Meet The New Rider # 1339 Ed Klok

 

Meet The New Rider # 1265 Mark Campbell

 

My name is Mark Campbell. I retired after a career in commercial aviation maintenance with Delta Air Lines and FedEx Express. My passion for motorcycles began while growing up on a farm near Fairmount, Indiana—the hometown of James Dean—and it's been a lifelong adventure ever since.

 

In 2004, my wife, Karen, and I completed our first Iron Butt Association SaddleSore 1000 together, and that's when the long-distance riding bug truly took hold. Since then, I've completed more than 100 certified Iron Butt rides and traveled by motorcycle to all 50 states, every Canadian province, the Yukon and Northwest Territories.. I've been fortunate to share many of those miles with Karen, and after retiring, I wrote two books about our adventures: Long Distance Addiction: My Roads to Recovery and Two-Up Adventures.

 

Why the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge? Simply because I love to ride. Over the years, I've met several Hoka Hey finishers, listened to their stories, and knew that one day I wanted to experience the challenge for myself. I know it will push me well beyond my comfort zone, but that's exactly what makes an adventure worthwhile.

 

As I take on this challenge, I want this ride to represent something greater than my own personal accomplishment. I'll be riding in support of Mile Monsters Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping boys with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy live their best lives. If you'd like to support their mission, you can do so here:

Mile Monsters Hoka Hey Team 2026

Meet The Returing Rider # 1027 Cheyenne Beaty

 

My name is Cheyenne Beatty, Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge rider 1027, from Owenton, Ky. I’m 58 years old. I have been married for 25 years. I have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. I’ve been riding motorcycles for over 25 years. I love exploring God’s creation any way I can but, especially while riding long distances on my bike. I ride 10 to 15,000 miles a year, usually incorporating Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. I wish that number was higher, but I work a lot and enjoy supporting my family in their endeavors. I am Iron Butt Association member number: IBA72997. I’ve ridden in 44 states and Canada. Other than riding, my interests are God, family, traveling and any outdoor adventures. While my family and friends are incredibly supportive, they just don’t understand why I or anybody else would want to sleep outside next to their bike or ride so many miles a day for consecutive days in all kinds of weather. Most of them don’t ride either so it is like the adage: “if I have to explain you wouldn’t understand”. I am forever grateful for their support, even more so because they don’t understand. I try to explain it’s like Cannonball Run meets Amazing Race. I crave solitude, freedom, adventure, and comradery. You could say I have a “Seize the day”, “We’re not getting out of here alive” approach to living life. This fits perfectly with the Hoka Hey, “It’s a good day to die” moto. I prefer great experiences over great possessions.

I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2009, when I rode from Kentucky to Key West, FL. I stopped at a Harley Davidson dealership where; I saw a man laying out some Hoka Hey patches on a vest. I’m always up for a challenge or new adventure especially on my motorcycle. As soon as I got home, I started researching the Challenge. I even completed an application! Then life happened, and it just didn’t work out. In 2015, I was able to participate in the Memorial Ride. Getting to meet some of the riders and organizers was great! More than 100 riders riding as one group over 500 miles from Red Cloud, NE into the Black Hills of South Dakota finishing with a parade down Main Street in Sturgis during the Rally!

I was finally able to officially participate for the first time in 2020. I have also attended the Annual Taco Run in Medicine Park, OK 2021, 2022, 2024 and 2025, the Hoka Hey Rendezvous in 2021, 2023 and 2025 and Hop’s Rally in 2025. I was blessed to receive the Hoka Hey Honor award in 2021. What an incredible experience topped only by the people involved! It truly is a Hoka Hey family. Supporting each other and meeting to ride and ride to meet regardless of the distance.

Like most everyone else, the best advice I have received is to “ride your own ride and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate”. I would also add; get enough rest, take pictures, and enjoy every minute.

My chosen charity this year is Parkinson’s Foundation Inc. which is a 501(c) (3) non-profit charity. My Mom is dealing with the effects of Parkinson’s Disease, so this cause is very near and dear to me. Please consider donating. No amount is too big or too small.

Meet The New Rider # 1327 Tim Butler

 

My name is Tim Butler #1327. I grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and for the last 25 years have been living in Ft. Myers, Florida. I first started riding motorcycles in 1973 with a Yamaha 180 twin I bought for $72.00. This will be my first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. 

