Meet The New Rider # 1143 Brad Luepnitz

 

My name is Brad Luepnitz, rider #1143. Some call me “LOGIC”. I grew up in
northern Michigan where I enjoyed skiing and snowmobiling during the cold
winters. I went to college and earned an engineering degree from Michigan Tech.
From there I moved on to the University of Wisconsin at Madison where I
completed my master’s. Upon graduation in 1987, I joined a global consulting
firm in Milwaukee. During my 30-year career with that firm, I served hundreds of
clients, worked in over 30 states, and visited more than 20 countries.
Along the way some important things happened. In 1995 I bought my first
motorcycle, a new Harley-Davidson Sportster 1200. I had never ridden a
motorcycle, and I didn’t know anyone that owned one. To this day I can’t explain
why I did that. I learned to ride, and in 1996 I bought a new Road King. I was
hooked, and motorcycling became my thing. In 1998 I moved to Miami for work.
Although I had been raised in a Christian home, it wasn’t until 2003 that I
committed my life to Christ. I married my wife, Fay, in 2004. In 2016 I retired and
moved to Punta Gorda, FL. I joined the boards of a couple of non-profits that I
support. Fay and I enjoy spending time with friends and family, volunteering,
traveling, staying fit, golfing, dining, boating, and riding motorcycles.      

 I first learned of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge while visiting Key West prior to the inaugural event.  

                                        

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            At that time, I was too busy with work to participate. I didn’t think about it again
until it came up in conversation during a motorcycle trip to Alaska in 2022. I
researched the Challenge and determined this was something I needed to do. At
60 years old, I need to know if I have what it takes to complete “The Toughest Ride
for the Toughest Riders on Earth”. I have met many participants; this is a great
community; I want to be part of it.
I have chosen to support my local church, Deep Creek Community Church (DC3),
where I attend and serve. The DC3 mission is to turn unchurched and unplugged
people into totally devoted followers of Christ. I can think of no more important
mission. I believe, “If it doesn’t matter in eternity, it doesn’t matter”. This helps
me put the trials of this life into perspective. It also reminds me of the awesome
responsibility we, as Christ followers, have to spread the gospel to the world. To
learn more or to contribute visit the DC3 site at: Deep Creek Community Church

Meet The New Rider #1212 Greg Miller

 

My name is Greg Miller #1212, I was born in Calgary Alberta but moved to rural Saskatchewan at a young age. My family and I lived in Melfort, MooseJaw and finally ended up on a farm in the small village of Bjorkdale Saskatchewan.  My brother and I helped our father on the family farm, which included seeding, swathing, combining and so on. In our down time I always found something to do, whether it was hunting, fishing, or ripping around on quads and motorbikes. I was forever busy getting dirty and having a blast doing so. I got into motorcycles at the ripe age of 7, ever since then I was hooked on riding on 2 wheels as long as my gas tank had fuel in it. The old man always told me you break it you fix it, and I did many many times. As time went by, I got into going on longer rides all over the country and the United States. I enjoy seeing a lot of different countryside on my many travels. 

I first heard about the Hoka Hey from a longtime friend of mine Trevor Borstmayer, he was always wanting to do the challenge but hasn’t yet. Then I met another good friend that has been in the Hoka Hey a few times by the name of Jimmy Milas # 848. He told many stories about the challenge and it really peeked my interest. The fact of living with your bike 24/7, sleeping wherever on the ground and not knowing where the hell I’m going. Relying on a piece of paper to get you to your destination just sounds like a lot of fun. I’m looking forward to all the challenges and whatever expected and unexpected things that may cross my path. 

So here’s to 2024 HOKA HEY, it’s gonna be an unforgettable experience I’m ready for.

Meet The New Rider # 1149 Bryan Kern

My name is Bryan Kern, Hoka Hey Rookie #1149. I’m 51 years old and grew up in Northwest Ohio (Clyde).

