After months of planning and preparation time to head out on the road comes early Sunday morning July 31st. I've loaded and unloaded the "Little Brother" at a half dozen times and I believe I've things where I want and need them. Pack up the final few pieces of clothing is all that is left. The good thing about it is I have from here to Mesa AZ to fiddle and adjust the load if it's not right. For those that haven't traveled by bike you want to make sure the weight is as evenly divided as possible from side to side. An unbalanced load will affect cornering and handling. Too much of a difference and you upset the natural balance causing you to be constantly holding the bike up.
I'd like to thank all of the well wishers that have come by the shop the last few weeks as well as all the folks at St Charles HD, my HOG Chapter, supporters and family, The organizers of Hoka Hey Challenge will be putting a link on their web site on August 5th for anyone that would like to follow along. As I understand it you will be able to follow me and see where I am in regards to the rest of the challengers. I'm rider 607.
This will be my last post until after I get back from the challenge. I won't have time to blog once we start and I really don't have the space to carry my laptop. I will be keeping a Journal and hope to share some of my experience after I get back.. Apparently there is a good chance that this adventure will be taped by film crews all along the way. I know we are to be interviewed at check in time for possible use in an upcoming documentary.
Until we meet again........ Happy Trails to you and HOKA KEY!!!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Sponsor's & Contributors
Well we're down to less than 2 weeks before I head to Mesa AZ. These last 10 days or so have been very busy. The bike "Little Brother" is about ready to go, all service work and new tires are on and complete. Thank you to Brad Holzhauer owner of St Charles Harley Davidson for that and a donation that will help with numerous expenses. Brad and his crew of managers and employees has done tremendous things with this dealership in just under 3 years of operation. I am proud to be associated with the #1 dealer in our area. If you need a new Harley, service work, parts, accessories or motorclothes this is the dealership to go to.
Team Svoboda has made a generous donation that is greatly appreciated and has a special place in my heart. You see team Svoboda is my baby sisters family and they are almost as excited about the challenge as I am.
Hoka Hey little sister!
Ridetek industries has donated a set of "LidHaulers" and "LidSaks". This product is unique and is of the best quality. The LidHauler fits on the top of a standard Harley Davidson hard saddlebag and has a pair of straps sewn into it. These straps enable you to hold the LidSak, which is pretty much a small duffel bag, to the top of the bag. They are designed to hold soft items like rain suits, jackets, clothing and sleeping bags. If you have ever traveled any length of time on a bike you will love these things. Go to Ridetek.com and check them out. Bill at Ridetek has been very easy to deal with and I recommend him, this company and their product highly.
Deb Colburn, co-owner of Prudential Select Properties, has made a donation that will help out with travel expenses and day to day stuff like food and gas. Thank you Deb! I have known Deb from the real estate business for about 18 years, 10 of which I have worked at her office. If you or anyone you know ever needs real estate assistance call Deb and she will see to it you are taken care of. If you have ever thought about real estate as a career Deb's company and her office in particular have the best tools and training available. You can reach her at 636-720-1100. Or online at PrudentialSelectProperties.com/DebColburn.
Greg Daughtery from St Peters MO and a friend from the St Charles HOG Chapter has made a donation to help with expenses also. Thanks Greg , hope we can ride later this summer!
I'd also like to thank all of my friends, co-workers and family that have given me well wishes and support. Your encouragement has meant a lot to me and helps me be motivated to do the best I can.
Be sure to check out the Hoka Hey web site. The announcement this morning is they have signed a deal with a producer of several TV shows and documentary films to interview and follow us during the challenge. they have options apparently for films and reality TV shows etc.
Thanks to all, Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
Team Svoboda has made a generous donation that is greatly appreciated and has a special place in my heart. You see team Svoboda is my baby sisters family and they are almost as excited about the challenge as I am.
Hoka Hey little sister!
Ridetek industries has donated a set of "LidHaulers" and "LidSaks". This product is unique and is of the best quality. The LidHauler fits on the top of a standard Harley Davidson hard saddlebag and has a pair of straps sewn into it. These straps enable you to hold the LidSak, which is pretty much a small duffel bag, to the top of the bag. They are designed to hold soft items like rain suits, jackets, clothing and sleeping bags. If you have ever traveled any length of time on a bike you will love these things. Go to Ridetek.com and check them out. Bill at Ridetek has been very easy to deal with and I recommend him, this company and their product highly.