 

I feel very fortunate to be participating this year. When I applied in February 2025, I was told my number was so high there was a very slim chance of being included in the 2026 challenge. A week or so ago I was contacted and asked if I was still interested. A few days later I’m in!! 

 

 

I first heard of the Hoka Hey Challenge on the internet. Over the years I have done a lot of motorcycle camping and long-distance riding. In 2021 I participated in the Guinness Book world record longest poker run. 

 

Finishing this will be one of the highlights of my motorcycling experiences, a true test of mental and physical stamina. 

 

I  will be supporting the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation Boys and Girls Club ..If you care to make a donation you can do it here.

Meet The New Rider # 1273 Sandra Combs

 

Hi! My name is Sandra Combs. Most folks know me a “Harley” For nearly five decades, my life has been defined by service. I proudly served my country for more than 20½ years in the United States Army, followed by 26½ years as a Department of Army Civilian (DAC). Throughout my career, I have lived by the Army Values—Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Selfless Service, Honor, Integrity, and Personal Courage.  Those values did not end with retirement; they became the foundation for my next mission. I first learned of the Hoka Hey in 2018 after returning from a one-year mobilization tour with my Reserve unit. The hoka hey started and ended in Medicine Park. I was intrigued and needed to know more about the Hoka Hey Challenge of 10,000 miles in 10 days. What it stood for, and the significance behind it.

I learned that the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was founded by James “Jim” Red Cloud. Hoka Hey was never intended to be just another endurance ride. It is a journey of self-discovery that calls riders to test their spirit, confront adversity, and emerge stronger—not for personal glory, but so they can better serve others. Its mission is to enrich lives through respect, honor, integrity, and compassion; empower individuals through strength, determination, and courage. Jim Red Cloud’s vision is why I want to ride the HHMC.

 

In August 2026, I will ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge on my Harley-Davidson Tri Glide.  This ride is so much bigger than me.  I’m honored to be a proud supporter of the Mile Monsters Inc as my charity. By helping to raise awareness and support the boys affected with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and help lessen the load for their families.. Every mile represents perseverance, every checkpoint reflects commitment, and every sunrise reminds me that life’s greatest adventures begin when we choose purpose over comfort. 

 

 

Please consider donating to Mile Monster to help the boys affected with this disease feel like a hero and put a smile back on their face. Any amount no matter how big or small can make a profound impact on the boy’s life and their families. Thank-You.

 DONATE HERE

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 939 Robert Goffinski

 

Well it's that time again to bond human being with machine and become one to take on the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, one more time. I will be turning 79 years old this year and have been blessed with relatively good health so it's hard to say no to the challenge especially as this year it starts and returns to my old stomping grounds Woodstock Illinois. 

 

This will be my 5th Hoka Hey And according to my wife my last, maybe. This long distance riding, especially the challenge, gets into your blood and besides it's a good excuse to leave the worries behind of everyday life and hit the road. This year I haven't been riding as much as I usually do. Maggie and I made the annual Taco run in medicine park earlier this year and then headed out to Illinois to visit our daughter back in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. 

 

Last July I purchased a 2025 ultra street glide and have outfitted it with the pizza box and custom saddlebags. I've added a couple hard boxes on top of the pizza box to securely house my helmet and other gear. As most of you know I don't wear my helmet all the time but there will be states where I have to wear the helmet because of the law and I need to pack the helmet along with me. Two years ago the helmet came in handy when I crashed but I still got a concussion and suffered bleeding on the brain which sidelined me for a couple days in the hospital but I still made it to Homer Alaska after releasing myself from the hospital against doctor's orders. Can you say stubborn old man? I hope I've learned a lesson from that experience but again they say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, I guess we'll see. 

 

I'm riding this year for Mile Monsters Inc. The money we raise doesn't go to a big corporation or foundation. The money we raise we see directly affecting young boys lives. Boys we have met and shared time with. The money we raise, we can see the actual direct effect to these boys and their families. You don't see that direct manifestation by giving to some national fundraising foundation. That's why I have chosen Mile Monsters, Inc. 

DONATE

 

There aren't too many of us old Gray hairs (what hair you say) still knocking out 10,000 miles in 12 days on two wheels, but I'll be there doing my thing.

Gopher, Hoka Hey !!

