Meet The New Rider Andy Norrie #1018

Hello everyone, my name is Andy Norrie (Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Rider # 1018) and I live just outside Toronto Canada and have been riding for 40 of my 54 years. I have been a follower and fan of the Hoka Hey Challenge for about 8 years.  The timing has aligned for me to take on this epic challenge. 

I have just retired from a 35 year year career in law enforcement where I was fortunate enough to be involved in police motorcycle operations.  My last year in my policing career was spent embedded with the International Military Coalition in Baghdad Iraq as part of Operation Inherent Resolve. 

In the last few years I have embarked on pursuing more adventuresome rides like riding to destinations like Waskaganish on James Bay and Yellowknife in the North West Territories. You will likely pick me out pretty quickly as I will be one of the rare riders not riding a cruiser motorcycle. My ride will be a 2009 Buell Ulysses. 

I believe in a personal philosophy of life learning and enrichment through physical, emotional and psychological challenges that push us outside of comfort zone. I have been fortunate to successfully complete a marathon race and summit Mount Kilimanjaro in this life quest.  I have learned a lot about myself and the world in the process. The Hoka Hey Challenge is a perfect fit for my next effort. 

My personal values of respect, honour, integrity and compassion align with those of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge . I strive to leave the people and places I encounter in the world a little better than when I found them. 

I feel fortunate to belong to the motorcycle community and honoured to be among those that have risen to take on the HHMC.  I look forward to meeting and bonding with my fellow challengers. 

I have been fortunate to have completed my career in policing but many of my colleagues have made the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of their duty.  For that reason my fundraising charity will be the Ontario Police Memorial Foundation

which maintains a Wall of Honour with the names of all known fallen officers inscribed upon it.  I further dedicate my HHMC ride to the 32 police motorcycle officers who’s names are memorialized on the wall.

I have secured the support of the following companies, without whom this quest would not be possible:

Motolight.com

Twinpegs.no

Stpaulhd.com

Aagaardmotofoundry.bigcartel.com

Markhamoutdoorpower.com

I will be riding for Ontario Police Memorial Foundation

I have heard the call! Hoka Hey!

Meet The New Rider Lance Corley # 1017

  I’ve been riding motor cycles since 1973 but relatively new to the endurance side of it.  I discovered IBA in 2016 and that opened my eyes to a non ending list of challenges that has changed my life.  Being from the lake effect snow belt I have a short riding season so the winter is used for maintenance and to get in a mid winter cruise to somewhere warm. 

 I want to ride the Hoka Hey as a ratchet up of the challenge level to the endurance riding that I’ve been doing for a few years now.  I am confident that Hoka Hey will provide that challenge by sending me to places I would never think of on my own and by keeping me to a strict enough timetable over a long period of time to make me work for it.  The best advise that I’ve been given is to stay alert, stay hydrated, and feed myself, which I have a tendency not to do on shorter time frame rides.

 The major obstacle that I have overcome in gaining this experience nearly kept me from riding at all.  I had a bad accident in 2017 in which I had to make some serious demands to keep them from amputating my left leg.  It took a year and 5 surgeries to get where I could walk again during which time my wife was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer and passed away.  I was in a mental dark place for awhile but replaced my bike with a new one and got back on the horse.  For those who know there is no better therapy than to be alone with your thoughts in the wind.

  So my bride rides with me and ride to make a difference in the lives of those with pancreatic cancer and their families by collecting money for the Pancreatic Cancer Network. 

Meet The New Rider Richard Smoot # 1016

Richard "Griz" Smoot  I'm a semi retired contractor of 44 years, spent my entire career in the building construction industry. 

My first ride was at 12 YO on a Honda 70 and I have never stopped.

Current traveler is a 2013 Road Glide Custom that I bought very lightly used in 2017 and immediately left on a 3 week trip out west to ride the mountains of Colorado. I'm currently in the bike hoarders protection program as I seem to never let one go! 

I was fortunate enough to make the cut for the 2020 Hoka Hey ride and look forward to meeting the challenge with 2 other riders I have had the privilege to meet in the last year and all the 2020 participants. 

One of my longtime sayings is "You wake up with  the nicest people under a bridge after an all night storm". I developed it in the early 80's when I was traveling from Ohio to Virginia Beach on my 1981 Yamaha SECA 750 to visit my brother and friends that were stationed there .  This was generally a twice a month weekend trip during spring summer and fall. 

One of my greatest blessings has been to become involved in motorcycle drag racing. I've been so very fortunate to meet and become involved with some of the greatest competitors as well as friends through this sport. Having worked with and on some of the fastest motorcycles on earth and the people that race them. 

I've traveled many many miles on 2 wheels and my fondest memories seem to be associated with this travel and the people I've met along the way! I've attached a few photos that speak much better than I can of those memories!

Griz

Hoka Hey

 #1016

Meet The New Rider Rick Rogers #1015

 I am a born and raised Southern California boy, living in Yorba Linda, CA with my wife Paula. We’ve been married for 45 years and have 2 daughters.  We are blessed to have our girls, their husbands and our grandchildren living nearby, making family dinners and weekend BBQ’s regular events.  My wife and I both retired after long, successful careers, but we believe “Gramma & Papa” are the best titles we’ve ever earned. 

