Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

The Spirit of Hoka Hey

2012-02-19T08:20:00.000-08:00

Here is just a taste of the adventure that awaits you on the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

A feature length documentary about the challenges faced by our indigenous people and an 8 part mini-series about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and it's participants are being created by David Roma and the Movement Group.

Destiny? Or Free Will?

2012-02-06T15:10:00.000-08:00

So often in life, circumstances are beyond your control and you have to deal with them in the best way you know how. The question then becomes whether you will adapt? Or attempt to overcome?

In the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, you will be faced with any number of situations that will make you ask these same questions of yourself. You will learn whether you have the courage to plunge headlong into untested waters; the strength to confront seemingly insurmountable challenges or the drive to continue the quest in spite of brutal physical elements. Exactly, what kind of a person are you? Take the Challenge and you will find out.

One Life – One Ride… The journey is yours to take!

Changes for the Good

2012-01-28T14:17:00.000-08:00

As we get out and speak with people about this year’s Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, we’ve gotten a very positive response to the changes we’re making to the event. Everything from the prize structure to the shorter distance and the fact that we will be keeping the route entirely within the U.S. have gotten a lot of support from the potential riders we’ve met out on the road.

As many of you know, nobody took home the prize money from the 2011 Challenge but, even though the 11 contenders from this year’s event were disqualified for various rule infractions, the skill and determination of these Challengers is without a doubt what puts them in the category of the World's

Most Elite Long Distance Riders! Unfortunately though, there could be no official recognition for finishing placement and – with the exception of $100K paid to reimburse the contenders for the inconvenience and expense of their trip to AZ for interviews & polygraph tests – no money (or motorcycles) was awarded in 2011.

As a direct result of having a prize structure for finishing placement, there has been a misconception that the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was a speed race and this opinion has taken the focus away from what the event was intended to be. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was intended to not only test a rider’s stamina and endurance, but their mental capacity to follow directions and adapt to any situation. In fact, the exact length of the routes and the number of participants were withheld for the sole purpose of keeping the riders guessing.

In order to return the event to this original objective, we have removed the incentive for speeding by not offering to recognize finishing placement. The prize money will be fifty percent (50%) of the money brought in through entry fees split equally by all riders that arrive at the finish line within a window of time, having followed the driving directions we provide and having hit all of the checkpoints.

An additional benefit to this approach is that, by removing the incentive for riders to speed, the organization will have no need to police their speeds with GPS or polygraph tests this year! In order to be eligible for a share in the purse, contenders will simply have to certify that they did not receive a ticket for a moving violation during the course of the event.

These changes were brought about with the hope of bringing the focus back on the ride. This puts riders in competition with the road, their bike and their own demons – NOT in competition with the other riders. Riders will learn their own strengths and weaknesses. They will face fear and will have to determine if they have the courage and resolve to push forward. In the past, many of our riders searched deep within themselves and found the strength to persevere when they thought they had nothing left to give. The majority of our participants measured up to our expectations and we salute them – whether they made it to the finish line or not.

We are offering you a Challenge in 2012 and we intend to deliver.

Anything else is just a race.

Announcing the 2012 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

2011-12-01T13:48:00.000-08:00

Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
Send these, the homeless, tempest tossed,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.

Inscription on the base of the Statue of Liberty

As Americans we hold that Liberty is a moral and political right in which human beings are able to govern themselves, to behave according to their own free will, and take responsibility for their actions.

The Romans held that Liberty is a goddess who guides the hearts of men and inspires them to courage and hope for the future; she secures their freedom and fights with them to protect her blessings. She celebrates the victory of men and women over the limitations of their own life and allows them to break the chains that hold them.

The primary tenants of the Declaration of Independence are "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness..." As such, we recognize that there are no entitlements - the world doesn't owe us anything and we have to work, sweat and scrape to get what we want and need.

That we have gotten ourselves to this place in the world is no accident. We have had the freedom to choose how we live our lives. Now, will you choose the safety and security of your easy chair? Or will you join us this August 5th, 2012 when we embark on the 3rd annual Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge?

This year's event will begin in Las Vegas, NV and travel LESS THAN 6,000 miles to end in New York, NY. Hoka Hey 2012 will take riders along some of the most scenic roads in the lower 48 United States.

Keep an eye on our website (http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/) for more information and applications.

The question now is...
What will you do with the choices that are before you?

Awards & Recognition

2011-10-09T16:35:00.000-07:00

The Hoka Hey Challenge 2011 was a great success with the World’s Top Riders competing in a 14,000 mile cross country event. The course took them through 48 states and 2 Canadian Provinces and ended in Cape Breton, Canada.

This year, the Hoka Hey went high tech and utilized GPS tracking devices to monitor the riders to insure compliance with the prescribed route of navigation. All finishers complied with the route but the top riders had to submit to polygraph exams for further scrutiny into their compliance of the many rules.

Because of the fact that the 2010 event did not utilize US Fleet Tracking to obtain information about the rider’s speeds and location; the Organizers had to rely on local law enforcement as the primary means of enforcing speeding violations. The Organizers relied on the issuance of a speeding ticket or moving violations, along with the polygraph examination to qualify the 2010 winner. In this 2011 event, the information provided by US Fleet Tracking specific to the 11 contenders could not be ignored by the Organizer’s of the Challenge. After the final validation had been completed, even though the 11 riders who finished within the allotted time frame have accomplished something that no other rider on earth has done, they could not be awarded prize money. The situation was discussed at length at a Contender’s meeting and consideration was made for the fact that the Contenders had to incur significant additional expense to travel to Mesa, AZ for the mandatory polygraph examination. There was an offer made and accepted to help offset their expenses for the mandatory travel. One contender was not able to be present for the event and another intends to seek other remedies. In the end, these elite riders were celebrated on stage as the winners of the event and were recognized as the greatest riders in the world!

A number of the Hoka Hey Challengers were on hand to celebrate the winners and enjoy festivities at Chester’s Harley-Davidson, Mesa, AZ during their annual Rocktoberfest. Chester’s Harley-Davidson was the starting point for the Challenge and on Saturday, October 8th, 2011 Chester’s welcomed the riders back with a ceremony to honor all the brave men and women, who fought the elements to complete the grueling 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Everyone present enjoyed 11 Rock Bands, a poker run and a spectacular concert by Paul Rogers of Bad Company which brought everyone to their feet!

Thanks to all that made the 2nd Hoka Challenge a great success! Especially the folks at Harley-Davidson Motor Company and US Fleet Tracking, proud sponsors of the Hoka Hey.

The 2012 Hoka Challenge is scheduled to run next August. The course will be LESS THAN 7,000 miles, to afford more riders the opportunity to participate. The anticipated total ride time should be 12 days or less. The route will once again take those who love to ride through the back roads of America. Applications will be available on the website in November. Please check our website for updates www.hokaheychallenge.com

The 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is officially ended!!!

2011-09-17T17:06:00.000-07:00

Rider #660, Aristotle Liceralde arrived at the finish line at Ramsay's Harley-Davidson in Sydney, NS at 5:35p.m. Atlantic Time – just 43 days
after leaving Mesa, AZ.

Congratulations to Aris and every one else that put their heart and soul in to this year’s EPIC event; and special thanks to the wonderful people on Cape Breton Island!!

As many of you know, the Medicine Show Land Trust is still a very small organization with limited staff and this event wouldn’t be what it is without the generous support and dedication of those who believe. Not the least of these are the Cape Bretoners! The hard work and enthusiasm of the local H.O.G. Chapter (Chapter 9044), Ramsay’s Cycle & Sports, the Joan Harris Pavilion, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation (ECBC) and Destination Cape Breton made the finish line and closing ceremonies a memorable end to an amazing event.

No matter that our travel plans got pushed back or that the original host for the party at the end of the road pulled out; Andy Tonet, the director of the HOG chapter in Cape Breton, told us not to worry about it -
“We’ll get it taken care of”. And that is just what they did. Everything from the venue, to food for our riders was arranged on our behalf. All we had to do was show up and check the riders in (and failing that, the HOG members were on hand to pick up the slack).

After I came back to the States, Andy and some of the more staunch Hoka Hey supporters from the community have been on hand to make sure our riders weren’t left standing alone at the finish line upon completion of their incredible journey. In fact, the entire HOG chapter met Rider #660 today and rode with him the entire distance of the Cabot Trail and in to the finish line where the celebration just got started!

Whether it’s because they were glad to have us visit their special corner of the world, or if it’s because they just love to ride; the people of Cape Breton Island have really made our riders feel welcome. For my own part, I was made to feel like one of their own during the 20 or so days that I was there and I feel I came to know the Cape Bretoners fairly well. These people are true believers! They believe in keeping their word, they believe in the spirit of community and they believe in our Hoka Hey Challengers.

Thank you Cape Breton - from the bottom of my heart,
Beth

List of Arrivals as of September 17th
Eugene Adee - #71
Kenneth Aston - #618
William Barclay - #355
Gary Barnes - #662
Wendy Battles - #685
John Baumann - #645
Gary Beach - #672
Larry Berland - #374
Jane Bixby - #650
Travis Brian - # 694
Schatzi Brown - #652
Robert Carlo - # 341
Robert Crawford - #50
Douglas Davenport - #622
Keith Deninno - #616
Daniel Dowell - #665
Richard Drake - #190
Moe Ducharme - #659
Marion Ezell - #319
Shaun Fickes - #679
Michael Fox - #601
James Geray - #674
Robert Griffin Jr - #148 (#704)
Jim Herold - #116
Henry Hilliard Jr. #180
Mark Hodge - #348
Stanley Hoover - #636
James Howatson - #654
James Huffman - #604
John Ibbitson - #640
Mark James - #605
Scott Jenkins - #639
Peter Johnstone - #166
Piotr Kacki - #132
Frank Kelly - #175
Dennis Kelly - #683
Thomas Kinsey III - #668
Stanly Kistler - #676
Debra Langley - #677
Walter Ledig - #290
Aristotle Liceralde - #660
George Liebel - #648
David Lutes - #91
Eden Mailloux - #265
Charles Marble - #85
Brian McDonnell - #375
Michael McGuire - #55
Tim Menzie - #670
Terry Meyer - #264
John Miller - #686
Kenneth Miltimore - #621
Lawrence Murray - #628
Marshall Myers - #253
Karl Netherland - #5
Steven Nowak - #608
Harold Park - #644
Rodney Pashcke - #304 (#701)
Debby Pearson - #695
Newton Pereira - #691
Jeffrey Piscitelli - #626
Michael Rogers - #699
Eula Rose - #383
Pedro Salcedo - #657
Bruce Sather - #678
Robert Scott - #655
Garry Simoneaux - #619
Heinz Spielvogel - #332
Marc Story - #16
William Stueber - #643
Shaun VanBeber - #600
Milton Vincent - #207
Robert Vincent - #658
Ronald Warren - #653
Kelly Withers - #649
Brent Witters - #682

Last man on the Road...

2011-09-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

I named my motorcycle after my sister "Sincha". She passed away in April 2009 (complications from pancreatitis). She was 29 years old. I've had a couple of setbacks on the challenge. The first being a new rider. I received my motorcycle indorsement back in 2005 but have been off more than on. When I first got "Sincha", I drove once around the dealership parking lot and called my neighbor (the Ranger) to drive it 26 miles to my house. I was sooo unfamiliar with it that I couldnt just jump back on. On 11 Aug, on the tail end of the HWY 14 route in WA, I was trying to make miles and drive through the night. I noticed some road kill on the opposite lane and when I looked up it was too late. A wolf was in my lane eating road kill and my attempt to swerve wasn't enough and I clipped it with my gear shifter and left leg. I assessed my physical damage and knew I sprained/broke my left leg/ankle. I was able to move it so I knew it couldn't be that bad. When I tried to shift, the impact sent the shifter 90 degrees north so I stayed in 6th gear for a couple of miles till I could exit HWY 14. I slept behind a gas station with the shift manager's permission and pressed on to MT the next morning after I bent the shifter back into place until I could get it replaced at the next checkpoint...

I think it was on the 22 of Aug when I had my second incident. After driving through what I thought were the worst rains I've been through at the border of New Mexico, I tipped the bike over in Trementina. There's a new bridge construction out there in the middle of it all and I didn't take my time negotiating the terrain. The dirt was hard packed, until I got to the bottom... So now I'm nursing a swollen left leg, the bike ends up on my right leg/foot to even things out. I was able to push the bike off of me, but wasn't sure about getting her back on her kickstand. After a few minutes, the site mgr for the bridge shows up and helps me get her back... She starts up and push on...

From the beginning, it has never been about the money. Being a new rider, it was a snow ball's chance... I've served in the military for 24 years and I figured it was time to see our country that we've been defending... I ride for my sister who didn't get a chance to see all of this beautiful country... I ride to see family and friends along the way that I haven't seen in years... I ride because I'm still able and am thankful for all the military members still serving that allow us pursue all these freedoms...

