Hello – My name is Ralph “Ed” Willet and I’m a new rider
(#997) in this year’s Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (HHMC). I reside in Hampton
Roads, VA where I’m a father of two, and a grandfather of eight. At the start
of the race, I will be 67 years young.
My background from a career
standpoint spans more than four decades and two diverse fields; residential
construction and information technology. In construction, I began as a
carpenter before moving up the ranks into project management, and finally as a
construction manager. I was also a business owner specializing in custom homes
and occasionally spec projects. Following a recession in the 90’s, I took a
leap of faith during the dot-com boom by switching careers and returning to
school for technical training in computer and technology management, earning
several certificates and degrees. My first job in this burgeoning field was
with a start-up software company serving as a Network and Systems Engineer. This
20 year career path eventually led me into the IT Security realm whereby my
last position before retiring was with a major cloud service provider. Here, I
worked as a Technical Program Manager and led a team in the development of a
Federal compliance program for government systems.
For pleasure, I enjoy spending
time with family and friends. Other
notable activities include camping, hiking, photography, playing guitar,
working on DIY projects or outdoors gardening. This region of Virginia is also
well known for its myriad of historic sites, parks, and other unique
attractions so I’ll often join friends on day trips or we’ll meet at one of the
many beautiful beaches in this area. I also love international travel and thus
far, I’ve toured seven European countries and cruised twice to the Caribbean.
My motorcycle background is varied as well and without
question, many of my fondest memories are derived from riding. In my case, the
bug bit me hard at age 10 so as a consequence, I’ve been an avid enthusiast and
participant in the sport ever since. My early infatuation was fueled by riding
mini-bikes, dirt bikes, and eventually MX racing with friends. Once I was old
enough to get a license, my first street motorcycle was a ’49 Harley EL
Panhead, which was followed by a ’59 Triumph Bonneville; both of which I chopped.
Of course, those were the days of bare-bone bikes, primitive camping, minimalistic riding gear, and paper maps for navigation. Perhaps this old-school
experience will be helpful to me in the HHMC.
Over the years I’ve owned many
different brands but currently ride a ’14 Harley Ultra Classic, which I’ve
modified to fit my riding style and comfort. In 2017, I started with the first
of many long distance solo rides touring the USA and Canada, which also
fulfilled a lifelong dream. To date, I have visited 48 states and five Canadian
Provinces, including the easternmost point in North America; Cape Spear,
Newfoundland. By 2023, I plan to reach my 49th state and first Canadian territory
with a ride to Deadhorse, Alaska and Prudhoe, Bay.
To help prepare for this challenge, I’ve read many
postings in various FaceBook (FB) groups regarding strategies and equipment
utilized by the veterans. I also attended the 2021 Hoka Hey Texas rendezvous
and spoke with several riders in hopes of gleaning the knowledge needed to
safely and efficiently traverse the course. However, the common theme that
seems to underscore all these discussions is simply this; “Ride your own ride.”
To put it another way, there is no holy grail; what works for one long distance
rider may not be appropriate for another so at this level of competition,
practice and more practice appears to be the best advice for any rider. At the
very least, this approach will expose weaknesses and pinpoint the areas that
need improvement such as riding style, gear, and respective skills. Last, I
learned to be prepared both physically and mentally as well as know your capabilities
and respect personal limits.
Why did I apply for the 2022
HHMC? Initially, my inspiration to participate was the result of following
several FB friends who rode in previous years and also the thrill of tracking
their progress over the course of 10,000 miles. Later when doing research, I
was drawn to the organization’s mission statements (enrich, empower, &
unite) as well as the list of objectives and perhaps most importantly, their
dedication to raising charitable donations and awareness for various social
programs and issues. Last but not least, it appears the overall Hoka Hey
experience transforms riders in such a profound way that a special bond is
forged among the group as their fortitude and commitment is tested beyond
measure. Even when faced with extreme fatigue and adverse conditions, there are
numerous examples during previous races whereby riders selflessly helped fellow
riders. This unabashed spirit also carries over into the post-race events as
witnessed by their continued acts of charity, mentoring, guiding, and inspiring
others. Brotherhood in this elite group can’t be bought; admission must be
earned.
In conclusion, I hope you will
agree that the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is more than just a race. Yes,
it’s a means to test one’s skills and endurance capabilities but more to the
point, it’s also grueling and dangerous, some paying with their lives.
Nonetheless, it’s a unique opportunity for riders to participate in a premier
event whose mission is to help others, especially the less fortunate. So in keeping
with that spirit, I will be riding in the HHMC as a means to raise awareness
and support for a social issue and charity dear to my heart; the Cure
Alzheimer's Fund (CureALZ.org). Unfortunately, several members of my immediate
family have succumbed to Alzheimer’s and now one living relative has also been
diagnosed with this dreaded disease. Statistically …one in every three seniors
will die from Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. It kills more people
than breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Currently, more than 6 million
Americans are victims and sadly, this number is projected to grow to 13 million
by 2050. **
Therefore, I hope you will join
me on my ride as I navigate this motorcycle challenge and furthermore, please help
me support the Cure Alzheimer's Fund by donating as well as sharing this quest
with others.
