Meet The New Rider # 1277 Russ Nicholson

 

Growing up in the flatlands of Indiana one would not think that the adventure of the open sea or mountains would be my calling. My work-life offered me opportunities to live on a sailboat, explore sailing the open ocean, scuba diving, and mountaineering. However, my transportation outside of work came on two wheels for on and off-road. After riding most of my life, riding became my passion after retirement. I’ve experienced much of the Northern Hemisphere behind bars, riding in 49 states and 11 Canadian provinces with many miles of the Iron Butt style.

I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge about ten years ago, but never imagined that one day I would be honored by being accepted to join the highly accomplished, elite, long-distance riders of the Hoka Hey. I get my opportunity to start the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in Woodstock Illinois. It will again challenge man and machine to ride against Mother Nature utilizing their own abilities and limitations, similar to warriors of old. The warriors had the challenge of supporting their families while traveling by horse, their machine, to hunt and gather. We, the modern day warriors, will be following a precise trail on our path to reach the end, our nourishment. Along the way, we as those before us, will not be using modern navigational tools, but will utilize a list of turn-by-turn directions. We will also be sleeping under the stars next to our iron horse, not in a building, just like the warriors of old.

Not only are we challenged to follow the ways of old but to raise awareness of charities. The charity that I have chosen to work with is New Hope. New Hope was started after one person asked why they had to tell their story of abuse so many times, up to 12 times, reliving the trauma each time. Now, New Hope, by working with all the pertinent offices, allows the traumatized child to tell the story only once. Afterwards, New Hope helps navigate the road to recovery. The donations received will help to continue this service to the children in need. 

New Hope

 

Youtube 

My local HOG chapter out of

Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson® is assisting me in my endeavor.

Founded in 2004, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson® has proudly served East Tennessee riders for over two decades, growing into one of the region’s most recognized and community-driven Harley-Davidson destinations. With three full-service dealerships and multiple retail locations across the Smokies, we are dedicated to fueling the spirit of adventure, camaraderie, and freedom that defines the motorcycling lifestyle.

As home to the Dragon H.O.G. Chapter, we are honored to support our members as they take on epic challenges like the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge—a ride that embodies grit, endurance, and the true heart of motorcycling. Our chapter and our dealership family stand behind every mile.

Each year, Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson® hosts a full calendar of signature events and charity rides, bringing thousands of riders together for causes that matter. From large-scale rallies like Smoky Mountain Bike Week, to our themed seasonal rides, poker runs, veteran and first-responder fundraisers, and women-focused riding initiatives, our dealership is committed to making a measurable impact across East Tennessee and beyond.

Our Maryville, TN location is also home to The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint, a nationally known live-music venue and gathering place where riders, musicians, and visitors come together for concerts and camaraderie.

At Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson®, we believe in riding with purpose, building community, and supporting every journey—whether it’s across town or across the country. We look forward to continuing our legacy of service, adventure, and two-wheeled passion.

 

 

 

Facebook Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson

 

Website https://smh-d.com/

 

Smoky Mountain Bike Week https://smbikeweek.com/

Meet The New Rider# 1311 Mandee Ingvalson

 

 

 I’m Mandee ‘FROSTY’ Ingvalson, rider #1311.
I started riding in May of 2012. I caught the riding bug rather quickly and have never
looked back no matter the weather nor the distance.
My long distance riding really started October 13,2022 when I embarked on my 1st ever
1k in a day. I rode from Minnesota to Texas in a little over 16 hours and 1118.1 miles,
earning my name ‘FROSTY’. 

I have an amazing support system in my husband, Chad, who has always been my biggest cheerleader, along with my four kids and five grandkids. Without all of their support, this accomplishment would have been much more difficult.  Knowing that they will be watching at home while I embark on this ride gives me more motivation.

I would like to thank all sponsors that have been stepping up already this year and have helped me with products to make my ride more successful

I will be riding my 2024 Road Glide ‘The Heifer’ for the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.        She’s been an amazing asset in my long distance career.

 

As I watched the 2022 Hoka Hey riders start and ride throughout the United States and
then arrive at the finish line after such an enduring and challenging ride I knew this was
something I wanted to set as a goal to complete myself. I’ve always been one to go “I
want to try that” and push myself to be better and stronger and with this challenge I can
achieve those goals. This will be a huge mental and physical challenge for myself and
testing my abilities and a rider.

 

The charity I’ve chosen to ride for is Mile Monsters Inc. a non-profit I’m extremely
passionate about. I have seen first hand how we can help 7 boys living with Duchenne
Muscular Dystrophy live their best life!

 

Mile Monsters Inc. is a Non Profit 501c3 which hopes to Inspire and Motivate people to
join us. We ride to make the world a better place. Money raised goes to help children
affected by disease, injuries and circumstances out of their control. The kids we help
need a MONSTER in their corner to help fight the battle with them.
WE ARE CHARITY RIDERS WHO STRIVE TO MOTIVATE AND INSPIRE

Meet The New Rider # 1341 Bill Morris

 

Hello! My name is Bill Morris from Sanford, NC and I’m Rider #1341 in this year’s Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge.

 

     I retired from the Army in January of 2021 and bought my first motorcycle as a retirement gift to myself. Riding bikes led to wrenching on bikes, and I soon went to Central Carolina Community College to become a certified motorcycle mechanic. After that I went to the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix to pursue the Harley Davidson certification.

 

     Since I was going to be riding from North Carolina to Arizona anyway, I decided to make it a full coast-to-coast ride, beginning in Wilmington, NC and ending in California at the Santa Monica Pier. By the time I arrived I had caught the long-distance-riding bug. The experience of being out on the sparsely travelled backroads of America, where there’s nobody there but me and God, just riding through the world He created really helped me sort out some things in my life. I’ve done 3 more coast-to-coast solo rides since then, as well as another 8,500 mile solo trip that circled most of the continental US.

 

     It was at near the beginning of that trip that my wife told me about this crazy thing she had seen on Facebook called the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and said that it sounded like it would be right up my alley. As soon as I checked it out I knew I had to do it. The challenge of combining old-school (non-GPS) navigation with strict adherence to a prescribed and unknown route, roughing it by sleeping on the ground beside your bike instead of in a motel, and the goal of completing the 10,000 mile course in under 2 weeks is, like my wife said, right up my alley.

 

     I’m doing this challenge as a fundraiser for a great organization that I came across through my church called Harvest Child Care Ministries. Harvest CCM is a licensed, faith-based children’s home whose mission is to provide a safe, loving Christian home for children who have experienced abuse, abandonment, or neglect. At Harvest CCM children are taught Christian values to aid in equipping them to become responsible, productive members of society. You can learn more about this organization online at harvestccm.com. If you would like to donate, please follow the QR code below and type “HHMC Rider #1341” in the comments. Thank You!

Meet The New Rider # 1328 Mike Stephens

 

My name is Mike Stephens. My road handle will be “Big Mike” rider #1328.  I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 10 years old.  I started on a Honda Trail 70 and graduated up to a 630hp Boss Hoss V8.  I worked for the same company for 40 years (Kroger Supermarkets) and retired in 2018.  Shortly after that I was offered a job with Boss Hoss Cycles in my hometown.  I was there for 5 years and thought I was retiring again.  My love for motorcycles would not let me leave that culture.  I was offered a job at Challenger Motorcycles in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.  I have been there going on 3 years working only part-time.  I drive the Show truck to the major rallies and get to talk motorcycles everyday.  I had a Harley for many years but now I ride an Indian Pursuit.  I started logging some longer distance rides only last year.  I rode 25,000 miles from April through August.  I completed the 48 states in less than 10 days last year in July.  I joke with my Harley friends that I ride with that it took me 7 years to visit the lower 48 on my Harley but only 9 ½ days on my Indian.  

