What is the Hoka Hey?
On June 20th, 2010 I will be one of of the One Thousand Men & Women Harley Davidson's riders that will Ride from Key West, Florida to Homer Alaska; And must arrive in Alaska no later than 4th of July 2010. This is going to be a Epic ride for some of the most fearless Harley Davidson Riders.
There is a substantial grand prize to the rider that arrives in Homer, Alaska first. I have selected the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as the charity that I will work to raise awareness and funds, while I prepare for this opportunity of a lifetime.
About our Rider - The site owner "Mitchell"
Literally the first time I heard about the Hoka Hey, I was in. I was completely committed and knew this was my "journey of a lifetime". An amazing opportunity for me to challenge myself, to see parts of the country that I haven't seen in a long time, and to support Veterans causes and raise money for the American Diabetes Association. No question.
I have decided to support a organization that is close to me, the ADA. I was diagnosed with Diabetes about a year ago and it's very important to me to raise awareness and knowledge in the management and the drive to cure this disease.
With the help of my wife Sara and Donnie McFall, our event Organizer and Fitness guru from Gold's Gym, we are excited to put together some great events around the Panhandle and ride to raise funds for the Hoka Hey and for the ADA. This opportunity is a life changing event for me, I'd love to have you along for the ride...help me with a donation, come out to our events and support me on this journey!
How to keep up with us and the event!
West Virginia Bikers, with our nearly 100K visitors each month will feature the details of our journey through this site in images and articles. As well as on our Facebook fan page. There will also be lots of media coverage for this event both locally and nationally, with a very real possibility of a "reality" series review of the participants and the event. More about the event and the organizers can be found on the Hoka Hey Challenge site.
Fund raising events will be held over the coming months and announced here!
West Virginia Bikers has very high hopes and goals to be able to provide a substantial donation to the ADA. The event is going to be fairly expensive to complete and although we are primarily funding all expenses ourselves we do need support from you!
Wanna help?
There are a few opportunities to help us reach our goals and make a great donation to ADA:
1. Use the "Donate" button on the top of this page to give what you can to help us reach our goals!
2. Come to our events and participate in the rides!
3. The WestVirginiaBikers.com web site does not use advertising services to promote our site, but we are not only listed in Goggle and Yahoo search engines, most of the time we are first! For our business owner sponsors we will offer direct links and featured advertising opportunities throughout the site - It's a great opportunity to get seen by our readers! Contact us to discuss these options!
We will fully disclose all funds use as well as charity donations!
More about the Hoka Hey
The Journey will cover (+/-) 7000 miles. There will be at least 8 check point all long the route. And only at those points will the next point be revealed. At this time only the organizers know our route. We do know our first stop should be in the great State of Mississippi. From there it is a mystery. We have been told we will be running through 62 Mountain Ranges, 33 Indian Reservations, 26 National Forests, 8 Deserts, 6 National Parks, 4 Swamps. But the route will also be a unconventional route. With as little our no highway miles ridden.
There is some very strict guide lines to the Hoka Hey Challengers. One the one motorcycle that is running the challenge is air cool Harley Davidson. Carrying no more that 6.2 gallons of fuel. Largest full tank Harley produces to date. No fuel cells or gas cans. You are not allowed to receive a speeding ticket. This is not to be 1000 tearing up the country side but respecting the land and our neighbors. So it will come down to the ride that can ride through the most elements, and can stay on the bike as long as possible. You are not allowed to leave your motorcycle. If you sleep you sleep on the ground next to your Bike. Ok, so you ask why would one put there selves through this well there lies a HALF MILLION DOLLARS in ALASKAN GOLD for whoever reaches the final checkpoint first. There is no prize in a warrior society for second place.
So what does Hoka Hey mean? It was the battle cry of the Great Sioux Chief Crazy Horse. And the event is Being hailed by Black Hills Harley as the "Iditarod of Harley-Davidson's
The Event is having a strong focus on the American Solider and American Veterans from all Branches of the Military. And a large portion of the proceeds of the $1000 entry fee going to support Veteran Causes, And Cause for the American Indian. Fitting that the Organize is Jim Red Cloud of the Locota Nation in South Dakota. They also have a sponsor a Vet program which reduces Vet admission to half the price. With a strong awareness to returning Vets. And the issues they face with when they return home. Here is a list of Organizations the Hoka Hey is Sponsoring.
A portion from the race proceeds benefit the following charitable causes:
Paralyzed Veterans of America; PVA works to maximize the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury or dysfunction (SCI/D) as a leading advocate for health care, SCI/D research and education, veterans’ benefits and rights, accessibility and the removal of architectural barriers, sports programs, and disability rights.
Warrior Weekend; a program whose mission it is to provide weekends of rest and relaxation for soldiers and marines who have been wounded in combat in Iraq or Afghanistan. These warriors are undergoing recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC.. The weekends are funded by both individuals and organizations and are no cost to the soldiers and marines who participate.
Disabled American Veterans; The DAV is an organization of disabled veterans who are focused on building better lives for disabled veterans and their families. The organization accomplishes this goal by providing free assistance to veterans in obtaining benefits and services earned through their military service. It is fully funded through its membership dues and public contributions. It is not a government agency and receives no government funds.
American Gold Star Mothers, Inc; AGSM is an organization of mothers who have lost a son or daughter in the service of our country. The mission of this organization is to honor their children, assist our veterans, support our nation, and heal with one another.
Vietnam Veterans of America; The VVA's goals are to promote and support the full range of issues important to Vietnam veterans, to create a new identity for this generation of veterans, and to change public perception of Vietnam veterans.
American Indian College Fund; The American Indian College Fund transforms Indian higher education by funding and creating awareness of the unique, community-based accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities, offering students access to knowledge, skills, and cultural values which enhance their communities and the country as a whole.
The Red Cloud Humanitarian Fund; This company was organized in 2004 in order to raise funds to help meet the most basic needs of the residents and citizens of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The mission of the Red Cloud Humanitarian Fund is to restore hope and dignity to the people of Pine Ridge by providing such simple necessities as running water and adequate plumbing for families that genuinely need our help.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society; The National MS Society is an organization that helps people affected by MS by funding cutting-edge research, driving change through advocacy, facilitating professional education, and providing programs and services that help people with MS and their families move their lives forward.
Other Hoka Hey Challengers pages to check out:
Here is a streaming video cam of the event start...check it out: