Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge
Encyclopedia
The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is a motorcycle
endurance challenge. Entry is limited to riders of Harley-Davidson
motorcycles.
It is named after a rallying call of the Sioux Indians and is designed to test the participants’ physical, mental and emotional boundaries.
The inaugural 2010 challenge took participants along a mandatory route on back roads across the United States and Canada. The route scrossed numerous mountain ranges, 33 Indian reservation
s, 25 national forests
, eight deserts
and six national parks.
Challenge routes travel secondary roads with directions revealed at a series of specific checkpoints. The event guidelines prohibit speeding and require contenders to sleep outside throughout the entire course.
on June 20 and ended in Homer, Alaska
on July 4, 2010. Event organizers named the event after the Lakota language
battle cry of legendary Sioux warrior, Crazy Horse
, meaning "it’s a good day to die".
Approximately 600 riders participated in the event and all were required to ride Harley-Davidson
motorcycles. The exact route, which traveled primarily over secondary roads through some of the country’s greatest scenic, historic and cultural spots, was revealed to riders at a series of checkpoints.
The poor economy impacted the anticipated number of participants in the 2010 Hoka Hey. With approximately half of the anticipated registrants, organizers had to dip into their own pockets to cover event expenses, as well as the $500,000 purse. As a result, no net proceeds were available to share with eight named non-profits as originally planned. The non-profits did, however, benefit from additional exposure by being associated with the 2010 Challenge and ancillary fundraising
events undertaken by Hoka Hey challengers have contributed to still other charitable causes.
Less than twenty four hours into the event there had been three separate crashes involving Hoka Hay participants on the same stretch of highway. One man had to be airlifted to a hospital due to multiple leg fractures. Numerous riders complained that the maps they were given did not match the actual roads, that signs marking the routes were missing, and that the rules governing the race seemed to be engineered to make it impossible for anyone to claim the prize. Hoka Hey organizers acknowledge that the directions were difficult to follow and reminded riders that they have always said they "would not just give the prize money away."
Six days into the event participant Charles C. Lynn died in an accident in Wyoming, when he lost control of his bike and crashed into a drainage ditch. He was not wearing a helmet.
Eight days into the event, on June 28, riders Frank Kelly and Will Barclay crossed the finish line in Homer simultaneously with a total time of 190 hours and 20 minutes. The two men stated that they did not wish to get into a dangerous "road duel" and so they resolved to cross the line together. Race officials insisted on a battery of checks before declaring a winner, including drug testing, checking for speeding tickets during the event, and even a lie detector
test.
On July 1, one of the challengers struck and injured two bicyclist on the Parks Highway who were training to participate in several triathalons. The cyclists sustained several injuries and the challenge partcipant, Vik Livingston, sustained serious injuries including a punctured lung and was hospitalized. Livingston was observed not to have applied the brakes at all before the crash, which is consistent with accidents involving drivers that have fallen asleep. Alaska State Troopers
collected a blood sample for testing
On July 2, a formal complaint against the race organizers was filed with the Florida Attorney General
's office, against event organizer Jim Durham, also known as Jim Red Cloud, alleging that the event was fraudulent and that Red Cloud had admitted to the riders that part of the purpose for the event was to raise money for water wells and infrastructure reservations
. Red Cloud did not communicate directly with the press or the riders during most of the event.
On the thirteenth day of the event, approximately 110 riders had arrived in Homer, including several female riders and at least one husband and wife team.
On July 4, participant Kenneth J. Greene died in a crash on the Glenn Highway
, which was not part of the proscribed route of the race. Ken was apparently aware he would not win and was taking a shortcut. He was not wearing a helmet and was ejected from his bike in the crash and declared dead at the accident scene.
Despite repeated claims that a winner would be declared and the prize money awarded at the Fourth of July event in Homer, no winner was declared and no prize money was evident. Event organizers claimed that they were waiting for potential winners to take polygraph tests and that the prize would now be awarded during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
.
During Jim Red Cloud's address to the crowd at the Fourth of July celebration, it was revealed that the Hoka Hey Challenge would be run again in 2011, but would have a very different route and different organizers. At least two riders got married at the end of the event, including one rider who had special dispensation for his fiancé to ride with him the entire trip.
Despite being announced as the official winner, apparently because his front tire was slightly in front of Kelly's at the finish, Barclay agreed to honor their commitment to share the prize money, which was awarded to Barclay by Jim Durham in a ceremony at the Sturgis Motorcycle rally.
Publicists for the Hoka Hey 2010 characterized it as a success despite the various problems.
and ends in Nova Scotia
on August 21. The entry fee is $1,000 and riders must be at least 18 years of age to participate. Two days of pre-race activities and events beginning August 3 in Mesa, Arizona. The race will depart at 6:00am on August 5 and cover 10000 miles (16,093.4 km) through 48 states and Canada. There will be celebrations and sponsor recognition at each of the 15 check points. An official Hoka Hey Challenge 2011 Road Glide has been commissioned by Harley-Davidson
and will be put on display in the Harley-Davidson Museum
located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
. Additional events will take place when riders arrive in Nova Scotia.