 

 

I only discovered the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in the Spring of 2024.  A friend of mine that knew I liked riding long distance and that I liked to challenge myself, told me about it.  I did some research immediately I knew this was something that I must do.  I followed the 2024 Challenge and was hooked right then.  The more that I learned about the Hoka Hey, the more interested I became.  I have ridden through several Reservations on my trips and saw first hand how badly those individuals lived.  

 

 When I found out that the money raised with entry fees went directly to help the reservations, I was even more eager to get started.  I was on my computer at midnight the night of the application process.  It took me almost 3 ½ hours of hitting refresh over and over and over to get on the site to apply.  I was so happy but then the wait started.  Would I get accepted? The day that I got my acceptance email was incredible. I met several riders at different rallies and more at the rendezvous last year.  What a great group of people.

 

My charity is the Shriners Childrens Hospital. This organization started in 1922 to help children get care that might not otherwise receive it. They provide care in a wide range of areas including orthopedic conditions, burn injuries, craniofacial conditions, spine care, spinal cord injuries and sports medicine.  There are so many charities out there to help people specially children.  One of the organizations that I belong to supports Shriner’s Children. That helped me choose them for my fundraising.

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1331 Roger Clark

 

I grew up on a horse farm in northeastern Maryland. My neighbor had a mini bike and I wanted one too so after about a month of nonstop begging, pleading and promising to do all the barn chores. Mom and Dad finally got one for me. I rode it everywhere on the farm and up and down the road when my parents weren't home. This eventually lead to bigger and faster bikes, three wheelers and then into motocross. It was a great outlet for teenage/high school frustrations. I wasn't the best rider but I had my moments. 

 

I joined the US Navy a year after high school. I knew after the first week this was a mistake, lol. A few short years later I was dealing with a lot of left over stress from the Navy and needed a healthy outlet, I found an old Honda Magna, got it running and hit the road. Shortly after I traded it for a Honda Shadow and rode that bike everywhere. One spring day in 1995 I had three near misses with two cars and a semi and parked it and never rode again. Fast forward to 2023, my brother tells me about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, he was accepted to do it in '24. So he buys his first Harley now there's a problem. He has three bikes in a one car garage. A 2006 Honda VTX 1800N shows up in my garage. He gave me the keys, good tag and insurance was up to date. He said "ride it to keep the battery charged". It sat for weeks and didnt move. One day the wife and kids were gone, I started it and I thought just a quick 10 minute ride around the block. Three hours later I'm rolling in the driveway grinning like fool. That ride woke something up in me and it showed me where the peace was hiding that my soul was longing for.
I found myself glued to my brother's tracker for the '24 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. I'd watch a few hours before work, periodically throughout the day and every evening until he finished in Homer AK. I was obsessed.
I was accepted to ride in the '26 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge and was over the moon excited.

 

 
The charity I chose to fund raise for is called "For the Love of a Veteran". 
They offer free SGB treatment for veterans and first responders who suffer from PTSD. I wanted to do more than just raise awareness but actually offer more and this charity does exactly that. Its a game changer and its giving Veterans their lives back. Help me save some Veterans one mile at a time.

To make donations: For the Love of Veterans
I'm happy to have the opportunity to participate in this spiritual journey with my brother Mike Clark (#1188) and all of my new Hoka Hey family.

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1330 Patrick James

 

I am Patrick James (#1330), and I am a retired Police Sergeant for the Ardmore, OK Police Department with 25 years of service. I have been married for the same amount of time to a wonderful wife who supports me and my crazy endeavors, and she also loves to ride. I am Native American, half Chickasaw and half Mississippi Choctaw. I am currently employed with the Chickasaw Nation Re-Entry Program for the past 8 years, assisting Chickasaw Citizens with barriers to employment. I have been riding off and on for approx. 43-44 yrs, dirt and street bikes. I am the past President of the Blue Knights MC OK VIII chapter (2015-2025). I stepped down specifically to focus and prepare on the Hoka Hey Challenge.