Meet The New Rider # 1326 Hal French

 

My name is Hal French. I am 72 years old. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada. My love for motorcycles started at age nine and continued through my teens.  Started a family, and motorcycles were put on hold. My wife Patricia will be my biggest cheerleader during the Hoka HeyHoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Patricia and I have 5 adult children, 12 grandkids, and 1 great-grandkid on the way. In 1999, I purchased a Dyna Wide Glide, rekindled my love, and haven’t stopped riding since. Two years ago I decided to start tracking and certifying my longer rides. I’ll be riding Haze, my 2021 HD CVO Limited, in the 2026 Hoka Hey Challenge. 

 

I want to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because I am ready for true Spiritual and Personal Growth. Stripping life down to the essentials of the open road will give me a fresh, new perspective on the world.

 

 

Meet The Returning Rider # 1235 Daryl Thompson

 

I've heard the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will be a "doozy", but I have to admit, 2024 had its challenges for me. Hurricane Debby; jumping an alligator; ear infections. But those challenges were met and overcome. That was the point for me.  I needed to know if I still had the grit to persevere, and here I am returning for another run!  

 

While 2024 was a ride of discovery, 2026 will be a ride of continued growth. 2026 is not a challenge against my Hoka Hey family. It's about challenging myself. I can do better. A better me makes me better for others.  

 

As a retired LEO and Past Chapter President of the Thin Blue Line LEMC, helping my blue family is important too. That's why I choose The Thin Blue Line LEMC Foundation as my charity. The foundation is an all-volunteer run 501(c)3 foundation that helps to support the families of our law enforcement and military veterans. 100% of contributions go to the families of these warriors that paid the ultimate price for our comfort and safety. Please help me to help them. They have already sacrificed enough.  

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1271 Chris McIntosh

 My name is Chris McIntosh. I’m a born and raised New Englander. I am also a Marine Corps combat veteran (2006-2010) who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
As a veteran I value and respect discipline, integrity, resilience, and perseverance and I carry those principles into every ride as I’ve been riding motorcycles off and on for most of my life.
Long Distance motorcycle riding is more than just a ride for me. It is where I feel the most at home and a place to clear my head. It’s where all my stress just disappears. To me it’s form of moving meditation. 

Long distance motorcycle riding is more than a challenge to me; it’s an opportunity to test myself and embrace the journey. Therefore, I am honored to be chosen to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcyce Challenge as I look forward to connecting with other riders and becoming part of this while earning my place one mile at a time.

Meet The New Rider # 1271 Chris McIntosh

 

My name is Chris McIntosh. I’m a born and raised New Englander. I am also a Marine Corps combat veteran (2006-2010) who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
As a veteran I value and respect discipline, integrity, resilience, and perseverance and I carry those principles into every ride as I’ve been riding motorcycles off and on for most of my life.
Long Distance motorcycle riding is more than just a ride for me. It is where I feel the most at home and a place to clear my head. It’s where all my stress just disappears. To me it’s form of moving meditation. 

Long distance motorcycle riding is more than a challenge to me; it’s an opportunity to test myself and embrace the journey. Therefore, I am honored to be chosen to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcyce Challenge as I look forward to connecting with other riders and becoming part of this while earning my place one mile at a time.

Meet The New Rider # 1271 Chris McIntosh

  

My name is Chris McIntosh. I’m a born and raised New Englander. I am also a Marine Corps combat veteran (2006-2010) who has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
As a veteran I value and respect discipline, integrity, resilience, and perseverance and I carry those principles into every ride as I’ve been riding motorcycles off and on for most of my life.
Long Distance motorcycle riding is more than just a ride for me. It is where I feel the most at home and a place to clear my head. It’s where all my stress just disappears. To me it’s form of moving meditation. 

Long distance motorcycle riding is more than a challenge to me; it’s an opportunity to test myself and embrace the journey. Therefore, I am honored to be chosen to ride in the Hoka Hey Motorcyce Challenge as I look forward to connecting with other riders and becoming part of this while earning my place one mile at a time.

Meet The Returning Rider # 1156 Craig Tooley

 

As a returning rider, my second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I plan on finishing sooner than I did two years ago.  I rode with my Mom...Gypsy, rider #985 and sister...Tooley, rider #1066. It was a family affair and a great adventure. Looking to build on that experience and add new miles and memories this year! Wanting to be there for the end of the ride party.