I’ve been married to my wife Terra for 19 years and we have 6 kids (Braelynn, Kaylee, Mason, Jacob,
Quinnela, and Dexter). I’m have a degree in engineering; and currently lead a manufactured housing wholesale distribution company with 800 employees. I wish I could say I have been riding motorcycles all my life,but that just isn’t my story. I did get my first 3-wheeler at age 10 and enjoyed riding with my friends during my younger years, but only occasionally made it onto 2 wheels. My mom was having nothing to do with motorcycles and had that almost permanently ingrained in me.

 Skipping through 30 years of details, life was full of raising a family and participating in their activities. Finally, in 2017, with only two of the kids left at home, Terra and I decided we needed some hobbies of our own. Golf or a place by the lake with a boat were in the running, until my wife (who grew up riding motorcycles with her dad) asked about a bike. It was in that moment that I realized I was a grown ass man and could get a motorcycle now (although I still called my mom and told her what I was doing!). With the purchase of a 2017 Street Glide Special as my first bike, the addiction was on. I know that all of you reading this will understand when I say, being on a bike is where I am meant to be.

While I haven’t been riding for a long time, I have quickly learned that I love all types of riding. Riding to
work, day trips, group rides, overnights, long trips, camping trips, slow speed cone riding; it doesn’t
matter. I’ll do it all and I enjoy it all. I’m not even 100% sure how I first came across Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, but I believe it was on one of the various Facebook groups I follow. What I do know is that when I saw it, I was immediately drawn in. I read the history, I read the stories, I followed the Facebook pages, and I knew it was something I should do. With overwhelming support from Terra, I was all in for the challenge. I’m not sure I have a real answer as to why I want to do it: Is it the challenge itself (10,000 miles in 14 days…or thereabouts), is it the personal journey, or do I have something to prove to myself? Whatever the draw is, I’m going to lean into it, and I’m fully committed to crossing the finish line in Homer!

As part of my challenge, I will be raising money for the New Perspective Foundation. New Perspective is
an organization that helps individuals in Florida, Georgia, and Ohio who are hospitalized due to spinal
cord injuries. A chance meeting and a random boat ride placed Bob and Gloria Gentry into our lives, and
we learned their son Tyson’s story. Tyson Gentry walked onto the Ohio State Football team as a
punter/wide receiver. During a scrimmage in his sophomore year, Tyson caught a pass in the middle of
the field and landed awkwardly. He was instantly paralyzed from the neck down. During his recovery, he
never forgot the people that sent him cards, letters of encouragement, and wishes for recovery. Others
sent gas cards to help alleviate the costs of travel incurred by his family. It was these acts of kindness
that ultimately inspired Tyson to start the New Perspective Foundation in 2014. The Gentry’s are an
amazing family, and we want to support Tyson and New Perspective in their efforts. The money raised by
New Perspective is used to help other families with travel related expenses while supporting and caring
for loved ones recovering from spinal cord injuries.
To quote Yoda, “Do or Do Not, there is No Try”. I am going to “Do”!
Bryan Kern
Hoka Hey #1149

 

New Perspective Foundation 

 

New Perspective Foundation donation link 

 

Meet The New Rider # 1145 Chris Mc Cann

 Hello! My name is Christopher McCann, and I will be participating in the 2024 Hoka Hey MotorcycleChallenge. I’ve been riding for 10 years. I was drawn to riding by the freedom and

adventure that accompanies it. I wanted to start riding 20 years ago, but my wife told me that
she was pregnant with our second child. I have been working as a carpenter since 2001 and
began my own carpentry business since 2003. I’ll ride from Pittsburgh, PA to Daytona, FL;
Daytona, FL to Homer, AK; and Homer, AK back to Pittsburgh for a total of 16,387 miles. I will
complete this challenge utilizing only paper maps and no lodging.
I am excited to participate in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge next summer as rider number
1145. Throughout the journey I will learn more about myself as a rider, and I am looking
forward to the obstacles and difficulties along the way, which will build and strengthen my soul
on and off the bike. I’m also excited to make new friends and expand my rider circle.
 

Through this challenge, I will be giving to three nonprofits: Easterseals, The American Heart
Association, and St. Monica Catholic Academy. Easterseals provide for children and adults with
disabilities as well as veterans and older adults to help them live, learn, and play within their
communities. Growing up, my three brothers had special needs. I watched them struggle, and
I’m hoping to help others with disabilities.

