Risks and Rewards

The 2014 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will commence on 20 July at 6:00 AM from Key West, Florida headed to Homer, Alaska.  The scenic highways that will be traveled were handpicked to provide you the most amazing ride possible.  

If you are riding this year's Challenge then you are fortunate for a number of reasons: first and foremost is the fact that the ride is free.  by that I mean there is no entry fee... a way of showing appreciation to the many that have supported Hoka Hey through the years - and to welcome new riders to the fold.  

However, there will be a cost.  Of course there is the purchase of fuel and food, but I speak of that which is beyond the dollar value; the cost of time, determination, tenacity, pain, discomfort and perhaps a level of irritation from time to time.  but the reward far outweighs the cost.  The sights, the sounds, the meeting of new friends, and the rejoining of old friends; the realization that you accepted and completed this Challenge.  

But, to me the greatest rewards are those things that happen while riding solo.  Things that happen that only you see.  Those events and instances that happen for no other reason than you happen to be at the right place at the right time and cannot be put into words or adequately described by any means available to us.  

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is just that; a Challenge of monumental proportions. It will work hard to break you and put you in a position that will make you question yourself and your resolve.  Do not let it overcome; use this ride to discover your true self and to reach deep and use the strength you never knew you had.  

The only thing that stands between you and the completion of this Challenge is you.

Think and Look for State Troopers

That’s really all there is to do while we ride; think and look for State Troopers.  We gander at the scenery but most of our visual effort will focus on the road and subsequent hazards associated with it.  As we gain experience riding, our situational awareness becomes automatic and reflex driven; which leaves the thinking.  With me the thinking centers on past events, future hopes and who I really am. We cannot hide from ourselves.  We can foster a facade to those around us and some may even accept that as who we are, but the facade and who we really are often different; to varying degrees.  Those long rides offer an opportunity to evaluate ourselves or our position in life and from that we are offered a choice.  We can stay as we are and build on the facade or we can bring our true self closer to the person we want to be.  That is what the Hoka Hey Challenge offers; opportunities to get close to yourself and your thoughts and from that (hopefully) become a better person.

 To me the Hoka Hey Challenge means Honor , Integrity, Tenacity, Determination, Strength… the list can go on.  We, as individuals, are the only ones who can truly live these attributes.  We can pretend to have these, but we know who are really are.  Come take the Hoka Hey Challenge and use the opportunity to truly know yourself and from that very special education become a better person.  It is said one person cannot change the world.  I disagree as more often than not it is the single person who has the most effect.

Join Us.  This year there is no entry fee so never before has the opportunity come so close to your reach.

It's True!!

Yes, you may have heard rumors and seen a news release that sounds unbelievable, but it’s true.  Everyone rides the 2014 Hoka Hey for free; no entry fee.  This is Hoka Hey’s way of saying thank you to all those who have supported the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge over the past five years.   From Key West, Florida to Homer, Alaska through some of the most spectacular roads in North America.  Now, since there is no entry fee there are no prizes for completion; other than those prizes that can only be earned by doing.  Free or not this is still the most difficult challenge you will ever be a part of; long days and endless miles.  Sunny days, rain, hail, cold and dust… these will be your companions during this adventurous ride.

It is difficult to put into words what the Hoka Hey is all about.  Many have tried to explain it, but mere words do not suffice.  You have to ride it to understand.  You will learn things about yourself you never before knew.  The trials and emotions you bear during this experience can and will change your life.  Whether it changes your life to the better is your call and your call only.  But, to experience these you must accept The Challenge.  You cannot sit on the side lines and expect to understand.

Our desire is to have as many riders as can possibly be expected to come and join us in this once in a lifetime event.  Every race, every nationality, every creed will be represented, but only if you answer the call.

Go to www.hokaheychallenge.com and sign up for this epic event.  Never before has it been so affordable and never before has it been this close to your reach.  Don’t, after The Challenge departs Key West on July 20^th, regret that you did not step forward.

Also, you will not want to miss the Hoka Hey event during Sturgis Bike Week (4-10 AUG) where the Hoka Hey Challenge will change hands to a new LLC; specific date and location to be announced so keep watch and plan accordingly.

RIDE THE 2014 HOKA HEY MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE FOR FREE!!!

THAT'S RIGHT!  RIDE THIS YEAR ONLY FOR FREE!!! 

Through the past 5 years, we have worked very hard to make the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge the adventure of a lifetime.  But, we know that we couldn't have accomplished any of what we have without the support of those who believed in us.  So, in appreciation of our rider family, and supporters, we are offering to waive the 2014 entry fee and let EVERYBODY RIDE FOR FREE!  

The attached Press Release provides a bit more information about this recent development but, the long and the short of it is that we appreciate your loyalty and support and this is the best way we could think of to show it.

Only - it really is a lot more than just that...  No matter what format we've used through the years; the HHMC has most often been described as a deeply personal and life changing journey.  Fact is; with multiple in-house changes being implemented, this was an excellent way of introducing more people to the event and all that lies ahead.  We promise that this is only the first of many new directives, rewards and tokens of appreciation that we plan to share with our followers. In fact, we look forward to delivering more announcements, on developments made by the new Board of Directors once the 2014 event has been completed.  2015 and beyond looks really great from where we're sitting!!