Deb Colburn, co-owner of Prudential Select Properties, has made a donation that will help out with travel expenses and day to day stuff like food and gas. Thank you Deb! I have known Deb from the real estate business for about 18 years, 10 of which I have worked at her office. If you or anyone you know ever needs real estate assistance call Deb and she will see to it you are taken care of. If you have ever thought about real estate as a career Deb's company and her office in particular have the best tools and training available. You can reach her at 636-720-1100. Or online at PrudentialSelectProperties.com/DebColburn.
Greg Daughtery from St Peters MO and a friend from the St Charles HOG Chapter has made a donation to help with expenses also. Thanks Greg , hope we can ride later this summer!
I'd also like to thank all of my friends, co-workers and family that have given me well wishes and support. Your encouragement has meant a lot to me and helps me be motivated to do the best I can.
Be sure to check out the Hoka Hey web site. The announcement this morning is they have signed a deal with a producer of several TV shows and documentary films to interview and follow us during the challenge. they have options apparently for films and reality TV shows etc.
Thanks to all, Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Rules of the Road & Your Mind
Well as one of my fellow riders put it earlier: at 5:00 AM there are 476 hours to take off in Mesa. By the chatter on our Yahoo group email chain that is getting busier and busier as time grows closer, all of the fellow challengers or "warriors" as we and the organizers refer to each other are getting very excited. This is going to be an amazing event both in the challenge and in my life. The brotherhood and camaraderie that is starting to develop among those that are taking part in the yahoo group on facebook and phone calls is second to none and we haven't even met face to face yet. More on this in a minute.
I have this same type of camaraderie in the local HOG (Harley Owners Group) chapter of which I am a member. I have to admit that I read an article by a friend, Roger Akester, that will be in our next monthly newsletter that sparked my thoughts on this subject and I thought I would try to express this feeling that we share. When a group of members or friends get together and goes for a ride this brotherhood or bond grows between the riders that are there. The longer the ride, like a vacation for 10 days, the stronger the bond as the trip goes on. You know you have someone with you that has your back. If there are bike troubles someone is there to make sure you get taken care of. This security this provides is a main reason the bond is as strong as it is. The peace of mind is one of the reasons it is so much fun to take these trips.
This same relationship exists among riders on the road. If you are riding by yourself and happen to stop on the side of the road just about every person on a bike will slow down to see if you are okay or if you need help. If you are a true rider or biker and you are in your car you will stop to help a stranded biker. If you don't..... you just don't get "it". Now, more on above... This is where a true check of your fortitude your ingrained behavior is tested. Imagine riding in the Hoka Hey, up to 1,000 riders, 18 days on the road, no hotels, no GPS units, none of the comforts you would have on any other ride,only the other warriors. The only people you know are those you had a day or two to get to know before the start of the challenge. Do you ride in a group? Do you want to place in the money? Do you take advantage of others weakness to get ahead? Do you erase what years and years of riding has branded in to your soul and mind as to what bikers do to help each other? Do you stop for another rider that has trouble? Are you in this to make friends or do the very best you can? Remember you have already started to make friendships and form a bond online and through a few phone calls with others. What would you do?
Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
I have this same type of camaraderie in the local HOG (Harley Owners Group) chapter of which I am a member. I have to admit that I read an article by a friend, Roger Akester, that will be in our next monthly newsletter that sparked my thoughts on this subject and I thought I would try to express this feeling that we share. When a group of members or friends get together and goes for a ride this brotherhood or bond grows between the riders that are there. The longer the ride, like a vacation for 10 days, the stronger the bond as the trip goes on. You know you have someone with you that has your back. If there are bike troubles someone is there to make sure you get taken care of. This security this provides is a main reason the bond is as strong as it is. The peace of mind is one of the reasons it is so much fun to take these trips.