Motorcycle touring became a hobby after retirement and I started with short trips around California.  Those rides became longer and more frequent and started taking me places I’d only dreamt about seeing on 2 wheels.  Through those trips I discovered the IBA and the world of long distance motorcycle riding.  I did a few1000 mile IBA rides to start, but it was a coast-to-coast ride in 2018 that got me hooked on long distance riding.  

Along my motorcycle journey I‘ve met people who shared the love of traveling on 2 wheels.  I didn’t know it at the time, but some of those folks I met on road, or in different online groups, are living legends of the long distance riding community.  It has been their willingness to share stores and experiences that has inspired me to take on bigger challenges myself.  It was through them I first heard of the Hoka Hey and witnessed the bond, brother and sisterhood, and fellowship the riders share.  I was drawn to that and I want a chance to be part of that. 

So here we are a few weeks away from the start of the 2020 Hoka Hey, and I expect the event will live up to its name and that I will be challenged physically, mentally, and emotionally.  The physical and mental challenges are obvious to all, but I expect my ability to control emotions wIll be a challenge as well. I fully expect to have moments of “What the hell was I thinking?”   To overcome those thoughts  I hope to follow the example and advise of those who have gone before me:  “Travel light.  Ride YOUR ride.  Know YOUR limitations and when to rest.  Pay attention to details and directions... and to have fun!”  I look forward to the ride and the fun of getting off the interstate highways and seeing this beautiful country via county roads and scenic byways.  I look foreword to meeting people and sharing this experience with friends.  And I look forward to, hopefully, earning my place among those Hoka Hey folks I admire. 

I ride in support of the annual coast-to-coast event “Run for the Wall.”  It is my goal to raise money to help those riders traveling from California, cover their fuel and other expenses as they journey to the Vietnam War memorial in Washington DC.

Meet The New Rider Scottie Ray # 1014

Hi, I’m Scottie Ray and I’m looking forward to the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2020! I live in Cantonment, FL (just outside of Pensacola) with my wife and two sons.  I’ve been riding for about 17 years and really enjoy seeing the country on two wheels.  When I am not riding, you can find me usually tinkering with some ideas on Texas style BBQ, cooking, listening to music or planning a weekend trip somewhere.  My work keeps me hopping, so spending time with my boys is always important when I am home. 

 I first heard about the HHMC from a riding buddy about 5-6 years ago.  Since then, I have been reading about it and trying to figure out how I could test myself and participate.  The idea of 10,000 miles in a couple of weeks with your wits, the country side, your inner monologue, and the elements is a challenge that I want to experience. However, when I read deeper into some of the blogs and posts by past riders, it was the focus on their chosen charities that struck a nerve with me that I have not been able to shake.  The stars aligned this year in my schedule and I am super excited to do this to learn about myself as a person and rider while doing some good for those less fortunate than I.To be frank, I am not sure what to expect.  I expect that the challenge will probably not really hit me until the second week on the road.  While I have done a ton of long distance riding and long days in all kinds of elements, this challenge brings it to a whole new level.  I expect to learn about my own focus, drive and ability to push through those obstacles.  I also expect that I will meet a new community of riders and friends that share common desires and through the shared experience hopefully will generate friendships that last a lifetime.

Since I am new and I do not really know anyone personally that has done it, most of the advice has been just what I have seen in blogs and posts.   There seem to be a lot on preparation of all types, and many have mentioned the role that fitness can play into an endurance challenge of this type.  Probably the best advice though for me is to build a group of supporters that will help you meet your goals, encourage you as prep and raise funds for charity.  I am really fortunate to have the full backing of my friends, company and my family for this ride.  Everyone that knows me has been 100% supportive and removing any obstacles that there might be.  This is awesome for me and is allowing to really focus on preparing to do the things required to meet the challenge!

I was on a “Last Ride of the Year” in Alabama with some buddies 5-6 or six years ago when I first learned of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.  I had done two solo trips that year from Florida to South Dakota and then to Nevada and we were talking about long distance riding. One of the guys brought up the HHMC --I hadn’t heard of it-- and that began my intrigue, and as I learned more, I knew I wanted to be a part of that community.
I think the idea that it is so much more than a challenge.  That it is a way to make a statement of action to do something for someone or a group of folks that need help.  To take the action of pushing yourself so hard for so long and turning that determination into actionable results for the good for others.  That intersection of self examination and focus on others is really pretty incredible when you think about it!

I am raising finds this year for Crescent Cove organization in Minneapolis MN.  Crescent Cove offers care and support to children and young adults with a shortened life-expectancy, and their families who love them.

The Crescent Cove Respite & Hospice Home for Kids is a vibrant and joyful home-away-from home for kids with life-threatening conditions, where each moment is embraced and celebrated. All services and stays provided at Crescent Cove to kids and families are at NO COST thanks to the generosity of donors who make this possible.