Will I do the next challenge? If the timing and finances are right--maybe and with a windshield next time? 8)

Aristotle Liceralde #660

New updated list of Arrivals!!

2011-09-14T06:34:00.000-07:00

List of Arrivals as of September 12th
Eugene Adee
Kenneth Aston
William Barclay
Gary Barnes
Wendy Battles
John Baumann
Gary Beach
Larry Berland
Jane Bixby
Travis Brian
Schatzi Brown
Robert Carlo
Robert Crawford
Douglas Davenport
Keith Deninno
Daniel Dowell
Richard Drake
Moe Ducharme
Marion Ezell
Shaun Fickes
Michael Fox
James Geray
Robert Griffin Jr
Jim Herold
Henry Hilliard Jr.
Mark Hodge
Stanley Hoover
James Howatson
James Huffman
John Ibbitson
Mark James
Scott Jenkins
Peter Johnstone
Frank Kelly
Dennis Kelly
Thomas Kinsey III
Stanly Kistler
Debra Langley
Walter Ledig
George Liebel
David Lutes
Eden Mailloux
Charles Marble
Brian McDonnell
Michael McGuire
Tim Menzie
Terry Meyer
Kenneth Miltimore
Lawrence Murray
Marshall Myers
Karl Netherland
Steven Nowak
Harold Park
Rodney Pashcke
Debby Pearson
Newton Pereira
Jeffrey Piscitelli
Michael Rogers
Eula Rose
Pedro Salcedo
Bruce Sather
Robert Scott
Garry Simoneaux
Heinz Spielvogel
Marc Story
William Stueber
Shaun VanBeber
Milton Vincent
Ronald Warren
Kelly Withers
Brent Witters

From the mouth of Junie and Chuck.....

2011-09-13T06:30:00.000-07:00

As we traveled across the US and Canada we were encouraged by people from facebook, the yahoo group, phone calls from family members and the people we met on the road. The media leads us to believe that it is a dangerous and cruel world out there but what we had the fortune to realize is that this is really a loving caring world of kind and generous people. We were fed by homeless people, given money to buy breakfast by a kind man who wanted to show his christian love for man kind, had our bikes repaired by random passers by who just want to help and spent countless hours sharing the needs of the Lakota Sioux. We truly hope that we can carry this to the rest of the world and allow others to share vicariously through our adventure of a life time.

Hoka Hey

Love Junie and Chuck
#383 & #85

A Letter to MY Challengers

2011-09-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

I am finally preparing to leave Nova Scotia (or more accurately Cape Breton) after 20 days spent trying to wrangle in as many of the Hoka Hey Challengers as I can. Since things have slowed down and the time between arrivals has shifted from hours to days; I've had more time to reflect on the Challenge, the people who participated in it and what it all means to me.

Now - I am not an eloquent speaker and am only slightly better at the written word but, I have something to say....

Although, I have an awful lot of work to do when I get back to the States, I have been unable to tear myself away from the finish line. Sure, I’ve enjoyed the salt air, beautiful scenery and the warm hospitality of Cape Breton Island; but that’s not why I stayed. I stayed because I am exceedingly proud of you, my challengers, and your efforts to reach the finish line. I stayed because I believe you deserve to see a familiar face when you come to the end of such a long and difficult journey and like the anxious parent whose teenaged child has been out past their curfew - I am relieved when you arrive home safely but am cross as hell for the risks you took to get here. (I’ve heard the stories and you kids worry me some.)

But, because tenacity is one of my stronger suits; I can identify with the drive that makes a person turn around at the finish line in order to cover the ground they missed by taking the ferry instead of the prescribed route. There is a certain resilience required to pick up the pieces and press on after hitting a deer, an elk, a wolf or an owl and I can appreciate that as well as the resolve it takes to stay the course - even after the deadline has passed and you’ve just come to realize that you are in it for the ride and not for the money. I’ve stayed because it is my honor and privilege to share the moment when you’ve crossed the finish line and have finally conquered the Hoka Hey Challenge.

On the other hand, there are a number of you who were robbed of that accomplishment when illness, mechanical problems or an armadillo has stopped your progress short. I know you still feel the call of the Challenge and I expect that when the broken bones are healed or the bike is right, you’ll be out there riding again. I’ve stayed at the finish line because I respect and admire the “reckless romanticism” that it takes to be a true Hoka Hey Challenger and I know you are here in spirit even if you couldn’t make it in person.

Finally, there are those who went home or cut the route because you ran short on time, money or inclination. You had the grit to join this mad cap Challenge and you gave it your best but; sometimes it is more honorable to know when to quit than it is to press on and most of you handled the setback with grace and dignity. I know that we often face our greatest disappointments when circumstances are out of our control and your dedication your family & job are commendable. I’ve stayed because I can only hope to reflect that in my dedication to the riders who are still out there on the road.

When talking to any one about the Challenge, I find myself calling you MY Challengers. I’m not sure when it happened, but at some point during the past three years, I’ve taken ownership of you all. It isn’t just because you’ve helped us to turn our efforts into a successful event (although I am grateful to you for that). No, it’s ever so much more. It is because your dogged determination, your compassion for one another and your courage and enthusiasm have enriched my life. You’ve taught me a thing or two about humility through your gracious acceptance of whatever the Challenge throws at you and I have a deepened appreciation of what it is to have selfless devotion and super-human energy. I’ve stayed at the finish line because you are not just my Challengers; you are my friends, my brothers and sisters; you are my heroes.

With love and respect,
Beth

Updated list of all Arrivals!!!

2011-09-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

The finish line has been relocated to Ramsay's Cycle & Sports at 616 Keltic Dr. Sydney, NS. (902-539-7644). It will be open from 8:00am to midnight for our challengers until the 5th of September and then it will return to normal business hours.

In alphabetical order here are our 2011 Arrivals....we still have 6 challengers on the road!!

Eugene Adee
Kenneth Aston
William Barclay
Gary Barnes
Wendy Battles
John Baumann
Gary Beach
Jane Bixby
Schatzi Brown
Robert Carlo
Robert Crawford
Douglas Davenport
Keith Deninno
Daniel Dowell
Richard Drake
Moe Ducharme
Marion Ezell
Shaun Fickes
Michael Fox
James Geray
Robert Griffin Jr
Jim Herold
Henry Hilliard Jr.
Mark Hodge
Stanley Hoover
James Howatson
James Huffman
John Ibbitson
Mark James
Scott Jenkins
Frank Kelly
Dennis Kelly
Thomas Kinsey III
Stanly Kistler
Debra Langley
Walter Ledig
George Liebel
David Lutes
Eden Mailloux
Brian McDonnell
Michael McGuire
Tim Menzie
Terry Meyer
Kenneth Miltimore
Lawrence Murray
Marshall Myers
Karl Netherland
Steven Nowak
Harold Park
Debby Pearson
Newton Pereira
Jeffrey Piscitelli
Michael Rogers
Pedro Salcedo
Bruce Sather
Robert Scott
Garry Simoneaux
Heinz Spielvogel
Marc Story
William Stueber
Shaun VanBeber
Milton Vincent
Ronald Warren
Kelly Withers
Brent Witters

Challengers are riding through Irene!!

2011-08-30T08:51:00.000-07:00

Bill Stueber arriving at the finish line

A few riders are still pushing through. Being on the road for over three weeks, still continuing to follow the rules and route, has taken a toll on some of the riders. One challenger is riding with the flu, ear infection and fever, while another is riding injured. The Perseverance that some of the challengers have is what the Hoka Hey spirit is all about. We all have witnessed the damage the hurricane has unleashed on the east coast, as many of us sit at home watching it on television, here is one man of a few that actually rode through it to arrive at the finish line.

They are continuing to arrive!

2011-08-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

91 - David Lutes
180 - Henry Hilliard
190 - Richard Drake
207 - Milton Vincent
290 - Walter Ledig
319 - Marion Ezell
348 - Mark Hodge
608 - Steven Nowak
616 - Keith Deninno
619 - Gary Simoneaux
621 - Kenneth Militmore
628 - Lawrence Murray
640 - John Ibbitson
643 - William Stueber
645 - John Baumann
650 - Jane Bixby
652 - Schatzi Brown
653 - Ronald Warren
655 - Robert Scott
662 - Gary Barnes
670 - Tim Menzie
678 - Bruce Sather
699 - Michael Rogers

More Arriving at the Finish!

2011-08-27T06:41:00.000-07:00

71 - Gene Adee
265 - Eden Mailloux
332 - Heinz Spielvogel
626 - Jeffrey Piscitelli
628 - Lawrence Murray
648 - George Liebel
659 - Moe Ducharme
672 - Gary Beach
674 - James Geray
691 - Newton Pereira
695 - Debby Pearson
704 - Robert Griffin

Congrats to all our challengers!!

A huge thank you to Cape Breton Island!

2011-08-27T06:37:00.000-07:00

The Challenger (2nd from the left) is John Ibbitson he is our first Canadian Finisher. Far left is Andy Tonet the director for the Cape Breton HOG, chapter 9044, 2nd right is Wilf Ramsay dealer Principal for Ramsay's HD in Sydney, NS. Far left is Beth Penney, director South Shore HOG chapter in Nova Scotia.
These people sponsored and coordinated the Hoka Hey party in Sydney for our Challengers. They welcomed our friends and family with open arms, and we would like to send them a Huge Thank you for everything they did for them.

Hoka Hey!

Poetry in Motion!

2011-08-25T08:32:00.000-07:00

HOKA HEY II
By Andy G. Carr

Now Hoka Hey II is all in the books,
And we have all been blessed,
With another year’s good plannings,
And more and more success!

Big Jim and poor Beth,
A Warriors mate is she,
And the Dealerships’ great helpful crews,
Made it easier for me!

That big V Twin Harley,
Once more is proven strong,
Amazed, inspired, and uplifted us,
Always singing that deep rumbling song!

We started way out west,
Along the Navajo Trail,
Then north through the land of the Nez Perce,
We gave it our very best!

Through desert heat and pouring rain,
And critters on the roads,
The traffic we endured again,
And crossed a Golden Gate.

The sad life on reservations we viewed,
As along their roads we flew,
An oath we all again took,
The wrath of our forefathers to undo!

A blessing from a great Lakota Chief,
Again placed in our hearts,
And shared with love and brotherhood,
Now we must do our parts!

To make aware our nation,
All the Red Men have endured,
Let’s start to cause some healing,
And their spirits to be cured!

We’ve pushed our Harley steeds,
Up Rocky Mountain gravel roads,
Through Yosemite and Yellowstone,
Through great Sequoia trees .

Crossed the Great American Plains,
Breadbasket to us and much of our world,
From Sturgis down to Beaumont,
The heartland we have toured.

We’ve grabbed a Dragon by it’s Tail,
Witnessed Southern Hospitality in Nashville,
Ridden through the great Smokies,
And eaten good at Gail’s.

Come down through the lands of the Chippewas,
Ottawas, Pottawatomies, Miamis, and the Hurons,
Then farther south through the Illinois,
Shawnee, Chickasaws, and the Choctaws we ran.

Gone east to the home of the Seminoles,
Then turned north once more to traverse,
The lands of the Creek, the Cherokee, the Powhatan,
And the Modocs whom the Pilgrims when landing saw first.

Now it’s on farther north we ride,
Through the lands of the Delaware,
The Iroquois, and the Abenakis we glide,
To our finish in the land of the Algonquins.

We’ve been chased north by a hurricane,
Way east of the Great Divide,
And ridden into an earthquake,
Still on and on we ride!

To win is of no import,
To compete is our request,
To ride and become one with others,
Our selves and our weaknesses our conquest!

Our test has been run,
Yes Warriors are we,
And we’ve all checked our mettle,
From the mountains to the sea!

Now Hoka Hey II is all in the books,
And we have all been blessed,
With another year’s good plannings,
And more and more success!!
And more and more success!

Here are some of the named finishers!

2011-08-22T17:48:00.000-07:00

You have been watching their numbers on the track map & now you can know who they are!!

Finishers
5 - Karl Netherland
16 - Marc Story
50 - Robert Crawford
55 - Michael McGuire
175 - Frank Kelly
264 - Terry Meyer
341 - Robert Carlo
600 - Shaun VanBeber
601 - Michael Fox
604 - James Huffman
639 - Scott Jenkins
654 - James Howatson
668 - Thomas Kinsey
682 - Brent Witters
683 - Dennis Kelly
703 - William Barclay

Arrivals
605 - Mark James
649 - Kelly Withers
676 - Stan Kistler
677 - Debra Langley
685 - Wendy Battles

Challenge Deadline

2011-08-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

The blog post dated August 13, 2011 entitled “Deadline to be Extended” was intended to convey that the deadline had been extended in order to recognize riders who stay the course as Hoka Hey Finishers. However, the rules of the Challenge for riders to be considered for the prizes have NOT been changed to accommodate this extension. In order to be eligible for prizes participants must follow all of the rules as outlined in the terms and conditions. These rules include: sleeping outdoors with their bikes, making all checkpoints, obeying the laws of the States and Provinces and arriving at the finish line within an allotted time. (A 16 day period ending at 9:43 am Atlantic time on August 21, 2011.)

