Meet The New Rider # 1320 Phillip Waltz

 

 

 

Hello, I am Phillip Waltz Rider #1320 I am from Tellico Plains, Tennessee, I am a proud retired Army Veteran (28 Years), serving from '1995 to '2023. I have been married to the Love of my life my wife (Carolyn) for 25 Years, we have three kids and five grandchildren. I first started riding motorcycles at 5 years old and haven't stopped. Over the years we have lived in various places and have met some amazing people throughout our travels while in the military. In 2018 we moved to Fort Sill, OK and met a couple there (Al and Kim). We began riding together and it was there that I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

In 2018, the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge started from Medicine Park, OK we attended the start of the challenge that year and followed the riders. We even tried to meet the riders as they crossed the finish line. From that point on I have wanted to attempt this challenge but my military career got in the way. Throughout the years I have followed most of the riders and have even meet some of them like (Louise Preciado) rider# 917 in 2020 on the Cherohala Skyway, we crossed paths and started talking. He has encouraged me to take up this challenge through the years and has even sent me some Hoka Hey shirts, stickers, and bandana while I was stationed in Saudi Arabia. During my time in the Army I have travelled the world and seen places and things that most people will never see and experience. The one place I haven't got to see and experience in this great country that I call home. The reason why I want to attempt the challenge is to see this country that all service members have written and blank check for and have given their life defending.

For my non-profit, I am riding for the Isaiah117house, when children are removed from their home out of concern for their safety, they are usually brought to a child welfare services office to await placement. This wait can be a few hours to several days. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing.

Isaiah 117 house provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snugly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement.

The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold:

* reduce trauma for children awaiting placement

* lighten the load for child welfare services

* ease the transition for foster families 

Website: Isaiah 117 House Monroe Co TN

 Donations:   Isaiah House 117

Meet The New Rider # 1333 Jake Wetzel

 

 

My name is Jake Wetzell, also known as Ditch, from Sterling, Illinois. I work in the grocery supply chain.  I have two teenage daughters that have always been a good cheering section for me. Riding motorcycles has always been where things get simple and honest for me. There’s no room for excuses—only preparation, discipline, and decisions that matter. I enjoy the adventure and feeling of being one with your surroundings when on two wheels.

 

I first came across the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge on social media in 2024 watching everyone go from Florida to Alaska. What stood out immediately was the stripped-down, old-school nature of the ride. No shortcuts, no comforts—just you, the machine, and the miles. That approach spoke to me. The Hoka Hey is a chance to test myself, to see more of the country the hard way, and to find out who I am when comfort is removed and every decision counts. This ride is about accountability, endurance, and earning every mile.

 

 

I’m riding in support of the Green River Riders , an organization I’ve been proud to be part of for a decade. The Green River Riders support local homeless shelters, food pantries, recovery programs, and Christmas funds (just to name a few)—showing up where help is needed. We’re just regular guys bound by brotherhood, focused on doing the work without looking for credit. This ride is a way to carry that same mindset across the country and turn a personal challenge into something that gives back.

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider #1322 Aaron Youtsey

 

 

 

 Hi, my name is Aaron Youtsey, rider #1322. I live in the Panhandle of Texas with my beautiful
wife. My dad bought me a Honda XR 75 when I was eight years old. That was the beginning
of my passion for motorcycles. Soon into my young adult years he had bought a touring bike
and was going on short trips, he offered it to myself and my girlfriend/wife now and said go
for a ride. That day I knew after a beautiful afternoon ride that I would return to riding. It was
a good many years later and after raising two beautiful and talented daughters we got there.

 

After many conversations with other local riders and looking back and forth through listings
I settled for a 1200 sportster to begin my journey. It didn’t take long to figure out that it wasn’t
a machine to do thousands of miles two up, but it was fuel for the fire. The search began
again, one cold Saturday in the middle of December I found a Heritage at Tripp's Harley
Davidson in Amarillo, Texas. No gear, no helmet, nothing but everyday clothing I rode that
bike two hours in almost freezing temps. back home. My core was frozen but by the time I
got home I knew our motorcycling destinations were endless.