I love this Hoka Hey family that I have found through my Mom and sister. Can't wait to see everyone again and catch up before we do this thing!! Had a come to the Lord moment on my last run and looking forward to see what He has in store for myself and the rest of us this year. This can truly be spiritual for sure, you surely get out of it what you put into it. Give it your all, and leave nothing on the table.

 

I'm riding for Mile Monsters Inc . again this go around...another great family within a family. We Monsters truly are the best in my opinion, great riders for a Monster charity. Our Heroes have Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, these boys truly exemplify what it means to be a Hero. We help them live their best lives, please follow along and help us to do so. 

 DONATE

 

Can't wait, let's do this!!!

 

Meet Te Returning Rider # 1125 Robert Rose

 

I was born in March of 1957  in Muskegon, Michigan and we moved to Frankfort.  In my early years I found my passion in heavy machinery while working alongside my father and motor cycles while growing up. I met my wife in green bay Wisconsin while I was working at a job site there. I decided to move there permanently were we raise our 2 children in suamico, WI. I opened my own dragline company called badger crane and dragline and worked with the operating engineers local 139 until my retirement.

 

While  we were raising our kids I lost sight of riding motorcycles until 2001 when I bought my first ultra glide  and re found my passion of riding while hanging out with my friends and going on rides and meeting new people.

 

Upon my retirement I took my first hoka hey  challenge alongside my brother Tim and I am looking forward to completing this ride along side him again.

 

I will be be raising money for a program call hogs for hero were they help wounded veterans get motorcycles.

Meet The Returning Rider # 1228 Peter Lyle

 

Hi, my name is Peter “PayDro” Lyle; Rider #1228, I was born, raised, and lived most of my life in Florida. I’m a Navy veteran, dog lover, and motorcycle enthusiast. I’ve been riding for about 23 years, and ride a 2016 Victory Cross Country. This will be my second attempt at the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . I rode in the 2024 HHMC, but had to drop out after riding 6200 miles due to experiencing hand, wrist, and eye issues.  I currently work at Patrick Space Force Base on the East Coast of Florida, and I ride with the Green Knights Military Motorcycle Club, where we promote safe riding practices as well as Military Values: Honor, Integrity, Duty, Loyalty, Respect, Courage and Selfless Service; much like the values of the Hoka Hey.

 

I’m riding this year to show that I have what it takes to finish this incredibly difficult ride. I have made adjustments to my riding regimen, such as being conscious of my riding time, proper food & water consumption, and proper sleeping arrangements (time and comfort). I am confident that these changes will help me be able to complete the grueling challenge.

 

 

My non-profit this year is the Florida Wildlife Hospital (FWH) located in Palm Shores, Florida; where I’m also a volunteer, catching baitfish for needy patients. I’ve chosen them because they are a top-notch organization, and they do an outstanding job to help keep our little corner of Florida wildlife thriving. The FWH provides educational programs for school groups and the public and offers rewarding volunteer opportunities. They work closely with Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control and Florida Fish and Wildlife as well as other wildlife rehabilitators and animal welfare groups in the state. FWH is available 365 days a year to admit wildlife patients. They care for more than 7,500 patients per year. There is never a charge for animal care. That is why the donations are so critical to their ongoing operations.

Donations to FWH will be used for the following:

Medical Care & Rehabilitation: Funding veterinary services, treatments, and medical supplies to rescue, heal, and release over 200 species back into their natural habitats.

Daily Animal Feed: Purchasing specialized food, formula, and dietary supplies for recovering wildlife and emergency intakes.

Ambassador Animal Care: Providing ongoing, permanent food and medicine for the facility's educational outreach animals.

Specialized Enclosures: Birds and animals require a safe place to rest and recover, which requires separate, special enclosures, that often need repairs or new ones altogether. Regular maintenance of these enclosures are needed, since thunderstorms are a regular occurrence in this area.

Operational Costs: The Melbourne-based facility runs 24/7, as the nonprofit receives zero state or federal funding and never charges the public for animal drop-offs.

Donations link: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/flowilhos

Check the “dedicate” box; then, in the drop down:

Choose: “In Honor of,” Enter: “PAYDRO”

Thanks, and See ya'll at the FINISH LINE!

