Meet The Returning Rider # 1181 Jeff Mallory

 

My name is Jeff “Hee Haw” Mallory Hoka Hey Rider 1181. Like most of us my motorcycle riding started in my teen years on mini and dirt bikes. I purchased my first Harley in 1993, It was a Dyn Wide Glide. I still have her today but currently she is relegated to the corner but don’t have the heart to get rid of her, This will be my second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . As many riders have said the Hoka Hey is  life changing event. I laughed , cried, reflected, fell, and persevered to finish the 2024 Hoka Hey to Homer, AK. I have to say thank you to Scott “ Sugar Bear” Brown rider 1051 for being there to help pick me up when I was down. We just happened to join up as we entered the Keys and finished together in Homer. I grew up in southwest MO and joint the US Army my senior year in high school. I retired after 20 years and then became a defense contractor for another 10 years.  I currently live in Alabama and work in  Montana on Chinook helicopters used predominantly fighting fires. 

I am looking forward this Challenge with renewed vigor. I know that Mama Beth and the rest of the board will challenge us to our utmost. I learned a lot from the 2024 Challenge,  as most newbies do I brought way to much stuff. This year will be trimmed way down. Take time to enjoy the ride Mama Beth takes us through some of the most amazing places. For the new riders ask questions of the elders they will guide you on this journey. I can say it is wonderful to see a fellow Hoka Hey rider at different events, you walk up say hi and even if you have never met you are instantly welcomed as family. I am grateful to have so many new brothers and sisters. 

I will be riding again this year for the Night Stalker Association (nsa160.com). This is a non profit organization that provides support to member and families of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. I spent ten year in the regiment as a mechanic and flight crew member. I joined the Association when it was founded in 1988 as a way to support our soldiers during hard times.