The 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is being directed by an organizing committee composed of various professionals and event stakeholders. A documentary, featuring footage and stories from the 2010 Challenge is in development.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
endurance challenge. Entry is limited to riders of Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
motorcycles.
It is named after a rallying call of the Sioux Indians and is designed to test the participants’ physical, mental and emotional boundaries.
The inaugural 2010 challenge took participants along a mandatory route on back roads across the United States and Canada. The route scrossed numerous mountain ranges, 33 Indian reservation
Indian reservation
An American Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs...
s, 25 national forests
United States National Forest
National Forest is a classification of federal lands in the United States.National Forests are largely forest and woodland areas owned by the federal government and managed by the United States Forest Service, part of the United States Department of Agriculture. Land management of these areas...
, eight deserts
Déserts
Déserts is a piece by Edgard Varèse for brass , percussion , piano, and tape. Percussion instruments are exploited for their resonant potential, rather than used solely as accompaniment...
and six national parks.
Challenge routes travel secondary roads with directions revealed at a series of specific checkpoints. The event guidelines prohibit speeding and require contenders to sleep outside throughout the entire course.
2010 race
The 2010 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge covered over 8500 miles (13,679.4 km). It began in Key West, FloridaKey West, Florida
Key West is a city in Monroe County, Florida, United States. The city encompasses the island of Key West, the part of Stock Island north of U.S. 1 , Sigsbee Park , Fleming Key , and Sunset Key...
on June 20 and ended in Homer, Alaska
Homer, Alaska
Homer is a city located in Kenai Peninsula Borough in the U.S. state of Alaska. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population was 5,364. One of Homer's nicknames is "the cosmic hamlet by the sea"; another is "the end of the road"...
on July 4, 2010. Event organizers named the event after the Lakota language
Lakota language
Lakota is a Siouan language spoken by the Lakota people of the Sioux tribes. While generally taught and considered by speakers as a separate language, Lakota is mutually understandable with the other two languages , and is considered by most linguists one of the three major varieties of the Sioux...
battle cry of legendary Sioux warrior, Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse
Crazy Horse was a Native American war leader of the Oglala Lakota. He took up arms against the U.S...
, meaning "it’s a good day to die".
Approximately 600 riders participated in the event and all were required to ride Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
motorcycles. The exact route, which traveled primarily over secondary roads through some of the country’s greatest scenic, historic and cultural spots, was revealed to riders at a series of checkpoints.
The poor economy impacted the anticipated number of participants in the 2010 Hoka Hey. With approximately half of the anticipated registrants, organizers had to dip into their own pockets to cover event expenses, as well as the $500,000 purse. As a result, no net proceeds were available to share with eight named non-profits as originally planned. The non-profits did, however, benefit from additional exposure by being associated with the 2010 Challenge and ancillary fundraising
Fundraising
Fundraising or fund raising is the process of soliciting and gathering voluntary contributions as money or other resources, by requesting donations from individuals, businesses, charitable foundations, or governmental agencies...
events undertaken by Hoka Hey challengers have contributed to still other charitable causes.
Less than twenty four hours into the event there had been three separate crashes involving Hoka Hay participants on the same stretch of highway. One man had to be airlifted to a hospital due to multiple leg fractures. Numerous riders complained that the maps they were given did not match the actual roads, that signs marking the routes were missing, and that the rules governing the race seemed to be engineered to make it impossible for anyone to claim the prize. Hoka Hey organizers acknowledge that the directions were difficult to follow and reminded riders that they have always said they "would not just give the prize money away."
Six days into the event participant Charles C. Lynn died in an accident in Wyoming, when he lost control of his bike and crashed into a drainage ditch. He was not wearing a helmet.
Eight days into the event, on June 28, riders Frank Kelly and Will Barclay crossed the finish line in Homer simultaneously with a total time of 190 hours and 20 minutes. The two men stated that they did not wish to get into a dangerous "road duel" and so they resolved to cross the line together. Race officials insisted on a battery of checks before declaring a winner, including drug testing, checking for speeding tickets during the event, and even a lie detector
Lie Detector
"Lie Detector" is a CD single by The Reverend Horton Heat. It was released in October 1998 on Sub Pop.-Personnel:*Jim "Reverend Horton" Heath - lead vocals, guitar*Jimbo Wallace - upright bass, vocals*Scott Churilla - drums, vocals...
test.