The spirit and design of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is one of an individual and personal challenge and - as with the 2010 event - the restrictive time frame allotted to complete the course is key component of the Challenge itself. The intent of the August 13th post was not to remove that aspect of the event but to assure participants that any one who completes the prescribed route by September 5th, 2011 will be greeted, checked-in and officially listed as 2011 finishers.

Bumpus Harley-Davidson sharing their love before the longest push!

2011-08-19T19:29:00.000-07:00

Well, it’s been quite a week at Bumpus Harley-Davidson in Murfreesboro, TN. The first rider arrived Sunday afternoon, August 14th and the time clocked started at that point. We extended our 96 hours open to 120 hours in an effort to accommodate a few more riders. Many of our HOG chapter members and loyal customers have spent tireless hours greeting riders, cleaning windshields-headlights-taillights, and, just trying to make them as comfortable as possible when they arrive. Our General Manager, Timmy Glenn: parts manager, Jonathon Roberts: service manager, Dave Holder: and two technicians (Phillip Swack and Terry Mason) worked 12 hour night shift(s) the past 5 nights. Tom and Angie Bumpus have personally greeted most every rider during the days and well into the evenings.
As the riders check-in and see the 2100+ mile route from us to their next stop reactions have been quite mixed...lots of deep breaths, some mumbling, and a few four letter words! Everyone seems to leave with a pretty darn good attitude, excited to continue the journey.
Of course the first several riders were in and out with little rest, however as time passes more riders have taken advantage of our shower, customer lounge and just plain relaxed a bit. We’ve had riders sleep in all corners of our parking lot, on picnic tables and in the bushes and shrubs.
The stories are endless and we enjoy hearing them all. I know this “Challenge” has a lot of our HOG members, customers and employees debating the possibilities of competing next year.
To see all of our pictures so far, please feel free to visit our Facebook page; Bumpus Harley-Davidson of Murfreesboro

First to the Finish!

2011-08-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

On August 5th our challengers started to make their way from Mesa, AZ across all 48 states into Canada ending in Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. This year, with the help of U.S. Fleet Tracking, family, friends and followers were able to enjoy the experience and a little of the excitement along with their rider. With this advantage, many viewers have just watched as our first challenger crossed the finish line. Will Barclay, the first to finish in 2010, arrived at the Joan Harris Pavilion in Sydney, NS at 5:51pm on August 19th.

Will was greeted by a crowd of Cape Bretoners at the finish line; the local people have welcomed Hoka Hey with open arms. Their enthusiasm for the event lifting the spirits of a weary film crew and organizers alike as they wait for Challengers to arrive.

The community is throwing a party on Sunday the 21st to recognize the Hoka Hey Challengers and acknowledge the magnitude of their accomplishment.

The longest leg of the challenge leads to Rocky Mount!!

2011-08-19T12:24:00.000-07:00

Many challengers are expressing their kind regards to Bumpus Harley Davidson as they received excellent service, right before they embarked on the longest leg of the challenge leading to Rocky Mount Harley Davidson.

News just in from Rocky Mount!!

It's been an exciting couple days at Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson! The Hoka Hey Challenge has created a lot of buzz in our area with supporters coming out to cheer on all the riders. I'm sure by now most know that Will Barclay was the first rider to arrive at Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson. Before he "officially" checked-in he felt as if he had not taken the correct route into the Rocky Mount area. He briefly checked his instructions and was off again to recreate the route to his satisfaction. Once back at the dealership he officially checked-in and got some much needed rest. His instructions to us were "I want to sleep for 2hrs and 1min." We obliged!

Fast forward to the next day when we welcomed two more riders. They didn't arrive together, but they weren't far apart in the scheme of it all. Again, crowds were there to cheer them on as they pulled into the dealership. Rider 600, Florida State Trooper Shaun VanBeber, was the first to arrive despite being battered and bruised from a wreck in West Virginia. He showed off his bruises, laughing as he told us that he wasn't sure if his ribs were broken! Broken or not, it wasn't long before he was back in the saddle!

Rider 175, Frank Kelly was next to arrive. His arrival was wrought with emotion all due to a very loved blanket. The story goes... While traveling, his wife gave him a blanket to stay warm. Since he was already carrying so many supplies, she figured he would ditch the blanket by the time he reached Santa Fe. Well, much to her surprise, the first thing he did when he got off his bike was pull the blanket out of his pack and hand it to her. "You have my grandma's blanket!" she cried. They exchanged many kisses as only a husband and wife can. Afterwards, he told her "If you keep this up, I'll have to stay a little longer."

Later that night, Mike McGuire, rider 55, rode into the dealership, checked-in, bought some gloves and then sped off. His quick departure was due to the fact that he knew another rider was right on his heels. He wasn't joking. As McGuire rode over the bridge, his headlight illuminated the reflective riding gear of rider 16, Marc Story. (Queue "Tron" theme song)

As Story approached the dealership, he resembled the character of Kevin Flynn from the film "Tron." Under the brightly-lit moon, his Harley-Davidson reflective gear was blazingly colorful and geometrically intense--reminiscent of the sci-fi film "Tron." Thus he will forever be know to us as the "Tron Man." He left the ladies in the dealership with their hearts beating just a bit faster.

With the top 5 behind us, we looked forward to greeting the next riders. Dealership staff and customers huddled around a giant screen at the dealership displaying a large map for keeping track of each rider's current location. Particular attention was paid to rider 333, Whitney Crum. Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson is the proud sponsor of Miss Crum. Whittany arrived safely at the dealership and we all were sure glad to see her.

Every couple of hours, more riders are pulling in. They're battered and bruised, but all are in good spirits. Each is greeted by staff who are eager to assist and support them in any way. Refreshments are within easy reach and service technicians are on hand to fix anything that may need to be done to the bikes. The Hoka Hey Challenge has brought all Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson staff and customers together in support of such an infinitely challenging, yet highly rewarding experience. The experience is not over for we still have many, many riders coming in to tell you about. To be continued...

Updates from A.D. Farrow!!!

2011-08-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

You can feel the charge when someone says “In coming!”
A buzz of excitement fills the briefly quiet service pavilion. There is a Harley-Davidson
Master Technician curled up on the mat next to his lift under a blanket. His co-workers
rouse him yelling “Hoka Hey” he stretches and rubs his eyes, having no idea the
condition or needs of the next bike he’ll see.

Two associates on watch this shift are staring at the GPS monitor with little red circles
and numbers scattered across a map of the United States. “He’s at going over the bridge,
get the towel ready!”
It’s Tuesday morning, before dawn, and 10 or so associates have been onsite at
America’s Oldest Harley dealer for 78 hours straight greeting riders on the Hoka Hey
Motorcycle Challenge.
The routine started on Saturday morning, when rider 703 rolled in at 7:45 am and has
been refined through the next 50+ riders. As the little red circle approaches on the
satellite tracking website, associates gather by the large garage doors into the service
pavilion. One guy volunteers to run out towards the freeway with a handheld LED light
to direct the weary rider through the curved drive of A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson
Shop at NorthStar, while another warms a fresh hot towel in the microwave. The Hoka
Hey challenger rides east on State Route 37, crosses over I-71 and turns into the historic
dealership.

Some associates cheer and applaud the challenger as he rolls right into the shop. The
rider takes off his helmet and then buries his stubbled face in the hot towel. A quick
word of welcome from Dealer Principal Bob Althoff, then a service writer jumps in to
assess the Harley. Bob grabs a rag and starts wiping down the bike which is covered in
Black Hills, Michigan and now Ohio bugs! And then two or three technicians begin
working on the machine with the precision and efficiency of a NASCAR pit crew.
Rolling tires across the shop, running impact drivers, and putting two or three heads
together to figure out the best or maybe the quickest solution.

At the 13th checkpoint in the one-of-a-kind cross country motorcycle challenge, riders
are offered hot showers, an array of first aid supplies and a table full of fresh fruit, snacks
and bottles of cold water. The grill is fired up and a hot hamburger or hot dog can be
ready in just a couple of minutes
Some challengers just need a quick bathroom break. They verify their ID, sign their
names and are off again chasing the rider in front of them. Some give brief instructions
to the service department about their ride then head the grass or the asphalt on A.D.
Farrow Co.’s eighteen-acre campus for a couple hours of sleep. Still some riders,
bursting with excitement, find a willing listener and begin to share about their journey.
First, there was Ralph from North Carolina. He rode out to the start of the Hoka Hey
from North Carolina, a 2,100 mile warm up ride! He has no fancy gear or high tech
accessories. Just a good flannel shirt, leather chaps and handkerchief tied around his
neck, yet he checked in third out of the 250 challengers! When he rode out on his cleanup-
good-as-new Harley through the cheering associates and spectators, he said in his
genuine soft spoken drawl, “Gosh, you sure made me feel like a somebody!”

Later that night, Rider comes in and tells the story that is quickly making him a legend in
the event. After coming around a curve in Montana, he sees a herd of elk in the road. He
can’t stop quickly enough so he tries to shoot the gap, but the gap closes and he goes
down hard. The rider behind him calls for help and when he wakes up, he is covered in
road rash and bruises in the ambulance. After several hours under the care of emergency
services for a concussion, he gets back on the bike and still manages to check in at A.D.
Farrow Co. in 12th place!
Then, Eden checked in on her [bike], the first woman to reach Columbus. Somewhere
along her journey she had lost the visor to her Scorpion helmet and had been using her
reading glasses for the last several hundred miles! We didn’t have it in stock, so Brandon,
a service technician, says, “Just give me a minute.” He runs home and comes back ten
minutes later with the replacement visor from his own helmet.

Then it’s riders like the guy from Boston that remind you not only how physically
draining this ride can be, but also the enormous emotional toll that a challenge like this
brings. He looked each associate in the eye and thanked them for heir help. When asked
about his journey, he choked up and it was clear that this wasn’t about the prize money or
new bikes. For the Bostonian, rising to the Hoka Hey Challenge was his “pay it forward”
moment, a motorcycle ride to commemorate a much longer journey. Last year, a
devastating crash with a drunk driver sent him to hospital with serious spinal injuries.
Without health insurance and unable to work, the walls seemed to be closing in. His
HOG chapter, his Harley family, stepped up and paid his mortgage and raised money to
help with his bills. He is so grateful to be out of that dark place and on the open road
again. At each checkpoint, his Harley family has grown.
For some riders, America’s Oldest Harley Dealer was a pit stop and oil change on the
ride of a lifetime. They checked in and then quickly rolled out with a full stomach and
empty bladder. Some challengers coasted in on a puff of smoke and needed a new
compensator or other major engine work just to make it home. And then some riders just
rode in looking for some company on the road. They needed to share their story and
lighten their load. All of them came in through a tunnel of applause and rode out with
cheers of admiration for attempting this challenge.

And then, as quickly as the buzz filled the room, it’s gone just like that. Back to sleep for
another couple of hours.

A.D. Farrows showing their support!

2011-08-16T08:17:00.000-07:00

Jimmy, our sponsored rider, had ridden nearly 8,200 miles by the time he reached A.D. Farrow Co. Harley-Davidson. He was greeted not only by two of the cutest little red heads and his lovely wife, but 50 or so of his closest friends. Admittedly, it was a little tough to hold back the tears as his oldest daughter ran and gave him a card she had just made. We all were so happy to see that he was safe and in one piece.

Along the way he has seen some incredible country side and met some great people. Jimmy commented that while he has seen some amazing scenery he really has only seen half of the states because half the time he was riding at night!

As for the people well, thats what this is really all about. So many of the riders are talking about each other siting stories of fatigue, a chat here in there over their bluetooth headsets, to lift morale, or just say hi. As the stories are told along the ride and the riders show their faces (with a little help wiping the road grime and sunscreen away) we can't help but imagine being on the ride with them.

Jimmy recently made a push and gained in the rankings.
Go Jimmy! Hoka Hey and be safe!

Straight from the Wisconsin Harley Davidson Checkpoint to you!!

2011-08-15T13:06:00.000-07:00

Wisconsin Harley-Davidson kicked into high gear on Friday, August 12, after spending a sleepless night before, tracking the leaders. Since the leader graced our door early Friday morning, we have been welcoming, servicing and accommodating these Iron Warriors around the clock. They are welcomed by our staff, customers and Hoka Hey fans visiting our location from all over the Midwest to salute their accomplishments thus far, as well as, offer encouragement for the road ahead. Our Master Level Service team has met the challenge time and time again, performing service and repairs in times that would make the top NASCAR teams envious. The riders are afforded a large spread of food and beverages that of course, include some traditional Wisconsin Brats!