This same relationship exists among riders on the road. If you are riding by yourself and happen to stop on the side of the road just about every person on a bike will slow down to see if you are okay or if you need help. If you are a true rider or biker and you are in your car you will stop to help a stranded biker. If you don't..... you just don't get "it". Now, more on above... This is where a true check of your fortitude your ingrained behavior is tested. Imagine riding in the Hoka Hey, up to 1,000 riders, 18 days on the road, no hotels, no GPS units, none of the comforts you would have on any other ride,only the other warriors. The only people you know are those you had a day or two to get to know before the start of the challenge. Do you ride in a group? Do you want to place in the money? Do you take advantage of others weakness to get ahead? Do you erase what years and years of riding has branded in to your soul and mind as to what bikers do to help each other? Do you stop for another rider that has trouble? Are you in this to make friends or do the very best you can? Remember you have already started to make friendships and form a bond online and through a few phone calls with others. What would you do?
Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
5 Weeks To Go
This last few weeks have been busy just checking and double checking all the details. Time spent cleaning the bike in preparation for the actual work in the shop to be done next week. Adding bag guards and drink holders so I can carry extra water. Changing mufflers again to accommodate better gas mileage. Checking out helmets to find the one that is most comfortable, wind proof and glare resistant. Which socks fit best in my boots, and are my boots waterproofed enough or should I do one more treatment? Do I need that mesh jacket we just got in the store or is what I have good enough? Will I get the same mileage out of the tires I'm having put on as I did from my current pair? Should I have someone meet me in Kansas City with new tires and clean clothes? How much stuff should I carry? Do I need this...Do I need that....on and on and on..... I am about to drive myself crazy. I AM READY TO RIDE!!
I have also been fortunate enough to pick up a couple more sponsors in addition to St Charles Harley-Davidson. Greg Daugherty of the St Charles HOG Chapter and a personal friend has made a donation that will afford me several tanks of fuel which is greatly appreciated. Deb Colburn of Prudential Select Properties, also a friend has pledged a donation as well. I'm grateful for any help I receive and am still looking for more sponsors and or donations. If anyone you know is interested please have them contact me. If I have money left from the trip I will donate that and a portion of any winnings I may be lucky enough to win to charity.
Till next time, Happy Trails!
I have also been fortunate enough to pick up a couple more sponsors in addition to St Charles Harley-Davidson. Greg Daugherty of the St Charles HOG Chapter and a personal friend has made a donation that will afford me several tanks of fuel which is greatly appreciated. Deb Colburn of Prudential Select Properties, also a friend has pledged a donation as well. I'm grateful for any help I receive and am still looking for more sponsors and or donations. If anyone you know is interested please have them contact me. If I have money left from the trip I will donate that and a portion of any winnings I may be lucky enough to win to charity.
Till next time, Happy Trails!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
7 Weeks And Counting Till Take Off
It's been a busy few weeks since my last post so let's get right to it: First and foremost I need to thank Brad Holzhauer, owner of St Charles Harley-Davidson. He has agreed to be a sponsor of me for the Hoka Hey Challenge. St Charles Harley-Davidson will get my bike, (Little Brother), ready for the run, including complete service and new tires, installation of the required tracking device along with a donation for expenses and more. Thank You very much Brad! A special thanks to the service department and Tom Plager for making sure I'm ready to roll. Thank you to all my co-workers and friends at the dealership for your support and encouragement also.
If there is anyone out there or you know a company or an organization that would like to have their name on my bike for the challenge and the possible opportunity to be seen on the Discovery Channel and other exposure both locally and nationally let me know. All and any donations and help would be appreciated. Thank you!
The bike has just been dyno tuned and set up for optimal gas mileage. Actually de-tuned I guess you could say but I'm happy with the way it runs and may just leave it as is after I get back. Next will be the installation of the tracking device, bag guards, cup holders and various other items to make the strapping down of gear easier and safer. Service and tires will be closer to leaving time.