 

 

 I first heard about the Hoka Hey Challenge in late 2023 from rider #1026, David N. while on the Trail of Tears Memorial Ride in Tennessee. It struck me as a ride I really wanted to participate in due to its personal and challenging nature. When I returned home from Tennessee, I immediately checked, but I was too late for 2024. So, I waited patiently for registration for 2026 to open and here I am rider #1330. I am an Iron Butt Association member #82067, past Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach and have many hours of training (approx. 900hrs.).   

  

The charity I chose to fundraise for is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. My wife and I have attended an event in Texarkana, AR called the Talimena Rally Cruisin for St. Jude for the past 9 years. We started out with another member and his wife and now have gotten the club to participate in the rally, along with hosting a golf tournament in Ardmore, OK to help raise funds for St. Jude and to help sponsor the Rally. Of all the charities out there, this is literally a “Life Saving Charity” and my wife and I are proud supporters of St. Jude and the mission they are on. We have met several different survivors that utilized St. Jude and hearing their stories have inspired me to do more. With that said, St. Jude couldn’t do it without the generosity of others. Raising money, no matter how much, is a blessing to the families and it is an honor for me to give back.  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1269 Chris Nelson

 

 

First of all, huge thank you to Junie Rose, Beth Durham, and the Medicine Show LLC for letting me participate in the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge !!  Hello, I’m Chris Nelson, #1269. Friends call me Fish Bum.  A "Reel Deal Rider", equally comfortable on the bank of a river or on the saddle of my bike, and likely to spend as much on tackle and gear as I do on parts and fuel. Army Veteran, 3 great kids all grown up and on their own, 2 dogs, and married to the love of my life. It just can’t get any better. I thank God every day for all my blessings. One last thing, my kids will tell you, I have been known to let loose with a “Dad Joke” or two. Please feel free to stop me when you see me and throw your worst at me.

   

          

              My wife actually started all of this. She was the big Hoka Hey fan and has followed the Challenge and the Riders for many years. Only after she told me about it back in 2020 did it get on my radar. My first reaction was “whoa, I wanna do that”. But then, after looking more into it, and understanding the depth of the HH Mission, I realized that “whoa, I gotta do this”. This event checks all the boxes – building on honor, integrity, respect, brotherhood, and, of course, THE CHALLENGE. Being among people with similar core values, well, that’s a great way to spend time. Taking on a gruelling 10,000+ mile motorcycle ride, well, we should all be so lucky. I have two objectives in mind for this run: staying (reasonably) safe and (actually) finishing (I will even leave my fishing gear at home for this one). And second – I’m really looking forward to meeting the organizers and learning how to properly pronounce all of those words (like “KTENTOWSHKETON MNOPMATSOWEN”, I’m gonna need some help with that one).

 

              And… it just gets better. We also get to ride for a charity. I’m a long time donor, but a total newbe for organizing my own. I searched for quite a while to find an organization that was a great fit. I found the right stuff with Warriors & Quiet Waters (WQW).  They are dedicated to the support and restoration of Post-911 Combat Veterans. Any veteran and their families & friends can tell you – combat can cause far more damage to a soldier than just the physical. WQW’s mission is to “empower post-9/11 combat veterans and their loved ones to thrive and live purpose-driven lives through peak experiences in nature and evidence-based programs that foster growth, discovery, connection, and community”. They work hard to give our soldiers a renewed sense of purpose, balance, and self-worth. So, helping Veterans thrive after service, and achieving much through the use of a fly rod, these good people check nearly every box. I will need to discuss a solid motorcycling program to add to their curriculum in the near future so their program is complete. In the mean time, please check them out. 

Even better, throw in a contribution or two:Warriors and Quiet Waters