redemption / unfinished business ride.

The Charity I am riding for is Burlington County, NJ Toys for Tots (donation link and QR code below). They are a great organization located in the same county as Joint Base MDL and 40% of the recipients are our young Heroes and their families from the base. We are collecting toys and the link or QR code below will open an Amazon list to order from, you can order off the list or choose any other toy while in the list, and the toy will be sent directly to us for drop off.

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1015 Rick Rogers

 

My name is Rick Rogers, Rider #1015. I am 73 years old and live in Yorba Linda, California, with my wife Paula. We are blessed with two daughters and seven grandchildren. I have been riding motorcycles for more than 60 years and currently serve as Ride Director for Lifestyle Cycles, Southern California’s largest motorcycle riding group.

 

2026 will mark my fourth Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I successfully completed the ride in 2020 and proudly earned my patches. Although I was unable to finish in 2022 and 2024, those unfinished rides taught me more about the challenge—and about myself—than the one I completed. I still have unfinished business on the road, and I’m returning with greater experience, deeper respect for the journey, and a strong determination to bring home another finish.

I am riding to support Patriots and Paws, a Southern California veterans organization that assists veterans and active-duty military.  Ninety-five percent of those they help have recently moved from homelessness into homes. In addition to providing donated furniture to help service members and their families transition into furnished homes, Patriots and Paws partners with animal shelters and rescue groups to match retired service members with companion dogs. When asked about their dogs, Many recipients say, “I’m not sure if I rescued them, or if they rescued me.” The organization serves any veteran or service member regardless of disability, rank, or branch. Funds raised will help support their dedicated veteran volunteers and expand this life-changing work through their network of approximately 130 partner veteran organizations. HOKA HEY!

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1220 Jason Setzer

 

 

 

 

 

I am Jason "Ice-Man" Setzer, a long-distance charity rider for Mile Monsters Inc., and the extremely proud father of Chase "Snapshot" Setzer. I own River City Design, a small drafting company and when i'm not riding or working I like to create things. 

 

 

The '26 Challenge will be my second time participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and I'm looking forward to seeing a part of the country I haven't yet spent much time in. There is no other challenge quite like this one. Saddling in for 11,000 miles of unexpected, unknown adventure revealing itself to me 1 mile at a time is just the kind of mental and physical reset my soul is looking for.

 

 

Mile Monsters Inc. is the non-profit charity I am riding for this year. The impact the Heroes of MMI have had on me—and the impact we Monsters have had on them—is not something I can easily put into words, but in short, it fills my heart. Whether I'm getting tattooed or tased, doing whatever I can to help MMI's Heroes live their best lives brings me both happiness and purpose. 

 

 

Sponsors:
https://nelsonrigg.com/ promo code "ICEMAN" for 20% off
https://www.wild-ass.com/ promo code "ICEMAN" for free shipping
https://givebutter.com/HH2026/setzerpendence Hoka Hey Fundraiser

https://icemanrides.com/