There are 4700 hospice and pallative care centers in the US.  There are only 3 that are focused on children and young people with life threatening conditions.  For me, so many charities are focused (rightly so) on finding cures for terrible and life-threatening diseases.  The sad truth is that for some kids and young people, there is no cure.  Their life should not be confined to standard hospital experiences as the way they spend their days.  Their parents and family should be able to life those moments with dignity, vitality and compassionate care. 

If you want to see the power of this place check out this YouTube!

My donation link can be found here!

Meet The New RIder Andy Dennis # 1013

My first time riding something with a motor was when I was 6 yrs old. My dad took my brother and I to a field close to our house and we rode and old Honda 50. That was the start of a 40 year love affair with bikes.  I did  a lot of dirt bike riding, mostly trails up near Algonquin Park. I made the transition to street bikes in my late teens with my first being a Suzuki GZ 550. I did the sport bike thing for a bit then moved into cruisers then to sport touring. I’ve been riding strictly HD touring bikes since 2008.  When I`m not riding, I`m taking my kids to hockey rinks or football fields. Occasionally I can be found wondering aimlessly in the French Quarter or skiing down a slope on some mountain run. I enjoy cooking and can make a wide variety of foods including likely the best carrot cake with cream cheese icing you`ve ever had. I have limited requests, please do ask me to fold a fitted sheet, I have no idea how to do that and at this stage in life, I`ll likely never learn.

 I first found out about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge when I was looking for a long distance ride to do. I recognized how unique this opportunity was. It would not only test your riding skills but you mental and physical endurance. I saw this as a true challenge. As I looked into it more, I saw the comradery between riders and the possibility to raise awareness and garner charitable donations for organizations. I think I’m going to learn a lot about myself and my abilities. I’ve done long distance riding/camping but always used my directions and not ones created by others, so I believe I’ll find that a challenge. On occasion, If I felt like it I’d grab a hotel for a decent bed and shower along my way. I also expect to learn to deal with setbacks, improvise and adapt to different scenarios.

I`ve been riding for a long time now and have road for extended periods during the day and night. The challenge of following the directions. Normally, I plan my own directions and obviously have an idea how those directions flow. When taking others directions adding being unfamiliar roads and locations. I also know those same roads are going to show me things most people will never see. That alone is worth taking on the challenge.

 The best advice I have been given about riding the HHMC?

Take your time reading the directions, trust the directions and get something waterproof to keep your directions from getting ruined.

One of the main obstacles that I have to overcome is planning. I know that may sound odd but generally I don’t plan too much, I have a general idea of what Im doing but get side-tracked often,  just fly by the seat of my pants for the most part.  I`ll need to ensure I take the time to follow through with my planning but still need to adjust and adapt on the fly.

I will be support two non-profit organizations during the ride hoping at raising funds for the following charities,  True Patriot Love (TPL)  …. https://truepatriotlove.com

Why We Need You - True Patriot Love Why We Need You. Canada, it was their duty to protect us, now it’s our duty to help them. truepatriotlove.com

. I chose TPL because it`s works with Canadian Soldiers and their families. The second charity is more personal for me, and that’s cancer research specifically colon cancer. In 2017, my dad passed away after a long and slow battle with colon cancer. I already donate blood specifically because of the need for cancer patients and so for me this was a great opportunity to get building the charitable donations.

Meet The New Rider Larry Robertson # 1012

I’m an enrolled member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, originally from the Lake Traverse Reservation in Northeast South Dakota, I’m a veteran and have four children and have never missed a child support payment! Actually I have my two youngest that live with me currently in Albuquerque NM, I’ve been in public service all of my career starting in military as a Navy Corpsman, worked in EMS after leaving active duty and have been in law enforcement 29 years. Aside from riding I have several activities that I enjoy, I have several drones that I fly and do photography and videos from a different perspective.  I enjoy traveling by any means-bike, vehicle or plane and have been to many amazing places. I also enjoy taking my kids to concerts, the artists that are from my era-the ones who play actual instruments, nothing more thrilling for my kids and I than to be on the front row for AC/DC after driving from Albuquerque to Fargo ND!

Many years ago, my friends and I heard about the first Hoka Hey Challenge and I was intrigued, and I’ve followed each year, hoping someday I would have the time to apply and hopefully ride the challenge. I am a divorced Dad who got primary custody of my two kids and they’ve always come first in my life, but now they’re older, so it’s time. As a first year rider, I know it’s not going to be easy, but I’ve always enjoyed just getting out on the bike and ride for days, no destination; it’s where I find my solace in this crazy world. The attraction for me is that the HHMC is more than just getting on a bike and going; it will challenge me to stay on task, face the elements, leave behind comforts, work toward the goal of finishing and enjoying the ride in the process. 

The words “Hoka hey” have a special meaning to me, to hear it gives me strength and there are people who read this that will know exactly what I’m speaking of. I will carry that as I make my way through each day of the HHMC. I have chosen to ride for the families that  fallen Akicita have left behind. Throughout the years, I’ve known warriors who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice protecting their communities and they’re at peace; but the spouses and children must continue life without them and that’s who I ride for. Concerns of Police Survivors is the charity I have chosen here is the link and I encourage everyone to donate https://www.concernsofpolicesurvivors.org/aboutcops