I've been putting my lists together of things I need to do and get. I've taken inventory of and checked condition of my tool pouch and tire repair kit. The CO2 cartridges used to fill a tire just don't look as reliable as I'd like so I will be hunting down an appropriate sized 12 volt air pump. I've gone through my survival gear and have my first aid kit stocked and ready with plenty of sun screen, chap stick, eye drops, insect & snake bite goodies as well as all the bandages, splints, creams, scissors, tweezers, smelling salts & cleaning solutions one can cram into a 4" X 6" canvas bag. The survival gear includes the obvious such as sleeping gear and bedroll, tent, tarp, canteens, bandannas, waterproof matches and fire starters as well. Other obvious items include extra gloves, glasses, bungee cords, compass, flashlights, batteries, cell phone charger, tire gauges, oil, cleaners, rags, personal items and my Boy Scout Handbook (lol) . I'm not quite sure where I will put it all or if I'll need it all but that's me.
Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
If there is anyone out there or you know a company or an organization that would like to have their name on my bike for the challenge and the possible opportunity to be seen on the Discovery Channel and other exposure both locally and nationally let me know. All and any donations and help would be appreciated. Thank you!
The bike has just been dyno tuned and set up for optimal gas mileage. Actually de-tuned I guess you could say but I'm happy with the way it runs and may just leave it as is after I get back. Next will be the installation of the tracking device, bag guards, cup holders and various other items to make the strapping down of gear easier and safer. Service and tires will be closer to leaving time.
I've been putting my lists together of things I need to do and get. I've taken inventory of and checked condition of my tool pouch and tire repair kit. The CO2 cartridges used to fill a tire just don't look as reliable as I'd like so I will be hunting down an appropriate sized 12 volt air pump. I've gone through my survival gear and have my first aid kit stocked and ready with plenty of sun screen, chap stick, eye drops, insect & snake bite goodies as well as all the bandages, splints, creams, scissors, tweezers, smelling salts & cleaning solutions one can cram into a 4" X 6" canvas bag. The survival gear includes the obvious such as sleeping gear and bedroll, tent, tarp, canteens, bandannas, waterproof matches and fire starters as well. Other obvious items include extra gloves, glasses, bungee cords, compass, flashlights, batteries, cell phone charger, tire gauges, oil, cleaners, rags, personal items and my Boy Scout Handbook (lol) . I'm not quite sure where I will put it all or if I'll need it all but that's me.
Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
Friday, May 27, 2011
What is the Hoka Hey Challenge
For those that haven't had the opportunity to find out exactly what the Hoka Hey is I can offer this condensed overview.
The ride or Challenge starts in Mesa AZ on August 5th 2011. The route consists almost exclusively of two lane back roads in America and Canada and carries us through many of this nations most beautiful and remote areas. Areas that include Route 66, Boulder Dam, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, El Capitan, Frisco & the Golden Gate Bridge, Redwood Forests, Bear Tooth Pass,Yellowstone, Teton Mts, Indian Reservations, Sturgis, Black Hills, Durango, Wolf Creek Pass, Continental Divde (5 times), Hwy 50, Great River Rd, Mackinaw Bridge, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Tail of the Dragon, Smokey Mt Nat. Park, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Bourbon Street, Pensacola FL, Kitty Hawk NC, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Laconia NH and Maine & Nova Scotia coastal riding ending in Glace Bay Nova Scotia on August 21st. We will ride and see more places in one trip than a lot of people ever get to do.
Rules include no sleeping indoors, camping or passing out in the open air only. There are 15 check points we must stop at and will only know the exact route from one check point to the next. No GPS units or phone mapping systems allowed. We must install a tracking devise on our bikes so the organizers can follow us at anytime on their computer system. Mileage checks and gas recepit verifications will be done. Any speeding tickets will get you disqualified. There are numerous other rules also available on the Hoka Hey Web Site.
There is over $500,000 in prize money up for grabs to the top 25 qualified finishers. First place gets a cool 250K and possibly their choice of a brand new Harley Davidson CVO motorcycle.
I have had many people ask me, Why? The only answer I can give is for the same reasons that people climb mountains or run marathons. Why do people swim the English Channel or become stunt performers? It gets down to the bare essence I ride for to begin with. It gets in your blood ...no... it gets in your system and becomes your blood. It's so deep inside of you it becomes a spiritual journey or conquest if you will. It is way more than a "Bucket List" item as has been suggested to me. I do believe this journey is an opportunity of self discovery and a test of mental and physical fortitude. I welcome that with open arms.