Rider spirits although pretty weathered, continue to remain upbeat and positive. They take the time to share stories of the road which allows everyone here the ability to live this quest through their eyes. Some come in and register, shake a few hands and mount their rides for another leg while others are taking advantage of our park-like setting to get some much needed sleep in the soft, cool grass and shade provided by our perfect weather. Some of the stories we have encountered will be talked about and shared with people for a long time. Some of the many that stick out are:

An attractive wife and mother from Florida, who got her motorcycle license 16 days before the start of the ride, bought a bike and rode it from her Florida home to Arizona to take on the Hoka Hey Challenge. She arrived at the Wisconsin Harley-Davidson check point in the top 30 riders and with a smile on her face. Her enthusiasm lifted everyone around her.

A mid 50's gentleman who is taking on the Hoka Hey riding his sportster arrived at the Wisconsin Harley-Davidson checkpoint in the top 35. He was enjoying the ride and talked about how his wife and dog drove up from their Texas home to surprise him at Gail's Harley-Davidson outside Kansas City. He became emotional when he talked about how touched he was by their support. His wife and dog curled up along side him on the grass so they could spend the night together.

There is the story of 3 guys from different parts of the United Stated who met last year while on the 2010 Hoka Hey Challenge. Since 2010 they have become great friends and are pushing each other to a strong finish in 2011.

There have been many stories of encounters or close encounters with animals. One gentleman has had 2 run ins with deer, one of which took him down. He is sore but riding on. He looks much better than his bike. Then there is the story of another gentleman who has hit 2 deer, and owl and a Bat. The owl was a direct blow to the face, yet he soldiers on. Or the gentleman who took on an elk and won, well kind of. He also continues on. While the reward for winning is great, all of these rider will tell stories of the fellow competitors who stopped and spent considerable time making sure they were alright and helping to get them back up on they bikes and riding on.

RIDE ON HOKA HEY CHALLENGERS !!!

Raising the bar!

2011-08-14T19:00:00.000-07:00

The team at Gail's Harley-Davidson has had a blast helping the Hoka Hey Challenge participants! Live bands played into the night Friday and Saturday nights with hamburgers grilling in the parking lot. The fan fare never stopped. Several people from around Kansas City have even shown up every day to help our team clean windshields, bring water to the riders, and just listen to the exciting and wonderful stories of the road. The riders, themselves, have been a joy. Every one, without fail, have pulled up with a big smile on his or her face. Even the front runners were extremely gracious and ready to share a few smiles and road tales. Gail's Harley-Davidson Service and Parts team members have eagerly volunteered to work around the clock. We are all looking forward to the possibility of hosting another Hoka Hey check point in the future.

Covering 5 Checkpoints....

2011-08-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

As Grand Junction Harley Davidson continues to service and accommodate riders, our challengers are still arriving at numerous other checkpoints. From Santé Fe Harley in New Mexico, spark plugs are being changed as riders sleep on their grassy front lawn. They are welcomed with goodie bags filled with energy bars, peanuts, bottled water and Gatorade, and their coffee maker has definitely seen better days. The riders are still enthusiastic about their place on the totem pole and continue to press on.

Sante Fe is excited and waiting for the our Challengers with open arms!

Deadline to be extended!!

2011-08-13T08:09:00.001-07:00

Due to the number of twisties on this route, the organizers recognized the slow progress of a number of challengers and intend that the August 21st deadline for arrival will be removed. All participants that stay the course will be recognized as official 2011 Finishers.
So Bust out the Bedrolls people.... if your bringing up the rear we'll still be waiting for you!

The party being thrown by Cape Breton Island in honor of Hoka Hey challengers will still be held on August 21st at the Joan Harris Pavilion in Sydney. Plans are being made for the awards and recognition of our finishers. Please sign up for our mailing list to receive immediate notification.

From our Secret Squirrel Check Point!!

2011-08-11T14:53:00.000-07:00

Our team arrived on the scene of Sturgis Bike Week's events at Broken Spoke Campground in the shadow of Bear Butte. Even at dawn things were already getting wild and the place was packed with bikers from all over the world. We greeted our challengers and heard tales of their journey morning, noon, and night. For most there was a clear focus on their goal that made them completely disregard the festivities, their eyes were on the prize and they were quick to ride off towards glory. A few lucky riders had and family surprise them at the check point and help give them the strength to go on. Fatigue was great but spirits were high.

To their surprise, challengers had a stop to make before heading down go Colorado. They followed their directions carefully to find themselves at the home of Chief Oliver Redcloud, leader of the Sioux nations. They were welcomed inside and given a hot meal and great conversation with the chief. All were given the opportunity to sleep in a teepee on the front lawn, most riders welcomed the chance for shelter after the first several legs of their journey.

Hoka Hey making way!

2011-08-10T07:02:00.000-07:00

Our challengers now are so spread out they are reaching across more than seven states. As some challengers sleep in the parking lot of Chester's Grand Teton, others ride through the Sturgis Rally to the Broken Spoke Campground. "They are all looking forward to completing the ride just for the satisfaction of saying they did it." said David from Grand Teton

Chester's Grand Teton Harley Davidson will soon be returning to normal business hours, as the Broken Spoke Campground is getting ready for their 96 hours of Hoka Hey Mania.

Say tuned more news to come within the hour!

Into Idaho Falls .....

2011-08-09T09:18:00.000-07:00

As the challengers keep rolling into Big Sky Harley Davidson, their customer service just keeps getting better and better. From oil changes, to broken racks...to even going as far as taking parts from a show room floor bike to get these challengers back on the road...Big Sky is going above and beyond for our Hoka Hey Challengers. Brian Moen, owner said,"In the thirty years I have been around motorcycles I have never seen such an intensity in these rider's in my life."

The front runners have already reached Chester's Grand Teton Harley Davidson, in Idaho Falls, a few stopped to rest as others were just in and out. Challengers will find a nice welcome there as Sturgis Rally goers cheer them on.

Breaking News from US Fleet Tracking!!

2011-08-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

“The US Fleet Tracking map powering the live tracking for the Hoka Hey Challenge is experiencing a high volume of users – several thousand users at any given moment. We’re excited and honored to have this many people interested in the Challenge second by second.

As the number of users and uses of the tracking map changes, USFT continues to provide improvements that support the main purpose for tracking. Both USFT and Hoka Hey Challenge are taking as many comments as possible into account while making improvements.

Thank you for your cooperation as Hoka Hey Challenge and US Fleet Tracking make the live tracking a better experience for everyone while maintaining absolute, most reliable location data for this event.”

News from Big Sky Harley Davidson!!

2011-08-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Only a dozen riders so far have traveled through Big Sky Harley Davidson, with only minutes in between them. Some of the rider's rested as others chose to continue on with food in their bellies and refreshments in hand. Only one purchase was made so far for highway pegs, and no service has yet been needed on their motorcycles.
The challengers are greeted by a member of Big Sky's staff, to wash their windshields and lights for them, along with an outside Tech for minor repairs. Big Sky also has on hand two Techs to cater specifically to the Hoka Hey Challengers motorcycle needs.
Biscuits and gravy, coffee, water and other refreshments will also be waiting for the Challengers this morning.

We will have more news to come as the day unfolds. Until then HOKA HEY!!

News in from Reno!!!

2011-08-06T13:31:00.000-07:00

"Many of the rider's that came in today were in high spirits, and very happy to get off the mountain." said Debbie Metcalf GM of Chester's Reno Harley Davidson

The extent of service to the motorcycles were a few tire and oil changes; Some rider's took time out to sit and fill up on sandwiches,coffee and other refreshments, while other chose to eat on the go.

A few challengers bought warmer gear, and gloves for the cold nights ahead of them. Everyone rode off excited about the next leg ahead of them. Big Sky Harley Davidson in Great falls, MT is waiting patiently for their turn in showing our riders some great customer service.

Reno Harley Davidson is about to be busy!!!

2011-08-06T06:20:00.000-07:00

As our first three riders are about to ride into Chester's Reno Harley Davidson, many other riders are not shortly behind them, as others are still traveling through the beautiful Yosemite National Park. We encourage each challenger to travel at their own pace.

The Hoka Hey Team would like to take time out to ask friends and family of the riders to please do not post the rider numbers anywhere on the internet. We are only asking this for the safety and privacy of each individual rider. This is also to prevent any type of sabotage to a rider, which is sad to say but a possibility.

We have also had a few emails regarding the tracking devices. Please read the prior post from US Fleet Tracking. The map may take time loading but it is working. If you have any concerns about a rider please email us at info@hokaheychallenge.com

HOKA HEY!!!

Challengers on the verge of their first checkpoint

2011-08-05T16:19:00.000-07:00

Las Vegas Harley Davidson is patiently waiting for the riders to come in and help them with whatever needs they may have. They will remain open until the last challenger comes through their doors.

We do have confirmation of a wreck, a rider did go down on loose gravel traveling at 21 mph earlier today, but have no report from the hospital of his conditions. Thanks to fellow riders this information was reported in a timely fashion. When we have further information on this matter we will relay the info.

The U.S. Fleet Tracking map has been a concern for followers. The only information we can say is that this is a new feature for the Hoka Hey Challenge. If it is difficult to see a certain individual it is because they are riding so closely in the pack. Give the tracking devices a few days once each rider achieves their own pace on this journey!

This is just the beginning!!!

2011-08-05T07:52:00.000-07:00

The rider’s meeting last night went extremely well and the challengers were joined by Harley Davidson executives.

At 5:43 am the riders embarked on a journey of a lifetime. Many slept by their horses the night before, preparing for this great adventure ahead of them. As the sun rose , the air was cool and fresh, it turned out to be a beautiful morning. The pack was led out of Chester’s Harley Davidson by Ed Leclere on the Hoka Hey Motorcycle and President of Harley Matt Levatich.
They rode side by side as David Roma’s film crew, “The movement” inc. filmed from the ground and the sky.

As they begin this great event..We wish them a safe ride!! HOKA HEY!!

Correspondence from U.S. Fleet Tracking....Recent Developments

2011-08-04T11:13:00.000-07:00

US Fleet Tracking has conducted extensive testing of the live GPS tracking system the Hoka Hey Challenge is using and noticed an issue may occur several days into the race pertaining to the individual map logins for leases units. Because USFT stands behind the absolute, most reliable location data for this event, they must suspend individual map login only for those riders that leased GPS tracking units.

You will still have tracking capabilities from the main Hoka Hey Challenge website. Unfortunately, this eliminates the possibility for individualized tracking maps.

USFT will suspend individual map logins beginning Aug. 4 at 12 p.m. CDT (11 a.m. Mesa time). After the transition, those riders that leased their GPS tracking units will only be able to view their location from the main Hoka Hey map located at www.hokaheychallenge.com

US Fleet Tracking apologizes for the inconvenience this may cause, but know that USFT wants the organizers of the Hoka Hey Challenge to have the absolute, most reliable location data for all competitors. Also note that this will not be an issue in the future.

To follow a specific rider from the main Hoka Hey Challenge map (http://www.hokaheychallenge.com), find your rider’s number on the main map, click the rider number, and select the "follow vehicle" button. This will keep the rider centered on your screen. Keep in mind since this is the Internet, you may need to occasionally refresh the web page with the main map and repeat the above process.

You must contact your rider directly to receive their rider number needed to track them, the Hoka Hey Committee will NOT be releasing any numbers to the public.

The Hoka Hey Committee concurs with U.S. Fleet Tracking since the original purpose of tracking our riders was to insure that they stayed the course, throughout the challenge. The possibility of losing this data as a result of providing individual map logins was considered to be an unacceptable risk if there was any chance that it could jeopardize rider validation.

Tomorrow will be a good day to ride!

News from Mesa!

2011-08-04T05:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the riders were in Mesa to check-in and get their coins & credentials. Things went very smoothly; the energy and the moods are high. Today the riders are doing their last final preparations for the journey; waiting to hear from Jim Red Cloud at the riders meeting this evening followed by the kick-off party. Tomorrow will be a good day as they depart at 5:43 a.m.

Kick-Off at Chester's

2011-08-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Chester's H-D will be open around the clock for the riders and anyone that would like to come out and meet the Challengers. The Challengers orientation begins at 4pm followed by a Kickoff Party that will go till 10pm. Young Country, Alan DaQuina will be performing, food, fun and camaraderie will be had by all.
Come out, show your support and have a great time with all of the 2011 Hoka Hey Challengers!!

The Finish Line!

2011-07-28T10:53:00.000-07:00

The final leg east; not an insignificant one, will leave Laconia and cross Maine and Nova Scotia along coastal roads to the extent possible. We will ride this great northeastern coastal riding to Glace Bay, THE FINISH!

Almost there!!