 

Some ten years later or so we
had basically exceeded the comfortable mileage range on that bike and was ready for the
next level of riding. Longer distances and longer durations out meant more comfort from a
bigger bike. (If momma ain’t happy, well you know the rest. Lol) We upgraded and continued
our ventures. Broadening our travel radius, following more groups online and learning more.
We even began looking into IBA’s and rallies as well as entertaining the thought of going back
to camping and being closer to the outdoors just like how we were raised and to save money.
(Motorcycle stuff is expensive)

 

Challenges, life has plenty of them. From getting along in school to figuring out your work
path or career to juggling work, spouse, kids and daily life. As we navigate this crazy world
and settle in it becomes necessary to seek other challenges in life that are separated from
the norm. Expensive hobbies in general is most people's escape. Ours just happens to be
cross country riding by ourselves or with groups. 

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge appeals to me because it
lends me that opportunity, I can ride my ride as much as I want alone or join in for fellowship
and company. It also creates an avenue to give back to our communities and organizations.
I’m very competitive and enjoy a good challenge. I am excited to join the many riders that
have tested their skills to the limits, I’m excited and ready to test myself. More importantly
I’m excited to raise money for so many that need help.

 

I will be riding for The Mile Monsters Inc in 2026. The Mile Monsters are a group of long-distance endurance riders that support young
boys with an incurable muscle disease, DMD (Duchenne Muscular Disease). We began
supporting them and raising awareness a couple years ago. The Monsters and the Hero’s as
we call them inspired us to do our first couple of IBA rides. We are proud to be riding to raise
awareness for the boys. I am very proud to be riding
with a talented group of riders from all walks of life. My rider's name is Youtsey.

 To Donate :Mile Monsters Inc Aaron Youtsey

“A champion is someone who gets up when he can’t.” - /G\ Bro. Jack Dempsey

God speed to all.

Meet The New Rider # 1358 George Phillips

 

 

I was born into a military family and in my earlier years spent most of my time moving from one base to another. Dad was from Cullman, Alabama and after he was killed in Viet Nam in 1964 that became home. 

 

 I married a lovely lady that I knew in High School who has put up with me for 50 years, we have four children and they have provided us with 8 awesome grandchildren. After High School I worked several jobs then decided to join the Army with the intentions of making it a career but that got cut short.

 

 After my discharge I went back to college and got my degree in Drafting and followed up with a B.S. in Management. I became a Mechanical Engineer, Project Manager and an Engineering Manager. Now retired. I started riding motorcycles at 15 and over the years I have ridden many import bikes and bought my first Harley in 2005, a Softtail and never looked back.  I have since owned several other Harley's with the present one being a 2020 Ultra Limited. 

 

 

After buying my first Harley I joined the Birmingham HOG Chapter in 2005 where I met Rip Alexander who introduced me to the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2010 when he rode his first one. Ever since I have wanted to participate but family and work took priority and I could never get the time. So that brings me to now, I have the time and desire to face the Challenge and look forward to an adventure of a life time. Thanks to the encouragement of Kelly Swihart, a good friend and 2024 HOKA HEY rider, I decided to face the 2026 Challenge.  I have ridden four 1000 mile/24 hour “Ironbutt” rides, I also plan and lead annual cross-country rides each being one to two weeks and covering 2000 to 4000 miles, with a small group of friends. I also had the opportunity to ride for Danny

Roberts (DR Consultants) and be part of the DRC Ride Team that completed a 10K mile (completing in 4 weeks) road comparison test for a tire manufacturing company.

For many years I have helped the Birmingham H.O.G. Chapter raise money for the kids at the Big Oak Ranch which provides a good Christion home environment for boys and girls that do not have a place to live. As my charity of choice I plan to raise money to continue to help these children.

