Meet The Returning Rider # 1010 Joao Mendonca

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.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1B1S5Ecy27/

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