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.