Riding is my hobby and passion that helps keep me in focus, clears my thoughts, and allows me to enjoy my family and the awesome world around us.  Look forward to being a part of the Hoka Hey family.

 

Meet The New Rider # 1354 Steve Viola

#1. Tell us a little about You. What do you do for fun when you are not riding?

I’m originally from San Antonio Texas.  I was a Chef Apprentice and was  pre-med  for college, with a calling for something more out of life.  I joined the Navy in 1986 for

“the college program” and later become a Navy SEAL, I attended Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL (BUD/S) Training and graduated in Class 167 and spent a twenty-eight-year career as a SEAL Team member, retiring as a Command  Master Chief. Currently, I still support the veteran and first responder’s community as a private contractor/owner of a small business helping in treatment alternatives. I’m also the owner/operator of a small business called Max Perdiem INC ( a consulting company). In my off  time I like to travel, Motor-home and motorcycle rides, reading, naturalist in training (wildlife management and preservation), shooting, cooking and hang out with my Fiance and our dogs.

#2. Why do you want to ride the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge?

I  heard  about the HHMC through a friend (Ed )and the whole program and community really spoke to me. I have been riding for some time and enjoy wind-therapy.  I am on a self-improvement journey and I feel that this community ( riders)  will help to challenge me and help me to focus on enjoying the country I spent my entire adult life protecting and serving. If selected I hope to do as many Hoka Heys as heaven will allow- I feel the folks that have done the journey can help me and then we can help others. I read every bit of information about the HHMC and I realized that I needed to do it. Lastly something I read a while back I think fits here pretty good- “Running up a hill is a bitch until you adapt to the hill. Then it’s not. The Hill is the same but you are different and as a result, so is your experience. Easy or hard is about you, not the hill. Don’t wait  for your hill to change.” Craig Harper.

 

The HHMC will be challenging but I am looking forward to the life changing experiences and being a part of group of like-minded folks.

The whole idea of just going on a journey, old school where you have to pay attention to the weather and road conditions while enjoying yourself and “unplug” from all the technology. In short; self-reliance and accountability. Also, raising awareness for different causes is something  I can really get behind. Perhaps more importantly this really spoke to me;

 

“No matter what you are physically….Male or female, strong or weak, sick or healthy...

All those things matter less than what’s inside of you. If you have the soul of a warrior, you are a warrior. What matters most is that you are filled with a deep & powerful presence of life.”

~ James Red Cloud

                                    MORE OF THIS PLEASE!!

 

 

 

 

#3. What non-profit are you supporting and why did you choose them?
 

 Texans for Greater Mental Health(T4GMH) – They change minds to change lives, advocating for veterans, empowering individuals, and providing critical support to those struggling with mental health challenges. T4GMH is at the forefront of a national movement, driving policy change that has led to more than $100 million in funding for psychedelic research. Their work is transforming the future of mental health care by raising awareness and advancing practical legislation that educates both lawmakers and the public on the powerful role of psychedelic research in healing.

 

Why did you choose them?

In my humble opinion- T4GMH aligns perfectly with the values of HHMC. I’ve seen firsthand how people can either struggle well or struggle poorly. Too many individuals, whether dealing with PTSD, addiction, or other mental health challenges, are left desperate for solutions. T4GMH is leading the way in advocating for alternative treatment therapies that can truly make a difference. They are a beacon of hope for those in need, providing a path forward with innovative solutions.

 

What will the money be used for?

The donation will directly support T4GMH’s groundbreaking efforts in psychedelic policy advocacy to expand access to innovative mental health treatments for all Texans. Every dollar you contribute fuels progress—none of it goes toward payroll or administrative costs. T4GMH provides public engagement and education programs, connecting everyday Texans to the potential of psychedelic medicine. They run innovative advocacy programs working with other nonprofits, veteran groups, and lawmakers to advance historic legislation. T4GMH has established itself as the national model for a state-focused education, engagement, and advocacy organization.