2011-07-26T10:52:00.000-07:00

Leaving Rocky Mount, we will ride east to the North Carolina coast, Nags Head and the Outer Banks and ride north along the Atlantic Ocean across the Outer Banks into Norfolk, Virginia. From Norfolk, we will ride across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to the Maryland outer shore. The Bay Bridge Tunnel, together with the Golden Gate Bridge and the Mackinaw Straights Bridge are three of the greatest bridges in the United States. We will ride all three!

Our route will proceed up the outer shore of Maryland, through the southwest corner of Delaware, back into Maryland and on through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. This segment will be a real test in urban direction finding and riding. Not particularly a long distance but a segment with a large number of directional changes. The course is made up of mostly rural roads with some really good riding. Rural Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Rhode Island have some great back woods roads. Lets hope the one's we have selected are among them.

Crossing Massachusetts and briefly passing through the southeast corner of Vermont we will ride east into New Hampshire where we will arrive in Laconia, New Hampshire and Laconia Harley-Davidson, our thirteenth check point. Laconia is the home of the third largest motorcycle rally in the nation but, alas, it happened in June. We will however, ride through Weir's Beach, the epicenter of the rally.

Rocky Mount Here we come!!

2011-07-22T07:18:00.000-07:00

When we leave Nashville, we will once again ride one of the nation’s great parkways, the “Natchez Trace Parkway”, from Nashville to southern Mississippi where we turn west to pick up the southeast corner of Arkansas. This parkway may again, be relatively slow going due to federal supervision and tourist traffic this time of year. Crossing the southwest corner of Arkansas, we will ride southwest through Louisiana to Beaumont, Texas. Here we will ride east along the Louisiana coast, through the Bayou country, from Beaumont to New Orleans, Louisiana.

We will ride down the full length of Bourbon Street in the Historic French Quarter of New Orleans. This is assuming we don't arrive there on Saturday night as Bourbon street is closed to vehicles, yes even Harleys, on Saturday night. Parallel streets to the north or south of Bourbon will get you through this area on Saturday night. Leaving New Orleans, we will ride the coast road along the Gulf of Mexico, across Mississippi and Alabama to Florida. This is a great coastal ride with expansive coastal views and storied ports such as Pensacola, Panama City, Apalachicola and Mexico Beach, Florida. The water is literally only feet from the road along much of this ride.

Once we arrive in northern Florida, east of the Florida panhandle, we will turn northeast and proceed through South Georgia, South Carolina and into North Carolina on our way to Rocky Mount, North Carolina and Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson, the twelfth check point.

Get OFF the Fence and Ride!!

2011-07-20T09:00:00.000-07:00

The office will be accepting applications up to the day of departure!!

Challengers: We will be scheduling time slots to in-process riders on the 3rd and 4th so watch your email for your appointed time. If you do not have your tracking unit already, please contact US Fleet Tracking to be sure that a unit is waiting for you in Mesa when you arrive. You will need to be trackable by the time you show up for registration.

There is still time to join us for the ride or to come out and see the riders off!! as they embark on the trip of a life time!

Riding the Tail!!

2011-07-19T07:18:00.000-07:00

Leaving Columbus, we will ride south through Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina. The hills of West Virginia and Kentucky are exceptional riding. Going further south into North Carolina we will enter the Great Smoky Mountains where we will encounter the Blue Ridge Parkway. We will ride the parkway south to its southern terminus at Cherokee, North Carolina. The parkway is really a great motorcycle road, however, it is a federally supervised, speed restricted road which may be a burden as we will want to move along. Like CA 1 along the California coast, the Blue Ridge Parkway can be a test of high density tourist traffic endurance during August, but, this isn't supposed to be easy!

Riding through Cherokee, North Carolina we go deeper into the Smoky Mountains where we will encounter generally great riding and an over the top motorcycle road called the “Tail of the Dragon”. Three hundred and eighteen curves in eleven miles. Hang on to your hat! Also, don't expect to see many highway signs indicating the route you are riding. This road is so infamous, that the road signs are removed by cyclists for souvenirs. The state abandoned replacing them long ago.

Departing the Smoky Mountains, we will go into Tennessee and on west through to Franklin a suburb of Nashville, and Bumpus Harley-Davidson, our eleventh check point.

Traveling through Michigan to the Oldest H.D. in the country!

2011-06-29T09:04:00.000-07:00

Departing Milwaukee, we will ride north on a short stretch of interstate to get out of town and then around the western shore of Lake Michigan. We will then ride south across the Mackinac Bridge, one of the Nation’s largest and most storied bridges, and on its south end, enter Michigan.

Michigan's lower section has impressive native forests not at all in keeping with its industrial reputation. We will ride the east shore of Lake Michigan through several storied summer vacation home locations.

Riding out of Michigan to the south, we will again be a short stretch of interstate to clear a couple of large cities. We will then ride through the north east corner of Indiana into Ohio where we will ride to Columbus, Ohio and the A. D. Farrow Company Harley-Davidson at Northstar, the countries oldest Harley-Davidson dealership and our tenth check point.

The Harley Museum is our 9th Checkpoint!

2011-06-22T12:25:00.000-07:00

Departing Kansas City, we will go east across the Mississippi River to pick up Illinois. We go north briefly on the eastern shore of the river and then back west across the River to ride the Great River Road north into Iowa. Crossing Iowa, we continue north to cross the southeast corner of Minnesota and then on into Wisconsin. At this point we head east to Milwaukee, the home of Harley-Davidson and the impressive Harley-Davidson Museum, our ninth check point.

And the course continues...

2011-06-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

Departing Santa Fe, we encounter the longest uninterrupted portion of the event. We will ride across the Texas panhandle; across Kansas and on into Kansas City, Missouri and Gail’s Harley-Davidson, our eighth check point.

We Welcome our 6th Check Point!

2011-06-06T14:59:00.000-07:00

Grand Junction Harley-Davidson was established February 20, 1996. It is located on the Western Slope of Colorado in the heart of the most beautiful motorcycle touring region in the States. Situated between Aspen, Telluride and Moab, Utah (Arches National Park) you will experience some of the most beautiful scenic byways Colorado has to offer. Come explore the rich mining history Colorado is known for on your new Harley-Davidson® bike that you just purchased from GJHD. After your tour, we will ship your new bike back home.
Grand Junction Harley-Davidson is the largest supplier of Police Motorcycles in Colorado and six-time winner of Harley-Davidson's most prestigious award - The Bar and Shield. Our customer satisfaction is unparalleled and rated one of the top 50 dealerships in the nation. Let our award winning service department treat your Harley-Davidson to servicing like it has never experienced before.

Come visit Grand Junction Harley-Davidson or our Montrose location, Black Canyon Harley-Davidson for all your new, Pre-owned, Financing, Insurance, Service, Parts, MotorClothes® Apparel, Rentals, Rider Training (Riders' Edge) and Accessory Motorcycle needs.

Experience the difference at Grand Junction Harley-Davidson!

Sincerely,
Scott Lindsay
Dealer

Santa Fe Harley Davidson Here we Come!!

2011-05-31T17:36:00.000-07:00

Leaving Grand Junction we go south a short distance to Whitewater Junction where we will turn on a remarkable motorcycle road, the Gateway Canyon or Delores River road, whichever name you prefer. This magnificent motorcycle road goes south along the Delores River, past Gateway to Naturita, Colorado. The Gateway road is one hundred miles of truly great technical motorcycle riding.

At Naturita, we will turn west and go into Utah. On this ride we will pass the Bedrock Store. This turn of the century, the last century, store is frozen in time. It is truly an old rural store with glass counter cases and wood floors, long since worn through, which sells parched peanuts from a big barrel as you walk in. If it is open, stop. We will then turn south at La Salle Junction, south of Moab, Utah.

Riding south we will pass the original Hole in the Wall store which was the inspiration for the motel carved out of the rock wall in the movie Cars. Shortly we will come to Monticello where we again turn east back into Colorado. Riding east we ride past Telluride and go on to Ridgeway where we turn south to Ouray and ride over the Red Mountain Pass. At the top of Red Mountain Pass is Silverthorne, an incredible old mining town served from Durango by one of the last existing narrow gage railroads in the United States. Continuing on over the pass we come to Durango where we turn east to ride over Wolf Creek Pass, our forth crossing of the continental divide. Both Red Mountain and Wolf Creek Passes offer over the top motorcycle riding, literally.

Further east we arrive in Alamosa where we will turn south into New Mexico and Santa Fe. Our seventh checkpoint, Santa Fe Harley-Davidson, is right in the middle of this historic old, really old, Mexican trading town. The oldest church in the United States is located in Santa Fe. At this point we have crossed the Continental Divide four times!

Riding through Sturgis during the rally!!

2011-05-23T11:26:00.000-07:00

Departing the Broken Spoke Campground, everyone will ride right down the middle of Main Street with all the parade experience of passing hundreds of bikes parked along the street. Passing through Sturgis in this manner may relieve the tension between deciding whether to go to Sturgis or Ride the Hoka Hey.

We will do both!

Departing Sturgis, we will ride some truly great roads going south to Grand Junction, Colorado. We will go from the Broken Spoke Campground, down the main street of Sturgis, and on to Deadwood, South Dakota. Departing Deadwood, we will go south past Mount Rushmore and on down the Iron Mountain Road riding in front of Mount Rushmore, through Keystone and on into the Black Hills. Following the Iron Mountain Road, we will proceed south through Custer State Park with its Buffalo and Elk herds and then south through Hot Springs, South Dakota and on south through the northwest corner of Nebraska where we turn west to Lusk, Wyoming.

Departing Lusk, we will ride south on a great back road to Wheatland. We will then ride the Bossler Road, a great high speed motorcycle road. Following the Bossler Road, we will go on to Laramie and southwest into Colorado and the southern approach to Rabbit Ears Pass. We will then ride down US 40 to the Gore Pass for our third trip over the Continental Divide.

On the west side of Gore Pass, we will ride over Red Dirt and Wolcott Passes and on down the Colorado River road into the Vail, Valley. Following the Vail Valley to the west, we will continue through Glenwood Canyon on a short distance of interstate and down the Colorado River to Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Glenwood Canyon was the last segment of the original interstate highway system to be constructed and is one of the most spectacular scenic roadways in the otherwise spectacular Colorado Mountains.

At Glenwood Springs, we will turn south and proceed through Redstone and over McClure Pass to Grand Junction, Colorado and Grand Junction Harley-Davidson, our sixth check point.

A third of the way there!

2011-05-18T11:19:00.000-07:00

Departing Idaho Falls, we will ride east over the Teton Mountain Range into Wyoming and on to Jackson Hole. Departing Jackson Hole we will go on to experience two great canyons; the Wind River Canyon and Ten Sleep Canyon. These canyons and the rivers located in them were at the heart of the old beaver trapping activity of the Mountain Men. Both offer great technical riding and magnificent scenery.

Coming out of Ten Sleep Canyon we will cross the Big Horn Mountains and on into Buffalo, Wyoming. This will be our second crossing of the continental divide. Following Buffalo we will go east pass Devils Tower and on to Hulett, Wyoming. We will then proceed by a northerly loop route to ride across the southeast corner of North Dakota and on into South Dakota. Our route then arrives in Sturgis and the Broken Spoke Campground, our fifth checkpoint.

If all goes well, we will arrive in Sturgis around the middle of the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. In this maelstrom, we won't even be noticed, but the Broken Spoke will afford us some welcome hospitality.

Feel the Power of this Checkpoint!!

2011-05-16T11:49:00.000-07:00

Gail's Harley-Davidson in Grandview, Missouri, is not your typical dealership. Located only yards from the intersection of 71 and 150 Hwys. Gail’s has become a destination.

Gail's Harley-Davidson is an exclusive Harley-Davidson® dealer. Recognized as one of the top dealerships in the country, Gail's offers one of the largest inventories of motorcycles, parts and accessories, and MotorClothes® merchandise in the Midwest. Gail, owner and president, has been active in Harley-Davidson® dealerships since high school, learning all phases of the day-to-day operations and assuming a variety of positions.

Gail’s Harley-Davidson’s success can be explained simply by its tagline, Where Every Day is an Excuse to Have Fun! When owner Gail had a vision 10 years ago for a new dealership, she wanted to create more than an ordinary motorcycle dealership; she wanted to create a destination. A 55,000 square-foot, 10-acre biker’s Disneyland. With determination, hard work and perseverance along with her perpetual sunny attitude, positive disposition and genuine, hearty laugh, Gail created the identifiable tagline to be more than a succession of words. The dealership truly lives up to its motto as a place where riders go to have fun, play pool, watch their motorcycles being serviced or simply take a stroll through the showroom. The dealership has become a regular stopping and starting point for Saturday rides as well as the social hub amongst riders. Gail’s provides live bands and free food to add to the relaxed yet lively atmosphere. Thousands of customers “hang out” at Gail’s during the week and on the weekends.    An experience at Gail’s will not be soon forgotten and the motto “Where Every Day is an Excuse to Have Fun!” will keep you coming back. ***

HOG Backs the Hoka Hey Challenge

2011-05-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

On August 5, 2011, hundreds of Harley riders will embark on one of hte world's greatest long-distance motorcycle rides, the 2nd annual Hoka Hey Challenge. This year, riders will trek from Phoenix, Arizona, to Nova Scotia, Canada. Along the way, they'll pass through all 48 contiguous United States and several Canadian provinces and territories. More than 10,000 miles later, all participants will have accomplished the trip of a lifetime and the top riders will be eligible to collect cash prizes.