On July 1, one of the challengers struck and injured two bicyclist on the Parks Highway who were training to participate in several triathalons. The cyclists sustained several injuries and the challenge partcipant, Vik Livingston, sustained serious injuries including a punctured lung and was hospitalized. Livingston was observed not to have applied the brakes at all before the crash, which is consistent with accidents involving drivers that have fallen asleep. Alaska State Troopers
Alaska State Troopers
The Division of Alaska State Troopers is the state police agency of Alaska. It is a division of the Alaska Department of Public Safety . The Alaska State Troopers are a full service law enforcement agency and handle both traffic and criminal law enforcement...
collected a blood sample for testing
On July 2, a formal complaint against the race organizers was filed with the Florida Attorney General
Florida Attorney General
The Florida Attorney General is an elected cabinet official in the U.S. state of Florida. The attorney general serves as the chief legal officer of the state....
's office, against event organizer Jim Durham, also known as Jim Red Cloud, alleging that the event was fraudulent and that Red Cloud had admitted to the riders that part of the purpose for the event was to raise money for water wells and infrastructure reservations
Indian reservation
An American Indian reservation is an area of land managed by a Native American tribe under the United States Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs...
. Red Cloud did not communicate directly with the press or the riders during most of the event.
On the thirteenth day of the event, approximately 110 riders had arrived in Homer, including several female riders and at least one husband and wife team.
On July 4, participant Kenneth J. Greene died in a crash on the Glenn Highway
Glenn Highway
-References:* Pasch, A. D., K. C. May. 2001. Taphonomy and paleoenvironment of hadrosaur from the Matanuska Formation in South-Central Alaska. In: Mesozioc Vertebrate Life. Ed.s Tanke, D. H., Carpenter, K., Skrepnick, M. W. Indiana University Press. Pages 219-236.-External links:**...
, which was not part of the proscribed route of the race. Ken was apparently aware he would not win and was taking a shortcut. He was not wearing a helmet and was ejected from his bike in the crash and declared dead at the accident scene.
Despite repeated claims that a winner would be declared and the prize money awarded at the Fourth of July event in Homer, no winner was declared and no prize money was evident. Event organizers claimed that they were waiting for potential winners to take polygraph tests and that the prize would now be awarded during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is an American motorcycle rally held annually in Sturgis, South Dakota, usually the first full week of August.-History:...
.
During Jim Red Cloud's address to the crowd at the Fourth of July celebration, it was revealed that the Hoka Hey Challenge would be run again in 2011, but would have a very different route and different organizers. At least two riders got married at the end of the event, including one rider who had special dispensation for his fiancé to ride with him the entire trip.
Despite being announced as the official winner, apparently because his front tire was slightly in front of Kelly's at the finish, Barclay agreed to honor their commitment to share the prize money, which was awarded to Barclay by Jim Durham in a ceremony at the Sturgis Motorcycle rally.
Publicists for the Hoka Hey 2010 characterized it as a success despite the various problems.
2011
The 2011 event begins August 5, 2011 in Mesa, ArizonaMesa, Arizona
According to the 2010 Census, the racial composition of Mesa was as follows:* White: 77.1% * Hispanic or Latino : 26.54%* Black or African American: 3.5%* Two or more races: 3.4%* Native American: 2.4%...
and ends in Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia is one of Canada's three Maritime provinces and is the most populous province in Atlantic Canada. The name of the province is Latin for "New Scotland," but "Nova Scotia" is the recognized, English-language name of the province. The provincial capital is Halifax. Nova Scotia is the...
on August 21. The entry fee is $1,000 and riders must be at least 18 years of age to participate. Two days of pre-race activities and events beginning August 3 in Mesa, Arizona. The race will depart at 6:00am on August 5 and cover 10000 miles (16,093.4 km) through 48 states and Canada. There will be celebrations and sponsor recognition at each of the 15 check points. An official Hoka Hey Challenge 2011 Road Glide has been commissioned by Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson
Harley-Davidson , often abbreviated H-D or Harley, is an American motorcycle manufacturer. Founded in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, during the first decade of the 20th century, it was one of two major American motorcycle manufacturers to survive the Great Depression...
and will be put on display in the Harley-Davidson Museum
Harley-Davidson Museum
The Harley-Davidson Museum is a North American museum near downtown, Milwaukee, Wisconsin celebrating the more than 100 year history of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The three building complex on along the Menomonee River bank contains more than 450 Harley-Davidson motorcycles and hundreds of...
located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Milwaukee is the largest city in the U.S. state of Wisconsin, the 28th most populous city in the United States and 39th most populous region in the United States. It is the county seat of Milwaukee County and is located on the southwestern shore of Lake Michigan. According to 2010 census data, the...
. Additional events will take place when riders arrive in Nova Scotia.
The 2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is being directed by an organizing committee composed of various professionals and event stakeholders. A documentary, featuring footage and stories from the 2010 Challenge is in development.