 

Meet The New Rider # 1352 Sean Johnson

My name is Sean Johnson, hailing from the mid-coast of Oregon. I’m a US Navy Veteran, husband of 21 years, father of 5, work with commercial and residential construction, am an avid outdoors man, water man, and a multi-certified IBA long distance rider. I’ve been riding 30 plus years for enjoyment and commuter transportation, but over the last several years I have pursued long-distance motorcycle travel with increasing interest and passion.

I learned about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (HHMC) a couple years ago from a friend. Over the last couple years, have had the opportunity to meet many HHMC finishers, and have been impressed with their comradery and familial support for each other. In gaining these friendships, I am eager to join their ranks. We only grow through adversity and stretching our limits, so entering the HHMC is for personal challenge and growth in my mental, physical, spiritual and emotional strengths and limits; excited to use this opportunity to raise support for charity. 

  

I have chosen “Candlighters, for Children with Cancer”. Candlelighters provides support every step of the way for families in Oregon and SW Washington facing childhood cancer. This charity became personal to me when my first-born son was diagnosed with Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 5, in 2014. My family and I were devastated. For that next 7plus years of life changing long term hospital stays, experimental treatments, and massive emotional uncertainty, Candlelighters became a lifeline, both emotionally and monetarily, in support of my son and family. I don’t know what we would have done without their benevolence, and honest caring support. I feel blessed and thankful to give back to an organization that has meant so much to us in our time of need.

 For further information and donation go to Candlighters

Meet The New Rider #1245 Steve Tiller AKA Scuba Steve

Greetings and all that jazz, my name is Steve Tiller, known more often by my road name, Scuba. Born and raised in northern NY, think Canada, not City. Currently I reside just outside of Savannah GA with my fiancé, my soon to be stepdaughter, 2 dogs, 2 cats, 2 goats, and 8 chickens. I have an adult son and an adult, soon to be stepdaughter. I am an aeronautical engineer by trade, and a biker by passion. I started riding in 2009 when I was part of a Jet Powered Motorcycle team, the Ballistic Eagle. We set a Guinness World Record with that beast. The guys used to pester me as the crew chief of the team and the only guy on the team that didn’t ride. “How can you be the crew chief of a motorcycle race team and not know how to ride?” “Easy, I know turbines! This thing is only a motorcycle because it has 2 wheels and handlebars.”  Eventually they got to me as I already had the desire to ride. I took the MSF Basic Rider course, and the rest is, as they say, history.

 

So, why the Hoka Hey? Guess that is what any sane person would ask. For me, it’s the opportunity to go on an absolutely EPIC adventure. I feel in love with the stories of old school bikers. The open road, the freedom, the nomadic lifestyle, sleeping next to your scoot. It reminded me of the old westerns with the cowboys sleeping beside their horses, saddle as a pillow. When I first learned about the Hoka Hey in early 2024, the only thought I had was this sounds epic. The more I researched and learned, the more the passion to do this grew. I already use the road, the wind to find myself. At least re-center myself amidst the chaos that is daily life. To be able to immerse myself in that for 2 weeks, me vs nature vs the road. It’s just something I have to do. I am hoping to learn even more about who I am and the man I want to be.

 

My nonprofit is Bikers Against Child Abuse® of Georgia. I have been a part of B.A.C.A.® since 2016. Their mission, To Empower Abused Children to not fear the world in which they live. To fight for abused children, and try to ride the world of Child Abuse, it’s a calling. Shielding a child from further abuse, it’s just what I am meant to do. I chose B.A.C.A.® because I have dedicated 9+ years to the mission, and this is another way that I am able to help.

Bikers Against Child Abuse® uses the money raised to directly help abused children. Whether it’s providing some of the swag that we give each child when we adopt them into our organization or assisting a child in getting therapy they may need. B.A.C.A.® uses the money raised to help the children in the organization. Every chapter around the globe also hosts parties for our kids, our heroes. A couple days a year where our heroes get to focus on just being a kid. The payday there is simply watching these kids smile and have a good time.