Till next time...... Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
The ride or Challenge starts in Mesa AZ on August 5th 2011. The route consists almost exclusively of two lane back roads in America and Canada and carries us through many of this nations most beautiful and remote areas. Areas that include Route 66, Boulder Dam, Las Vegas, Death Valley, Yosemite National Park, El Capitan, Frisco & the Golden Gate Bridge, Redwood Forests, Bear Tooth Pass,Yellowstone, Teton Mts, Indian Reservations, Sturgis, Black Hills, Durango, Wolf Creek Pass, Continental Divde (5 times), Hwy 50, Great River Rd, Mackinaw Bridge, Blue Ridge Pkwy, Tail of the Dragon, Smokey Mt Nat. Park, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Bourbon Street, Pensacola FL, Kitty Hawk NC, Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Laconia NH and Maine & Nova Scotia coastal riding ending in Glace Bay Nova Scotia on August 21st. We will ride and see more places in one trip than a lot of people ever get to do.
Rules include no sleeping indoors, camping or passing out in the open air only. There are 15 check points we must stop at and will only know the exact route from one check point to the next. No GPS units or phone mapping systems allowed. We must install a tracking devise on our bikes so the organizers can follow us at anytime on their computer system. Mileage checks and gas recepit verifications will be done. Any speeding tickets will get you disqualified. There are numerous other rules also available on the Hoka Hey Web Site.
There is over $500,000 in prize money up for grabs to the top 25 qualified finishers. First place gets a cool 250K and possibly their choice of a brand new Harley Davidson CVO motorcycle.
I have had many people ask me, Why? The only answer I can give is for the same reasons that people climb mountains or run marathons. Why do people swim the English Channel or become stunt performers? It gets down to the bare essence I ride for to begin with. It gets in your blood ...no... it gets in your system and becomes your blood. It's so deep inside of you it becomes a spiritual journey or conquest if you will. It is way more than a "Bucket List" item as has been suggested to me. I do believe this journey is an opportunity of self discovery and a test of mental and physical fortitude. I welcome that with open arms.
Till next time...... Happy Trails & Hoka Hey!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Getting Started
Hello and welcome to my blog. I originally set it up at least two weeks before I decided what to write about. I'm not saying I know for sure now either but here we go. Where do I start....... the title of this blog comes from two things. Those that have known me for a while or have had email contact with me probably know I normally sign off with "Happy Trails". This comes from my life as a youngster and the ever present feeling that I should have lived during the Old West days and is taken directly from the song by Roy Rogers. I have strong beliefs in character, being a person of your word, living the Golden Rule and controlling your own destiny.
That brings me to the "Hoka Hey" part of the title. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is an event this August that I am participating in. The defininition of Hoka Hey is an elusive one. Chief Red Cloud describes it almost as a battle cry. When the warriors are gathering gattle or the troops are getting ready to move and the command comes out "Charge" or "Let's go", that type of thing. It has been said it also means and is part of the Hoka Hey logo "It's a good day to ride". Others are of the opinion that was watered down to keep from shocking the advertisers, sponsors and general public and that the cry the warriors actually shouted out was more along the lines of "It's a good day to die".
I'll let that be the first edition for the blog. I intend to chronicle my journey here on this page and invite anyone that has an interest to follow along. I'll get in to the preperation and transformations I'm going through to get ready in the next post. For now "Happy Trails & Hoka Hey"
That brings me to the "Hoka Hey" part of the title. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is an event this August that I am participating in. The defininition of Hoka Hey is an elusive one. Chief Red Cloud describes it almost as a battle cry. When the warriors are gathering gattle or the troops are getting ready to move and the command comes out "Charge" or "Let's go", that type of thing. It has been said it also means and is part of the Hoka Hey logo "It's a good day to ride". Others are of the opinion that was watered down to keep from shocking the advertisers, sponsors and general public and that the cry the warriors actually shouted out was more along the lines of "It's a good day to die".
I'll let that be the first edition for the blog. I intend to chronicle my journey here on this page and invite anyone that has an interest to follow along. I'll get in to the preperation and transformations I'm going through to get ready in the next post. For now "Happy Trails & Hoka Hey"
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