Most of you know that the HHMC is not a race; it's a journey and a challenge for the individual participant. It bonds you to those you ride with and you become part of a family.  There will be no purse, no prizes at the end of this journey except for the ones you hold in your heart and the stories you'll share at the dining table for many years to come.  Honors will still be 

awarded in Homer to those four finishers that represent the values of the four directional colors and principles of the Lakota Way: Honor, Respect, Integrity and Compassion.  But, for everyone else, it is an opportunity to experience victory over the unknown and to triumph over the mediocrity.

Feel free to contact the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge office at 605-890-0386 if you have any questions about the changes we've made, we will be happy to help.  In the mean time, we hope to see many of you at the starting line in Key West, Florida in July! 

Hoka Hey! 

 

The Best Things In Life Are Free… or are they?

The best things in life are free; that’s what they say.  As a Hoka Hey Challenger we know the emotions and accomplishments that come from finishing a Hoka Hey Challenge cannot be put into words.  We know the Challenge will tax us, fight us and endeavor to break us, but it will also provide to us an indescribable set of feelings and a new way of thinking.  To a Hoka Hey Challenger the accomplishment of crossing the finish line comes with a price.  Yes, we pay money to ride, but it is not the money I am talking about.  The best things in life are free, but it will cost you.  We pay the price of time, commitment, determination, pain and discomfort.  The reward is pride, accomplishment and knowing that by our involvement we are working toward the betterment of our fellow citizens.  When we cross the finish line we know we have accomplished something that very few every try because they are not sure they can do it.

In previous years of the Hoka Hey there were prizes ranging from $500,000 to $10,000 given to riders who crossed the finish line within a very narrow window of opportunity.  Prize money has always been a discussion point with many of the riders.  Last year just prior to the start of the 2013 Challenge it was put to a vote and virtually every rider voted to set aside money as a prize for crossing the finish line.  We do not do it for money; we do it for bragging rights.

That is not to say there is nothing in it for you.  There is much to be gained by riding the Hoka Hey Challenge and when I find someone articulate enough to put it into words I will let you know.

Hoka What...?

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is an annual epic challenge that combines endurance, navigation, long distance riding skills and the ability to execute those skills safely and in strict compliance with all state and federal traffic laws, while adhering to all of the Terms and Conditions of the Event.  The intent is for all riders to stand firm with Honor, Integrity, Respect and Compassion throughout the event.  Accept and embrace the challenge and let it drive you beyond your known limits.  Embrace Honor as you are riding for a cause much bigger than yourself. Embrace Integrity and abide by the rules of the event and adhere to motor vehicle laws and provisions in each State.  Embrace Respect for not only the event but other riders and travelers who use the same roads.  Be willing to set aside your competitive nature and have the compassion to lend assistance along the way should it be needed.  The Hoka Hey Challenge is not a race so you must not compete with other riders nor can you place wagers or “bets” on the outcome.  The event will challenge you and endeavor to break you.  Your intent should not be to arrive first at the finish line or any checkpoint along the way.  Your intent should be to bring honor to yourself and the name Hoka Hey. 

It is not necessary for you to participate in the Challenge to be a member of the Hoka Hey Family.  Check the Hoka Hey website or the Hoka Hey BLOG for a listing of things you can do to become part of this multifaceted endeavor.

Exceeding Your Limits

Every rider knows that when riding a motorcycle we put ourselves at risk.  We can infer from our own personal experience that our biggest hazard is distracted drivers.  The simple fact is the only practical thing we can do about distracted drivers is to reduce the number of them by not being distracted while we operate our own vehicles; whether it’s our car or motorcycle.  However, a distracted driver is not our only nemesis.

For those of us who have participated in the Hoka Hey we know it involves many consecutive days of long hours while riding endless miles.  The Hoka Hey Challenge is just that; a Challenge, not to be confused by any stretch of the imagination with a race.  If it were not a challenge we would have to change the name to something like “The Hoka Hey Meander.”   I think we can all agree that doesn’t quite cut it.

The Challenge requires that you push the envelope and exceed your perceived limit, but you are the only one who can determine where your outer-most limit is.  Most of us can put on our big boy pants and ride for miles and miles day after day, but at what point do we exceed our outer-most limitations.  When does clarity of thought and responsible riding attitude get clouded by pride resulting in us doing something we would not normally do that exceed safe limits?  The Hoka Hey Challenge is not an exercise for the weak or those easily discouraged, but it is an exercise in stamina.

Distracted cagers may be our biggest foe, but it is not our only foe.  If you fail to ride with Honor, Integrity and Respect you may be your own worst enemy.  Ride safely, ride responsibly and when pushing the limit do so with an understanding that at some point that limit can be exceeded.

As mentioned many times the Hoka hey Challenge is not a race.  To bring that fact to light we have eliminated cash winnings as a prize for those who reach the finish line first and we have also re-affirmed the Hoka Hey Terms and Conditions.  That is not to say the first to ride across the finish line is the winner; winners are those who ride with Honor, Integrity and Respect throughout the course.