This year, in addition to the Harley-Davidson Motor Company being a sponsor of the event, the Harley Owners Group intends to add to the rewards for the top five eligible H.O.G. member finishers in the Hoka Hey Challenge by awarding a new 2012 Harley-Davidson Custom Vehicle Operations motorcycle to the top placing H.O.G. member, and an additional $19,000 in prizes for the eligible 2nd through 5th place finishers.

"The Hoka Hey Challenge is a perfect match for the superior touring experience and capabilities of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and the long-distance adventuring aspirations of many of our H.O.G. members," said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience. "The theme of the Hoka Hey Challenge is 'It's a good day to ride!" and that is always the case on a Harley."

For details and rules of the H.O.G. contingency program, visit members.hog.com. For entry information or to monitor the event's progress, visit www.hokaheychallenge.com.

Pushing on to the Fourth Checkpoint!

2011-05-13T11:13:00.000-07:00

Departing Great Falls to the southeast, we will make a dash for another great mountain pass; Beartooth Pass south of Red Lodge, Montana. Going over this pass is a great test of man and machine in the best of weather. Snow in July and August is not unusual. This is one of the most impressive passes we will cross and is our second crossing of the continental divide.

South of Beartooth Pass, we will pass through Cooke City, Montana, the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park America’s first National Park. Proceeding southeast from Cooke City, we will enter Wyoming and the Northeast Entrance to Yellowstone. We will ride around the top loop of the park, through Mammoth Hot Springs, the park headquarters, and on to Norris and the West Yellowstone Entrance. Leaving Yellowstone to the west, we will enter Idaho and ride south through the Snake River plain to Idaho Falls and Chester’s Grand Teton Harley-Davidson, our forth check point.

Chester's Reno HD is a checkpoint!!

2011-05-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson is located in Reno, Nevada the “Biggest Little City in the World”. Gateway to the Sierra Nevada Mountains Reno is located on the I-80 corridor, just 30 minutes from beautiful Lake Tahoe, world class skiing and the Wild Wild West mining town of Virginia City. The Reno area and Sierra Nevada mountain are home to some of the world’s finest motorcycle riding.

Hosting a large Rental Department Reno Harley-Davidson see’s riders from all over the world who come to experience the mountains, lakes and high desert our area has to offer. Yes, of course there are the casinos and nightlife too!

Operating first as Harley-Davidson of Reno, then as Reno Harley-Davidson and now as Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson the dealership has been in existence in Reno for over 30 years. Purchased in 2010 by the Chester Family of Mesa Arizona Reno Harley-Davidson is one of 7 Harley dealerships in the Chester Family operation.

EB Chester, owner of Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson, was one the founding sponsors of the Hoka Hey Challenge last year. Setting off from Mesa, AZ he and his riding group first rode to Key West, Fl for the start of the event. Quite a long distance ride before the actual challenge started. An accomplished long distance rider, he completed the ride to Homer, Alaska along with Travis Metcalfe husband of our General Manager Debbie and several others. This year EB has been intimately involved in the planning for the 2011 Hoka Hey.

Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson is proud to serve as one of the checkpoints in 2011 for this Harley-Davidson only event! We will be ready for the riders with food, refreshments, and other amenities.

Stop by and see us during the Challenge or anytime!

Traveling on to the Third Checkpoint

2011-05-09T11:06:00.000-07:00

Leaving Reno, the course goes for a short distance of interstate highway toward Donner Pass and then turns south and follows the western shore of Lake Tahoe south back into California through the Sierra Nevada Mountains and on through Sacramento to San Francisco. After giving everyone a sufficient dose of urban traffic, we will intersect CA 1 north in downtown San Francisco and follow it across the wonderful Golden Gate Bridge.

Coming off of the Golden Gate at its north end, we will continue up the California coast on CA 1 and enter Oregon where we will continue up the coast on OR 1. This will prove to be a long, tourist intense, route which goes along the rocky coast and through the historic California Redwood forests. Near the northern end of OR 1 we will go east to intersect the Columbia River at Portland. Crossing the river into Washington, we will ride east along the north shore of the river through the famous Columbia River Gorge, the epicenter of wind surfing in the United States.

Coming out of the Gorge, we will continue east through lower Idaho and into Montana, riding over the continental divide for the first of many times. Our route goes through the Bitterroot Mountains and crosses the divide at the Lolo Pass, One of America’s great mountain passes. One of many we will experience.

At the eastern end of the Lolo Pass we will come into Missoula, Montana and then, continuing east, pass by the south end of the Bob Marshall Wilderness area while traveling on to Great Falls, Montana and Big Sky Harley-Davidson, our third checkpoint.

HDMC to show recognition on their FB page!

2011-05-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

Harley Davidson supports Hoka Hey!

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

August 5th, 2011, the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge™ will present the world’s greatest long distance endurance motorcycle event. This year’s event will begin in Phoenix, Arizona and travel through all forty-eight contiguous States and Canada to Nova Scotia. The route will travel 10,000+ miles and will require passion and determination to complete. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is open to riders of all Harley-Davidson® motorcycles.

Participants are not required to ride the entire route to be recognized as a Hoka Hey Challenger. Riders will be permitted to start from any checkpoint or end at any checkpoint and still earn a place on the Hoka Hey roster along with a Challenge coin and number.

Riders cannot win cash prizes unless the entire route is traveled within the rules of HHMC 2011 - but - by becoming a Hoka Hey Challenger; your name will be immortalized.

Otherwise... Who will remember your name?

The second leg of the Challenge!

2011-05-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

When leaving Las Vegas Harley-Davidson we will ride the full length of Freemont Street, the historic downtown portion of Vegas' "Strip". We will then continue on the Las Vegas Strip past the world’s most magnificent concentration of Casinos. We will then turn west and ride through Pahrump and on across Death Valley into California and up against the east slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Death Valley, while only one hundred miles across, will separate the men from the boys in the August heat. It can get to 125 degrees, plus on a good day. Even at night it can be over one hundred degrees. Going north along the Sierra Nevada Mountains, we will turn west and ride into Yosemite National Park, past El Capitan, the Alwanee Lodge and the other great features of Yosemite Valley.

Departing Yosemite we will ride through the historic gold fields of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and on up the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe into Reno, Nevada and Chester’s Reno Harley-Davidson, our second check point.

Stay Tuned there is so much more to come!

The Course Description Just Released!

2011-04-26T19:06:00.000-07:00

Departing the start at Chester's Harley-Davidson, in Phoenix, Arizona we will travel north to Fountain Hills, Arizona where we will go through the back woods on surface roads to Carefree and Cave Creek, Arizona, the epicenter of motorcycle activity in the Phoenix Valley. This area is the home of both Sonny Barger and Vaughn Beals. Sonny is widely known as the founder of the Hells Angels. Vaughn is less well known but was the leader of the group of twelve Harley executives who purchased Harley-Davidson from AMF and set it on the road to becoming what it is today.

Continuing northwest in Arizona, we will go through Wickenburg and on to Prescott, the historic old western territorial capital of Arizona and then on to Jerome, a former mining community now a tourist and art colony. Jerome is truly a vertical town built on the side of an impressive mountain. From Jerome we will travel through Sedona and on north to Flagstaff by way of Oak Creek Canyon. The roads into Prescott, Jerome and Oak Creek Canyon are really great, highly technical motorcycle roads with some impressive vistas. Departing Flagstaff, we will go northwest toward the Grand Canyon on surface roads and then back south to join I-40 west for a brief distance. We then turn onto a segment of Old Route 66, which still exists, and still has historic buildings and signage along its route. We will go through Peach Springs on route 66 which was the town which inspired the fictional town of Radiator Springs in the movie Cars. A town the interstate bypassed which still struggles to exist.

Coming into Kingman on Route 66, we will turn north and cross Boulder (Hoover) Dam into Nevada. This may be one of the last rides across this historic dam as a new bridge is replacing the road across the top of the dam and this historic access will likely be closed for all time. From Boulder Dam we will go into Las Vegas and Las Vegas Harley-Davidson, our first check point.

And that folks is your first stretch of the challenge!!

Stay posted for more details of the next leg of the route!It only gets better!!

Monthly News!!!

2011-04-21T18:33:00.000-07:00

Our Monthly newsletter just went out and this is what You could of missed!!

In 2010 we put on an event that was a once in a lifetime opportunity, where Will Barclay walked away with a half a million dollars.

In 2011 we decided that it needed to be a little different, with pay outs to the top 25 finishers, totaling $500,000. The first finisher will receive 250k, and the prizes will paydown to the 25th finisher.

Harley-Davidson To Sponsor Hoka Hey Challenge (HHC) This Summer

On Friday, April 8th, Harley-Davidson Motor Company notified its dealer network of the MoCo's sponsorship of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (HHC) this August.

Scott Beck, General Manager, North American Marketing Operations said "We look forward to shining a light on Harley-Davidson's extraordinary riders and motorcycles as they take part in this incredible journey."

Watch for more news about Harley-Davidson's involvement in upcoming issues of HOG Magazine, H.O.G. email blasts, and on the Hoka Hey website (www.hokaheychallenge.com).

Designating a Dealership

On August 5, 2011 the greatest motorcycle endurance rally in history will take place and we would like to give back to the people who help spread the word of the event. To help encourage participation, we are offering an incentive for Harley-Davidson dealerships to sponsor a rider.

When they sign up for the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, participants will have the opportunity to designate a Harley-Davidson dealership as their "Designated Dealer." Dealerships that sign up or sponsor riders will secure placement as that rider's Designated Dealer and will be eligible to receive monetary awards and recognition alongside the top 5 finishers. This is the kind of recognition that says a store knows what it takes to provide great customer service!

Any one that is seeking sponsorship might mention this to their local dealership and watch the light click on!!

Riding the Route

Riders cannot win cash prize unless the entire route is traveled within the rules of HHMC 2011 - but - by becoming a Hoka Hey Challenger; your name will be immortalized in the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, WI.

Otherwise... How can you be certain that anyone will remember your name?

Broken Spoke Campground

Last summer, a crowd of Hoka Hey riders, fans and motorcycle enthusiasts gathered at the Broken Spoke Campground in Sturgis, SD to celebrate the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and witness the award presentation to the event's winner. First place finisher, Will Barclay of Highlands, FL, proudly held up one end of a huge presentation check in the amount of $500,000 as event organizer, Jim Red Cloud pronounced him, "the toughest motorcycle rider on the planet... at the moment." Barclay was already half-a-million dollars richer, having received the actual funds through a wire to his bank account on July 29th.

In 2011, Challengers are traveling from Phoenix, AZ to Nova Scotia, Canada with a stop over in Sturgis during the rally and the Broken Spoke Campground will be involved this year by hosting a checkpoint!! Riders will not be required to layover here - but - the option will be available as the Broken Spoke has agreed to provide a complimentary area designated for the challengers to stay and rest.

We are sure that by the time you reach Sturgis, you will have some great stories to tell. So park your bike and set camp. Set a spell, Take your shoes off...

Be at Chester's Harley-Davidson this August for the start of this epic adventure!! We look forward to seeing you there!

Until then... HOKA HEY!!!

Beth Durham
Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

Oldest Harley Dealer showing support!

2011-04-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

A.D. Farrow Company, Harley-Davidson is honored to become a checkpoint for the 2011 Hoka Hey Challenge. The A.D. Farrow name is one that is rich with history and we are eager to take part in the beginning of a tradition and a new chapter in motorcycle history with the prestigious and exhilirating Hoka Hey Ride.

A.D. Farrow Company, Harley-Davidson is America's Oldest Harley Dealer™. In 1912 A.D. Farrow bought his first Harley-Davidson motorcycle in Nelsonville, OH and the making of history was in the works. In 1924 the Dealership was moved to Columbus, OH. A.D. Farrow Company has truly withheld the test of time, surviving the Great Depression, and flourishing into a dealership that prides itself on its rich past and role in the Harley-Davidson community and the community at large.

A.D. Farrow Company, Harley-Davidson will be turning 100 years old this February and we could not think of a better way to celebrate than by being apart of the Hoka Hey Ride. This monumental birthday is a celebration of everything A.D. Farrow Company, Harley-Davidson has become and what we will strive to be in the next one hundred years. By stopping at A.D. Farrow Company, Harley-Davidson you are not only stopping at a Dealership but stopping at a tangible piece of Harley-Davidson history.

