Meet the Rider: Billy Fultz #736

Billy, rider #736 has ridden in three HHMC events after hearing about it from a friend and researched it to find it was something he wanted to try. And after finishing in the top 15 riders his first year made him even more determined to try it and got 200 miles from the finish line in 2014 running in the top few riders and had a flat tire. Encounters with raccoons, squirrels and owls did not stop Billy and even the Arkansas dogs that kept him company while sleeping in a post office parking lot Billy takes it all in stride.

More aware now how important the “little things” in life are and knowing the friendships he has made would not have happened the HHMC has been a “life altering” experience.

Riding the hills of Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee and West Virginia were Billy’s favorite part of the riding he has experienced and although “manual navigation” and “2 a.m. twistys” were the most difficult thing he encountered he encourages anyone who wants to see the back roads to join him on his ride. He looks for people who like to leave Friday for a ride returning home on Sunday covering 1,500 miles with a desire for more. Knowing you will “see places you never imagined” his best advice is to “ride your ride, within your own limits.”

Meet the New Rider: Federico Arbelaez #807

Federico Arbelaez # 807 has been an avid follower of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge since the 2010 ride from Kew West, Fl. to Homer, AK and has been digesting everything he could about the rides until finally after he got his wife her house got himself a Harley and started planning his first ride. He has had lots of advice because he seeks out HHMC riders and talks to them about what it will take to be successful. Staying hydrated and getting the rest he needs is top priority on his list. He says don’t push yourself or you will hurt yourself or someone else. His selfless attitude is so evident of how he is always l
ooking out for others he will be a great addition to the Family

Meet the Rider: Arthur Pond #724

Arthur Pond, rider #724 has ridden three of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle challenge events after reading an article in HOG magazine. The idea of sleeping next to his bike and no electronic navigation intrigued him. After riding his first Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2012, on a route that started in Las Vegas & ended in New York, Arthur was hooked. He loves learning the history of the areas traveled. Being out in the open air allowed him to get to know himself better. Using bright lights and a loud stereo warded off the critters he encountered allowing him to ride safely.  He finds himself talking constantly about his adventures, encouraging those he comes in contact with to take the challenge. Stamina is key to completing the ride and although it’s not for everyone, he feels you need to be flexible. Expect the unexpected is the best advice he has been given and encourages new riders to follow the directions.   He has made tons of new friends participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and looks forward to what is in store this year. His favorite route ridden so far was Estes Park and although he spent an entire day lost in Louisiana found the country side very beautiful. Riding the country side has made him appreciate more people like farmers who do so much for all of us.  Sheldon's Harley Davidson and BT’s Smokehouse have been very instrumental in helping Arthur to ride year after year. His fund raising efforts for Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce or (PRACC)  are his passion since learning about the Lakota people and will continue to do what he can to support them.

Meet The Riders: Michael Conner # 67

Michael # 67 of Gilbert, AZ. has ridden 2010, 11, 12, 13 and completed three of the four ridden. When he heard about the first HHMC from friend and fellow rider Mark Hopkins # 59 the thought of doing something like this, something that had never been attempted like this, with liked minded people was epic for Michael.  “Life changing” is how he describes his experience now. From mountain top highs to valley lows, scary but that was awesome kind of moments too with just miles and miles of you and the road. Talking to random strangers in towns you can’t even find on a map. Rural America and then some.

Finding shelter under an awning of a gas station that is closed for the night was one way he was able to get some sleep on a rainy night during one of his many adventures. The most difficult part the first year was the directions, but like the other 400 + riders that year we all had the same challenge. Dropping his bike and wrestling with it for 15 minutes before remembering he knew how to do it but was so worried he was going to be eaten by a bear couldn’t get himself together. The whole reason for the stop to begin with was to put on some warming gear but after doing the smack down with the bike wasn’t cold anymore. “Don’t be over confident but have confidence you can do it.”

Meet the New Riders: Harold Schoonover #833

Harold Schoonover #833, from Corning New York is a 45 year motorcycle rider. He heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge through several mediums. After a little encouragement from a couple of other new riders, the father son team of Rob Talbett Jr. #831 and Sr #832,  Harold decided he is ready to give it a go. He has been talking about this for a long time, and knows he will be watched by lots of his friends on the US Fleet Tracking. He will be riding a 2016 CVO Ultra classic and knows to “expect the unexpected.”

When the Hoka Hey Challengers take off from Pala Resort on June 21^st, everyone who wants to follow the 2016 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will be able to track all of the riders through US FleetTracking on www.hokaheychallenge.com

Meet the New Riders: Robert Talbett, Jr #831

Rob Talbett, Jr. # 831, from Jamestown, New York, ran into some Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challengers at his local Harley Dealership. He called his dad to see if he had heard of the Challenge and his dad’s response was “Oh yeah, that’s bad ass! Those are some hardcore riders right there.”  At first his dad considered himself too old, but Rob got him to agree to give it a try. The event has already brought them closer together with daily conversations and planning for the Challenge.

At first he felt like riding the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was like getting his 15 minutes of fame. Once he learned more about the Challenge, he realized there was much more personal growth & altruism involved in being a Hoka Hey rider. He plans to be an additional voice for the true meaning of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.


Rob, Jr. is actively raising money for the Chautauqua County Youth Hockey Association, a local 501(c)3 providing area youth the opportunity to not only play, and learn about the game of ice hockey, but also teach the values of good sportsmanship, fair play, and respect for others. Rob Jr. also has a GoFundMe page for friends and family who would also like to contribute to the nonprofit. 

Meet the Riders: Jim Herold #116

Jim  Herald #116, from Moncks Corner, South Carolina, has ridden in every Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge since it’s inception in 2010. “It has challenged me in ways I thought I could never be challenged.“ Jim’s favorite story was also his scariest moment. While riding through British Columbia on the way back from the 2010 Challenge, his bike hit a large hole that flattened his front wheel.  In the midst of gathering up his belongings from all over the road, he came face to face with a momma bear and her 2 cubs. Everyone was standing up staring at each other… Jim and the 3 bears!

Luckily, a passerby helped him out of what could have been a serious situation instead of a really cool story. 36 hours later his bike was being repaired so that Jim could get back on the road heading for home.

Ever curve offers something new for Jim and he feels it takes a special kind of rider to do the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. His advice to new Challengers: “get plenty of sleep.”