Hello everyone!! João Mendonça here, reporting for my fourth Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge!
Apparently, I may have to change my road name from “Classic Rider” to “Snacks!” after being officially baptized during the 2024 Challenge. (Inside joke 😂)
It's hard to believe that not long ago I was just like the 100 new riders joining this year, excited and nervous at the same time, dreaming about the starting line and wondering what lay ahead. Today, long-distance riding feels as normal as taking a trip to the grocery store. My bike stays ready at all times, and I know exactly where everything is packed. It's simply a matter of loading the bags and taking off, 10 to 15 minutes, tops.
Since the 2022 Challenge, I've followed one simple motto:
"If it doesn't fit inside the bags, I won't need it."
I don't like anything hanging off the bike. Nothing too heavy, nothing oversized, and nothing unnecessary.
People often tell me that because I've written three books about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I must be some kind of authority on it. That's a big misconception! Those books are simply my personal recollections of the experiences I experienced during the Challenge. They are my way of documenting the places I visited, the challenges I faced, and the incredible people I met along the way. The Challenge moves so fast that sometimes you don't even know what state you're in anymore.
After publishing the third book, I started calling it "Our Book" because of all the stories and testimonials I received from 2024 rookies sharing their own experiences. Every rider has a unique journey and a story worth telling.
Here are the books:
📖 From Rookie to Finisher: "My Adventure in the 2020 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge™"
📖 Am I still a Rookie?: "My Adventure in the 2022 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge™"
📖Hooked on Hoka: "My Adventure in the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge™"
All available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
This year, I will once again be riding with a purpose. I am supporting Shriners Hospitals for Children and hope to raise $1 for every mile ridden during the Challenge.
Shriners Hospitals are world leaders in treating childhood neuromusculoskeletal conditions, burn injuries, and other specialized healthcare needs. Every child who qualifies receives care regardless of a family's ability to pay, and there is never a charge to the family.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Woodstock, Illinois!
Ride safe, enjoy the journey, and I'll see you on the road.
João Mendonça #1010
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