AZ Bike Week is Back!

2011-03-23T09:02:00.000-07:00

The Hoka Hey Crew will be kicking off the AZ Bike Week at Chester's Harley Davidson in Mesa, at their Backstage Biker Bash, enjoying the music from Gretchen Wilson! Come out, show your support, and start plotting how your going to take off from the starting line!

Next stop for the Crew and Tepee will be West World, from March 26th to April 3rd! This premier facility will be the host to hundreds of vendors, numerous concerts, and awesome shows! Come stop by and enjoy the shade inside our "Home away from Home", share stories from our prior challenge, and exchange ideas about how your going to tackle the next one!

Hoka Hey Girl to ride for Team Rocky Mount!

2011-03-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson, one of Harley-Davidson's premier dealers in the Southeast Region, is proud to be a participating sponsor for the 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. The Hoka Hey to us is one of the greatest American challenges that have ever been attempted and we are proud to be a part of it.

Because of the strategic geographic location of Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson's state-of-the-art modern facility, which is almost at the intersection of Interstate 95 and U.S. highway 64, the organizers of the 2011 challenge wanted RMHD to be one of only 15 checkpoints in the challenge.

Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson is proud to also be sponsoring Miss Hoka Hey, Whittany Crum, to be riding for "Team Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson" in this year's challenge. Along with providing Ms. Crum with a Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson motorcycle we will also be providing other logistical support for her. Whittany Crum, in our view, is a great representative of young female riders in the Harley-Davidson industry an we welcome her as part of our rider family.

Name: Whittany Crum

Age: 23

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 145

Eye Color: Green

Hair Color: Brown

Interests: Hiking, Horse back riding, Cooking, Fishing, and most importantly Riding Harleys!

Growing up in Florida you might think I would wind up being a beach baby but I have always preferred the thump of an engine to the roar of the surf. Don't get me wrong, I'll ride anything (including a surfboard) but there is something about the open road... the places you can go, the sights you can see and the people that you meet on a Harley. Nothing else compares.

I started out riding dirt bikes when I was in middle school; hitting the trails as often as I could. Then, the magical moment when I rode on the back of a Harley-Davidson for the first time. I'll never forget it - I was 14 years old and the destination was a winding beach road. I was hooked. I started my rebellion against all things conventional right then and there - starting with my step-father's Gold Wing. He would invite me to go along with him from time to time but, ever since that ride on the H-D; I didn't want to be caught on the back of any thing else. So, I did what any teenager would do and I lied. I came up with every excuse why I couldn't go with him because nothing could compare to the look and sound of that Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

Fast forwarding to when I was 21; I got a call from Big Jim telling me of this endurance ride he had dreamed up with called the Hoka Hey. I fell in love with the idea and after several conversations over the phone with Jim & Beth, I soon found myself flying to Las Vegas to do my first show as Miss Hoka Hey. Over the past two years now, I've travelled all over the US going to bike events and visiting Harley dealers to spread the word about Hoka Hey. I feel that I am truly blessed to have this job and to say I love my work would be an understatement.

I watched from the sidelines as the first Challenge roared into history but this time I'm going to be on the line with a thousand other riders. Ready to embark on the greatest long distance endrance ride with with leathers, accessories and a 2011 pearl white Street Glide provided by Rocky Mount Harley-Davidson. Besides being one of our 15 checkpoints and a phenominal supporter of the Hoka Hey, Rocky Mount H-D is also going to be my sponsor!!

So, I'll see you all on August 5th in Mesa, AZ when the members of Team Rocky Mount H-D bring it to the starting line!!

We moved but your thoughts were not forgotten!

2011-03-12T11:24:00.000-08:00

Our old blog had complications so we decided to move to this location but wanted to keep our older comments alive. Here are comments from prior riders, just a taste of what is to be experienced in 2011.

Greg Shafer

Don’t be one of those who say “I wish, I had done that” make it happen for yourself, listen to that voice in the back of your head saying ” I can do this”, and be part of something bigger then you ever expected. Ever thought you wanted to climb Mt. Everest, well less people have successfully finished the Challenge, then the thousand that have scaled to the roof of the world. Challenge riders have been called a lot of things from elite to hardcore, these only begin to scratch the surface of a Challenge warrior spirit, there are not enough words to describe these warriors, it has to be expereinced to understand the feelings of facing the Challenge.

Gib

I was a rider in the first Hoka Hey. I was unable to finish, it will haunt me the rest of my life that I was unable to finish. It was the hardest decision I have ever made to stop and return home. It was also the most amazing ride I have ever been on. I guess what I’m trying to say is that even if you don’t cross the finish line it will be the most unbelievable ride you well ever be associated with in your life. I made new friends, I saw amazing things, and not all of it was the scenery. I saw people react in caring and helpful ways to there fellow riders. I went to the home of a man who for the most part distrusted the white man, and was fed and offered shelter. I don’t have words to describe how it is to ride the Hoka Hey other than life changing. It changed my life, there are not too many days that go by that I don’t think about my time on the Hoka Hey. There are not too many days that go by that I don’t think of riding the Hoka Hey again.

Alex Sweeney

 Jim and Beth, I simply want to say thank you for the most incredible experience of my life. I simply do not understand the negativity. When I see and hear the negative comments being written and said about the HokaHey I am disappointed and unable to understand the nature of it. The cost of entry ($1,000) was a cheap entry fee to spend two weeks with others who were on the road with the same goal. I got exactly what I expected no more and no less. At the meeting before the race Jim said that it was not a race but a challenge and it will break you both physically and mentally….it will take you to places you have never been. I got more then I could have ever imagined from the challenge. It certainly took me beyond what I thought was possible and I am sorry for those who were unable to have the same experience that I did. For me it was never about the money only about the ride. God bless you and know there are those who love you for the gift you gave us.

Jim and Beth,  I want to congradulate the both of you on undertaking and completing an event for us riders unlike any I have seen organized before. I only wish I had experienced the journey. Hopefully, the 2011 challenge will see me there. Dealing with complainers and complaints will only strengthen your resolve to excel and help correct any issues they brought forth for the 2011 event. Peace and God Bless

Bodybag

Jim, Beth and the rest of the team. When I met you in Daytona and signed up I knew it would be the ride you said it would be… and it was. Even though I finished with the others in injured reserve and didn’t qualify, I am MORE than pleased with the experience of being in the ORIGINAL Hoka Hey. I told you I would make in at any cost, so I couldn’t quit. Thank you for giving all those who showed up in Homer, the chance to be ‘the point’ on this worldwide event. To accept a challenge that only those who don’t fear the unknown would take – and push to the end.

Your destination in life depends on the journey, Your legacy is also determined by that journey. Choose well. Every choice has its circumstances. Destiny lies before us, all will ride out but not all will finish. Ride hard, to finish is the prize.

Hoka Hey !!!

I salute you and everyone involved.

Bodybag #99

Sam Jeppsen
Hello Beth,

It’s me, Sam Jeppsen, that knucklehead from Arizona who rode his 03 rigid mount Sportster in the 2010 event. I just got your drawing, my certificate and your letter in the mail. Just wanted to drop you a note and say thank you. To you, to Jim and the entire gang that made the 2010 possible. It was a dream come true for me and the event was far more than I had ever hoped it would be. I had no illusions of ever winning and I was not willing to ride to win. The gold for me was the ride, the adventure, the scenery, the people and the memories. It was an event I still find myself thinking about, now 6 months later. As others said it was life changing for them; it was life changing for me too. I’ve ridden some fine rides Beth. I rode the entire Baja Peninsula, the Mexico mainland to Guatemala to British Honduras, through the Yucatan Peninsula around the Gulf of Mexico and back to Phx. AZ. and I’ve ridden the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) 4 times now. All on 2 to 5 week motorcycle adventures where I did as we did here; slept out all along the way.

But this ride, the Hoka Hey 2010, was like no other ride I have ever taken. The continuous getting up and moving on, the day to day challenge, the incredible scenery and the comradary of the other riders and the crews you put together, the constant cheering us on by; you and your crews, caused continuous spikes of exhilaration and adrenalin inside me. Those spikes came daily, even hourly. The rush of emotions that coursed my veins as I literally became Jim Bronson (1970 TV series–Then Came Bronson) has never left my mind. The feeling of being so different than any other rider I passed by, then or now, was so unexpected, yet so thrilling and it remains thrilling even to this day.

I am a Hoka Hey Rider and that makes me different than any other rider in the world except those that rode in the 2010. Many riders can speak of their great Iron-Butt rides where they knocked out 1000 or 1500 miles in a day or so on a freeway, or a great motorcycle adventure they took. But only the Hoka Hey Riders can speak about the longest-biggest-hardest and most grueling iron-but ride in the entire world; The Hoka Hey. Where the riders rode back-roads, rural routes and secondary highways, sleeping out as they went for thousands of miles. Who can tell of a ride such as ours? And where can we go where our great tale will be less than someone else’s?

It was a 13,500 (+/-) mile ride for me by the time I got back to Phx. Arizona. A 26 day motorcycle adventure. Thirty-two days if I count the 4 days it took me to get to Florida and the 2 days I spent there before the ride. I left with 42K miles on my Sporty and came home with 55K miles on it. I won’t give you any of the totals, as you have plenty, but I will tell you I had two different people stop and wake me up as I was sleeping alongside the road and ask me if I was okay. I guess I did look pretty funny! I just got off my bike and laid down on the pavement or dirt alongside my bike and slept. Helmet and all, and a few hours later I got up and rode away. I had people come up to me and talk to me at almost every stop I made. In Vernal, Utah, I had a gal ask me, “Are you one of those guys that is riding to Alaska?” In Wasilla I had a guy and his wife pull alongside me on their bright and shiny blue FL and ask if I was going to stop to eat. I didn’t understand what he meant or why he asked me such a question, so I told him I was a Hoka Hey Rider on my way to Homer. He said, “I know. I just want to know if you are going to stop for something to eat.” I realized then he knew who I was and wanted to visit with me. On the Seward Highway I had a guy on his brand new red FL pull alongside me and honk and give me the thumbs up. Near the Portage Glacier turn off, I had another gal give me a beautiful smile and say, “You’re one of them, aren’t you?” Bursting with pride, my yellow Hoka Hey bandanna hanging around my neck, I tried to contain my emotions as I smiled back and simply replied, “Yeah, I’m one of them.”

People knew who we were Beth. In the states and in Canada and in Alaska, and we didn’t have to say anything at all. Several times I had people who knew about the Hoka Hey just stop and talk to me. For me to be a part of that, left me with a feeling I cannot fully explain or put into words. Six months later, I still have people ask me about the ride and they cannot believe I rode in it. In a few months I’ll be 60 and they can’t believe I was part of the Hoka Hey. My children made me a DVD out of my pictures and put it to music. That DVD has gone to all my family and will be part of the legacy I leave them. My 18 grandkids still talk about it and in their eyes and in the eyes of those I work around, they often say things that create an image of me similar to Jeremiah Johnson. I am still receiving things from this ride I had no idea I would ever receive—and I never even went for the money! I just went for the adventure!

I will be forever grateful Beth, to all of you who worked so hard to put this together. You guys were there for us all the way and you never tired. You guys worked your butts off to make this really memorable for all of us and it was. You were always up, always positive, always had a smile and an encouraging and kind word for us. Big Jim Red Cloud was a treat to meet and meeting Chief Red Cloud will be an honor I will always cherish. You fine folk are some of the best I have met.

The few that complained painted a picture that all complained. That’s simply not so. They just got the press. The vast-vast majority of us received far more than we ever expected and are still reeling in the spotlight of being a Hoka Hey Rider. Don’t listen to the complainers, don’t give them a thought. Chances are they would have complained no matter what. The ride was incredible and the adventure was fantastic. That was the best 1000 bucks I ever spent and it was cheep for what I got for it. In fact, I have long forgotten the 1000 dollar entry fee, but have not, nor will I ever–forget the adventure and memories I got for it.

I’m a Hoka Hey Rider. No one can ever take that from me and no one can ever top me. Some may take longer rides, even more grueling, but none but a Hoka Hey Rider can say I was part of the longest-largest-hardest and most grueling motorcycle ride in the world–except another Hoka Hey Rider. To any that are teetering on going on the 2011, my words to them is; go! Go! Go and live the dream! You will never forget it and you will never be sorry.

You guys are the best, Beth. Thx so very much. If you’re ever in Arizona, stop in. You and your fine family will always have a place to stay. And as I was welcome at Chief Red Cloud’s table, you will always be welcome at mine.

Su amigo siempre (Your friend always)

Sam from Arizona.