Meet The Returning Rider # 1214 Don Jordan

 

Well for me it all started on summer day at a young age I loved riding and soon moved on to street then long distance riding. I had wanted to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for many years as I enjoyed riding with many folks who did and do but just couldn’t ever take that much time off and away from my kids and lovely wife . Then in 2024 I decided I had waited long enough kids are grown and my lovely wife said it time to do something for you so I applied and got in thank you Beth and Junie so exciting I prepared for it over the next few months then the big day came and off I went to Florida then on the start day we had hurricane Debby she was brutal but we all continued on our journey some made it out and some didn’t I rode late into the night then a gator and the swamp took me out . I was not injured but the bike was.

 

I had it towed to a dealer where I spent three days sleeping in the parking lot hoping they could fix her but on the fourth day I very reluctantly had to make the call no HH rider wants to make . I was out damn but decided to make the best of it rented a truck loaded up and made a vaca out of it I had a lot of fun but sure was missing being on my journey with the HH brothers and sisters but followed them on the tracking page . So don’t be fooled HH is a challenge mentally physically and mechanically and no matter how much you ride or prepare you can easily be takin out so be safe and enjoy the ride for yourself no one else’s. Gator

I am riding with Mile Monsters Inc this year we ride for kids with DMD to raise awareness and funds for medical needs transportation needs and to help these kids live their best life it just fills my heart to see big smiles on these kids faces God bless 

 

DONATE 

Meet Te New Rider # 1337 Heather Royce-Roach

Hi, I am Heather Lewis (Royce-Roach now), I am a Family Nurse Practitioner, experienced
long-distance rider, and a woman whose strength has been shaped by both adventure and
unimaginable loss. After losing my eldest son Brandon, just 37 years old, in November
2025, I have chosen to honor his life through purpose, resilience, and action. Just days
after donating his organs to save others, while my other children and family were in town
My husband Mike and I decided there is never enough time. So after 10 years of love and
cohabitation we were married days later. We have grounded ourselves in love and forward
motion, all of which makes this ride a special journey for me.

By day, I serve my community through restorative and obesity medicine. Beyond the clinic,
my husband owns the local H-D dealership, so I also help with advertising, marketing,
riding motorcycles that need mileage to re-sale in California. I am also a dedicated
endurance rider who finds clarity and healing on the open road, often traveling thousands
of miles across the country in search of connection, perspective, and the beauty in the
journey.

 

For the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I am riding for something far greater than the
miles. I will be riding for The Desi Strong Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting
children and families facing pediatric cancer.

 

My ride is inspired by young fighters like Nathan Johnson, ayoung boy very close to my
heart. Nathan is a child who continues to defy the odds after brain surgery, stroke, and
ongoing medical challenges. Through Desi Strong, families like Nathan’s receive direct
financial support to help ease the overwhelming cost of care.
I believe my mission is simple but powerful,
To turn miles into meaning
To turn loss into impact
And to remind us that even the smallest contribution can change a life
Help families stay strong in the fight that matters most, Support The Desi Strong


Thank You To Palm Springs Harley Davidson for Sponsoring my ride.

Meet The Returning Rider # 964 Ignacio Merani

 

My name is Ignacio Merani, mostly known as Nacho #964. I've been living in Miami since I came to this country in 2007.
I started riding in 2008 and got into long distance in 2014. I first heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge during lunch on a ride.  A couple of Hoka Hey riders talked about the challenge and all the experiences they went through.

 

 

 They also talked about the Ironbutt Association, the rallies, scavenger hunts and challenges.
That was the spark that got me started. During different events I met other riders but didn't get into the challenge for various reasons.

 Finally I was able to participate in 2020. It was really hard, I had never ridden so many days or so many miles. As others foretold, it was a life-changing experience.
Despite some mechanical problems and an accident I finished. I rode again in 2022, this time was uneventful, and I finished again.

 

 

In 2023 I was accepted in the Ironbutt Rally, became a finisher and got awarded the IBR #656
I rode in 2024 but had to drop out in Oklahoma because a truck rear-ended me. It was very disappointing, but also another lesson learned.
Besides long-distance riding, my other passion is "long-distance running." I run regularly and occasionally complete a marathon, last year, I finished Tokyo and Sydney.
Being part of the Hoka Hey family has been an honor. Every place I go where I see someone with the patches I feel I'm among family.
This is going to be my fourth challenge and hopefully my third finish.
I will see you all at the start line.