Meet the New Rider: Ken Karey #852

Ken #852 is from Hopkinton, Ma. and was spurred on by Arthur Pond #724 to ride after several sideline tracking events but just didn’t have the time off work to try the ride. His wife encouraged him to take this “personal challenge.” When he shared his plans with his friends they think he’s “nuts,” but also knows there are a few in his HOG chapter who are a little jealous because they can’t go.  Maybe 2018!

Ken is very much a detail oriented kind of guy and has gone over his bike and gear meticulously so he knows for sure he is as prepared for this as he can be.  He wants to “maximize the experience and minimize the challenge.” Working with Arthur they are making efforts to help with fundraising for the Pine Ridge area Chamber of Commerce. Doing a Gofundme  page with friends on his Facebook. He is so close already to reaching his goal!

Meet the Rider: Ken Aston # 618

Ken (KC) #618 is from Aurora, Co. and has ridden 2011, 12, 13 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge after seeing it on the internet in 2010 and wanted to see if it was “something I could do.”  After riding 30 years he knows how to pack. Sunflower seeds, beef jerky and tangerines are staples on his steed. “Tangerines are easier to peel as your going down the road.” Riding parts of the Trail of tears and Natchez trace are fond memories, and not knowing what state you’re in other then “a state of confusion,” made the top of the list for KC. The family reunion type feeling a returning rider gets seeing everyone at the meet and greets and end of the road party was the “Best.”

Surprised by the women riders KC says “It’s harder to keep up with the women then the men.”  Way to keep em’ movin’ Jane and Shatzi!!!!  Sleeping in a farmers driveway and getting stirred awake by the local police officer thinking he was dead was unforgettable experience he had while choosing his Hoka hotel for the night. His experience has been awesome and is something “you just have to try.” “Stop when you get tired, sleep” is the best advice he has for new riders. He is asking his friends to donate to the Pine Ridge Area Chamber of Commerce.

Meet the Rider: Gene Adee # 71

Gene #71 has ridden all but the 2012 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Former military man Gene was sponsored for his military service to ride several events. A friend shared a link about the HHMC and he said “ YEP this is right up my alley.” A very compassionate rider, Gene took the time to have a service and burial for a duck he came in contact with.  Crossing the finish line in the daylight is Gene’s goal for this year and says he feels a lot more well rounded since his experience with the HHMC. He has seen a lot more than most have ever gotten to see and loves all the nice people with similar interests. He has made 100’s of new friends and loves all the “jaw dropping beauty” he has seen in his rides.

 

Passing a kidney stone is not the most common thing people do during a HHMC but Gene did, and finished the ride. He refers to the starting line of the first HHMC as a Chinese fire drill and says this ride is not a kids game. Make sure you are physically fit and remember this is not a race.

Meet the Rider: George Jackman # 750

George #750 of Hope, ID has ridden in 2012,13,14 and is looking forward to this year as well. He learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from his home dealer in Twin Falls. He rides regularly from ID to Ca and the dealer recognized how perfect this event was for George.  Unfortunately he didn’t learn about the event until a week before it left Mesa, AZ to ride all 48 states and end in Nova Scotia so George had to wait for 2012 to do his first HHMC. He says “once you do one you want to just keep doing more of them.”  

Bears in the Yukon were what made sleeping tough for George but managed to sneak up on the front runner in 2014 and “the look on his face because he didn’t think anyone could catch him” was a Kodak moment. Don’t over pack and get yourself in shape. Hell training, Zip Ty racing, Terry cable, The Shop Sandwich and more, Jackman Tile, Done Right Signs and Graphics, TMR'S, Eco-Fuel Savers,  have sponsored George and in his travels leaves info about the HHMC every chance he gets.

Meet the New Rider: Marshall Mc Kinley #839

Marshall #839 waited to see how his son Shannon McKinley #803 and friend and fellow rider and brotherhood “Spirit riders” member Joe Lacey # 802 did in 2014 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Marshall kept track of them and watched them go right through his neck of the woods. Not knowing this of course until it happened was quite the surprise for this entire group of friends and fellow riders. Most of the HHMC riders from that year just remember take a left at Hattiesburg, MS. because for 600 and some miles that year you stayed on the same road, US 98.  But the experiences they share convinced Marshall this was something he had to try for himself.

Riding is not new for Marshall, he has been at it for 53 years now and will be riding a 2015 Road glide. His objective is to finish and staying hydrated and being safe will help him to be successful in that. “Everyone has different limitations, know yours and stay within them.”  Helping disadvantaged in his local area is a shared passion with the “Spirit Riders” who like their name implies is lead by their faith and the teachings to “Love One Another.” And do benefits all year round.