Jim Sehnert

Beth and Jim, what a ride and adventure. It is still a blur in my mind. From the time I left home in Wrightwood, Ca. until I returned I logged 22,000 plus miles. Met some wonderful people and fellow riders. A couple that without their help I would not have finished. I really feel that the ones that are doing the bitching are doing it because they found it harder than they expected and could not finish. I never went into this with winning on my mind. I simply wanted to complete the challenge in the allotted time or less and come home safe. This I did. I was #183 and finished #140. I couldn’t ask for any thing more. I had a lot of people following me on their computers and with their support and an ALL MIGHTY GOD I made it home safe. Thanks again for your support and efforts you all put into this ride. I’ll never forget it.

HOKA HEY AND MANY MORE.

Jim Sehnert

Mike Hervey

I’ve decided to ride the Challenge – 3 countries, 10,000+ miles and an uncertain roads… only known from checkpoint to checkpoint; the 2011 Hoka Hey. At a 60 years and counting, I am excited, having a blast already planning and making out packing lists and dreaming of deserts, mountains, getting lost in back country, and the camaraderie of the road.

And it is impossible to not share that excitement with others, it spills out of me despite my best efforts to keep it in control – under wraps – secret. And there is the rub. But when I do share, It amazes me how many of my fellow ‘bikers’ are down on this epic adventure;

“Read the blogs, man, it’s a farce….”

“That’s crazy.. do you know they plan on dipping down into Mexico? You ain’t coming out alive from there”

“They just want your money… just take a vacation and travel the lower 48 yourself.. why pay those people when you know they won’t pay the prize money anyway..”

“Racing on public roads is not only dangerous .. its illegal!”, and blah..blah…blah.. it goes.

I can’t help but wonder..’what is wrong with these riders?’. If you’ve never been on a bike, well then I might understand. What’s the old adage “If I have to explain it to you….”

It is evident to me I need this.. not just desire it, but have to have it. At this point and place in the time of my life a soul searching readjustment is gripping my very being. It is not the money – neither the cost of doing it , nor the carrot of prize at the end, it is The Challenge itself that calls my name. The time on the road, the uncertainty, the hardships, the bonding with both my bike and myself; there is a spiritual awakening ahead, of that I am certain if I am certain about little else. Those of my fellows travelers who have found a bond with the roads know this, it cannot be explained to those who have never spent days on their chosen stead, or fought the harshness of nature, or been stranded with a broken bike – eventually fixed by a heaven sent messenger in the disguise of an old weather beaten farmer, until the experience becomes an analogy for life itself. You damn it and bless it. It is bone jarring misery and breath taking beauty all in one; blended together until you finally realize that you cannot appreciate the one without the other.

I wrote a note about The Challenge on a motorcycle site I visit of supposed adventure bikers. And the negative comments took me by surprise. I had to ponder about it a while. Why did this challenge make my blood race and inspire me so much? Finally I answered back – and thought I’d share here my words with you; you who are thinking about joining me.

“There will always be those who chose the easy path of criticism and complaint over action and involvement. Being faced with the adventure and challenge of a lifetime either infuses you with excitement and awe, or scares you shitless.

The latter will hide their fear in a mountain of excuses and fault of others; never facing the demons within that seem to boil over into a shady distrust and fear of those who answer the challenge of the unknown.

Go ahead and write your blogs, ruminate over the unfairness of the world, and the flaws in every endeavor, while those of us who still have a pair ride.

Life is always a choice, to turn right or left, give in or fight, live or die.

Dig deep in yourself my fellow ‘bikers’ – which type of person do you choose to be?”

Mike Hervey – Alaskamike

Stop by our booth during Daytona Bike Week!

2011-02-28T11:25:00.001-08:00

Bruce Rossmeyer’s Daytona Harley-Davidson, also known as Destination Daytona, have been ongoing supporters of the Hoka Hey Challenge. Last years winner, Will Barclay and Tramp Stamp rider, Terry Rogue will be on hand to discuss their personal riding experiences. We are honored to be apart of Destination Daytona this year!

Be sure to stop by the booth and register for the best motorcycle challenge!

"Diga adiós a México"

2011-02-22T09:23:00.000-08:00

Mexico

is off the route for the 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge!

We have carefully considered the situation in northern Mexico including riding into this area and seeing for ourselves. What we found was not very promising. It seems to us that proceeding with our plans to have the route go through northern Mexico may put our participants at substantial risk. This obviously is not an acceptable situation for us to continue to pursue. In order to avoid the situation in Mexico, we have decided to eliminate that first leg of the trip altogether and will hold the start of the event in Mesa, AZ. As we are riding through a significant portion of California along the northern coast of the state, the coast to coast and California content of the route will be maintained. The ride would go from the Golden Gate to Nova Scotia.

Chester's Harley Davidson of Mesa, AZ will be the host for the 2011 pre-challenge kick off party. Together we will be coordinating the event with live music, food and drinks. Watch our blog and website for updates!!

HARLEY-DAVIDSON TO BECOME A SPONSOR OF THE 2011 HOKA HEY MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE

2011-02-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

New Sponsor for 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge Announced

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge announced today that Harley-Davidson Motor Company will provide marketing and promotional support for the 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will present the world’s greatest long distance endurance motorcycle event in August of 2011. The event, the second annual in a series, will begin in Phoenix, Arizona and travel through all forty-eight contiguous States and Canada to Nova Scotia. The route will travel over 10,000 miles requiring passion and determination to complete. The event is open to all riders of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Riders can ride the entire route or segments within the route.

“We’re excited about what the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge represents to our riders,” said Steve Piehl, Harley-Davidson Director of Customer Experience. “The new direction of being more about a personal test of touring endurance, where rider and machine stretch the boundaries of long-distance touring, appeals to us. It’s a perfect match for the superior touring experience and capabilities of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. 'Hoka Hey' translates to 'It's a good day to ride!' and that is always the case on a Harley.”

“The Hoka Hey is about being the greatest endurance motorcycle event ever held and we are very excited to become associated with the greatest motorcycles ever built,” said Jim Red Cloud, founder of the Hoka Hey Challenge. “Harley-Davidson's support and guidance will certainly enhance this ambitious event.”

The first twenty-five participants to reach the finish and who ride the complete stipulated route will be recognized as winners and be eligible for monetary awards. Each rider will have the opportunity to designate a selected "home Harley-Davidson dealership" when they enroll. The home dealers of the top five finishers will be eligible for awards and recognition alongside the riders.

There will be fifteen check points along the route located at Harley-Davidson dealers where participants must check in as they ride the route. In addition to being an event sponsor, Harley-Davidson is exploring hosting a check point at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

For further information about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge or to obtain enrollment information, visit the event's web site http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/ or contact the office at 480-649-1071 or info@hokaheychallenge.com.

Be sure to check out our new and improved website

We love our sponsors!

2011-02-12T14:55:00.000-08:00

CHESTER’S Harley-Davidson will provide the highest possible quality products and services to the customers in our area, in a fair, courteous, and professional way.

The freedom to ride is at the heart of the business. Ask E.B. Chester about the business structure of the Chester family of Harley-Davidson dealerships and he'll tell you:

"It's a family business. Craig is the President who oversees the daily operations. Cliff is the new Business Development and Finance Officer. The wives are Directors and really call the shots. I'm the Chief Rainmaker and quality control fanatic."

The family runs a growing motorcycle business in six locations ranging from Idaho Falls Idaho, Jackson Wyoming, Twin Falls Idaho, Mesa Arizona and now Reno Nevada. All three Chester's are on duty at the dealerships. You can see E.B. Chester many times having a burger with customers during the weekly Saturday "Party on the Patio" event at the Mesa location.

Beat the crowd and sign up for the best motorcycle challenge here

See us at

2011-02-09T14:48:00.000-08:00

We will be setting up at the Easyriders Show in Columbus, Ohio at The Greater Columbus Convention Center.

A New Year - A New Epoch

2011-01-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

The launch of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge has marked a major turning point in how we conduct business. In fact; just about every aspect of our personal lives will be impacted in 2011 as we leave heart & hearth in South Dakota for the good of the Challenge. We acknowledge that we can’t do this next Challenge alone - so - in order to tap into the resources offered by a larger community, we have decided to move the Hoka Hey headquarters to Mesa, Arizona.

Our new headquarters are located in close proximity to one of Hoka Hey’s greatest supporters - E.B. Chester of Chester’s Harley Davidson. As a rider in the 2010 event, E.B. is a true believer in the principle of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and, like us; he knows that the Challenge has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of the participants and in the world of motorcycling. In true Hoka Hey fashion, he has accepted the challenge by volunteering his valuable time to help form our Organizing Committee and even take its lead. With this kind of power behind it – the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is on track to make 2011 an unforgettable year!

Setting the record straight

2010-12-20T14:42:00.000-08:00

A note to Hoka Hey riders and fans from founder, Jim Red Cloud

Organizing the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2010 was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. There have, however, been questions and issues raised which, if not addressed may reflect negatively on this extraordinary event. These concerns may be partially due to inadequate communication in the past and this communication is an attempt to address past concerns and to reassure everyone that we are moving forward in a professional, well organized manner with great communication.

The initial Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was the first of its kind. It was literally organized by my wife and me with little or no professional assistance. The event was originally scheduled for 2009 but after hearing from many prospective participants that the failing economy made their funding and time away from work very difficult, we decided to reschedule the event for 2010. Certainly this delay did not make everyone feel that they had made a wise decision to invest their entry fee but this delay did allow us to accommodate a larger field the following year and ultimately everyone who paid their entry fee was afforded an opportunity to participate in the event in 2010.

It was our plan to have one thousand participants. Approximately six hundred riders participated in the event. Of these, the entrance fees for approximately one hundred veterans with financial hardship were funded by me directly. While the participation was below our expectations, we believed that going ahead with a smaller group would be far preferable to cancelling or further extending the event. From what we have heard from participants, this was absolutely the correct decision.

We advertised that the event would contribute to several charities. Unfortunately, the entrance fees at the reduced level of participation, net of direct costs associated with the event, did not allow such contributions. Ultimately we had to personally fund a portion of the five hundred thousand dollar prize money. We did this without reservation. Many of the charities benefitted by the efforts of individual participants who undertook individual activities to benefit the charities as a part of the event. Going forward we will not repeat our mistake of overpromising. We sincerely hope and anticipate that participation in 2011 will allow a charitable component from the proceeds but that decision simply must wait until the outcome of the event is known.

The event was run as advertised. An individual rode the course and was certified based on an extensive polygraph examination which was passed with no exceptions. The winner received the promised prize money on July 29^th at the Broken Spoke Campground during the Sturgis Rally. We are now moving ahead and promoting a second Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for 2011 and the winner of the 2010 event, is assisting with promotion of the 2011 event but he has absolutely no financial or ownership interest in the event.

We understand that our organization and promotion efforts fell short in some people’s opinion. In some regards, we agree with this assessment. For the 2011 event, we are working hard to change this situation. We have learned a lot from our experiences to date. We have formed an Organizing Committee made up of various professionals and stake holders in the event. This committee is lead by an individual with a significant history in business development and promotion. We have associated with a promotion firm to assure development of the event to its maximum potential and have also associated with a public relations firm to assure consistent and timely communications.

There has been some concern that the 2011 event is currently planning on passing through northern Mexico. Should this become an unacceptable security issue, course options will be considered to limit this exposure.

This event is not a “race”, it is an endurance rally. Yes, there is prize money for completing the course first. The simple fact is that at fifty-five miles per hour a participant could sleep and rest approximately twelve hours each day and still finish the course in the allotted time. Speeding not only disqualifies a participant if caught, as they would be in the polygraph given to authenticate a winner, it makes navigation all that much more difficult. The winner last year, at an average of fifty-five miles per hour, could rest for approximately eight hours a day.

To summarize, we are doing our best to assure the event in 2011 will be the best possible. Obviously few things are ever perfect but we are trying to produce as quality event as possible without burdening participants with the result of over organizing the event.

The 2011 event will hopefully become an iconic experience in the annuals of American motorcycling alongside the 2010 event.

I look forward to seeing everyone in the Hoka Hey 3-48 Motorcycle Challenge in August of 2011.

Jim Redcloud

Founder

Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

First we would like to say, Welcome

2010-11-17T14:39:00.000-08:00

We have decided to create another chapter in the Hoka Hey Challenge. Let’s call it Chapter 3/48. The great spirit of perserverence and determination that kept the great pioneers of our past, who struggled through adversities and pressed on through the tribulations has carried over to the Hoka Hey organizers. As we look back on last year, at best we can say is it was the first attempt at something huge and things have been addressed in the areas where we can improve. As with any thing in life things are never quite perfect, and at the end of the day we are all human beings trying to connect through experiences and gain memories that we can pass on to future generations. So get ready it is the dawn of a new era.

Once again we are calling upon the people to rise up and test your mettle amongst the toughest men and women of this world.

We look forward to the future of the next Hoka Hey Challenge. Chapter 3/48

Are you ready for another wonderful ride across this great nation?