The American Heart Association provides education and support to fight heart disease and
stroke. My mother passed away in 2015 from cardiovascular disease. My brother passed away
shortly after in 2016 from the same disease, as a complication from uncontrolled diabetes. I am
hoping that the donation to the American Heart Association will fund research for improved
treatments and preventative measures for heart disease and stroke.
St. Monica Catholic Academy is a local Catholic school in the Pittsburgh Diocese. My two
daughters, Morgan and Courtney, both attended this school, when it was called Divine Mercy
Academy. While they were students there, my wife was back in school for education and
completed her student teaching here. After teaching GED classes, and third grade in Ohio, she
found her way back to the small Catholic school that provided a phenomenal education to our
children. Morgan went on to study biochemistry and music at Bucknell University, and Courtney
is currently studying early and special education at Bloomsburg University. With the donations
from the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge I hope to help provide necessary tools to improve
education for years to come.
Please consider donating to the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge for me, rider number 1145, as I
make the journey from Daytona, Florida to Homer, Alaska in 14 days to support these three
nonprofits.
To donate to EASTERSEALS
To donate to the American Heart Association
To donate to St. Monica

                                                                            

Meet The New Rider # 1150 Mark Kromis

                                                                                                             My love for motorcycles started when my father signed himself my brother and me (16 at the

time) up for motorcycle riding class in 1971 of which we all passed. My father was considering
purchasing used HD’s motorcycles from the Army base in Huntsville AL (father worked as an
aerospace engineer for NASA). In 1973 out of high school I joined the service and got stationed
in San Diego CA in 1974 where I purchased my first motorcycle, a 1973 Yamaha 250 Enduro
where I honed my off-road skills, ridding the sand dunes outside of Mission Bay CA. In 1974 I
received orders to Iceland so I loaded up the Yamaha 250 in San Diego CA, rode it to Huntsville
AL where my parents lived so I could store the bike. Returned to the States from Iceland in 1975
traded the Yamaha 250 in for a BMW 600 in Huntsville AL, put 500 miles on it that weekend,
had it serviced the following week then rode it out to San Diego CA where I as stationed. In
1976 I received orders to Orlando FL so I packed up the BMW 600 in San Diego Ca and rode it to
Orlando FL. The next year I took 30 days leave and rode the BMW 600 from Orlando FL to San
Diego CA to visits friends. Traded the 1975 BMW 600 in for a 1976 BMW 750 after an accident
in 1976, still have and ride the 1976 BMW R75/6. During the numerous trips back and forth
across the country I camped next to the bike the majority of the time.

I bought my first HD in May 2001 a Dyna Super Glide, nice bike but quickly realized I needed
more bike with capacity to carry more for long distance trips so I traded the Dyna Glide in for a
2002 Heritage Softail Classic (still have and ride).
Numerous charity rides including Gus Singleton Christmas Charity Memorial Ride, March of
Dimes Ride to Save Babies, Ride for Kids (Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation) during 2000 - 2008
including the Trail of Tears ride during 2001, 2002 and 2003. During many of the local charity
rides my daughter joined me for the events. She loves to ride.
In 2003 I flew out to Las Vegas NV with two friends where we rented Electra Glides and spent a
week ridding/camping. I planned the entire route leaving Las Vegas to CA to US 1 from Moro
Bay up to Big Sur State Park, San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Mammoth Lake, Squaw Valley, Half
Dome, Bridalveil Falls, Sequoia National Forest then to Mt. Whitney Portal outside of Lone Pine
CA then through Death Valley back to Las Vegas NV to fly back home.
In 2011 rode the 2002 Heritage from Atlanta GA with a brother on his Electra Glide up to
Chicago IL to start our Route 66 adventure. We traveled on as much of the “Old Route 66”
(must say the road gets pretty rough at times where it has not been maintained – but that’s
part of the adventure) as possible from east to west to the beginning of Route 66 in Santa
Monica CA then we headed for the southern route of I-10 back to Atlanta GA.
In 2013 and 2014 I flew to Costa Rica to join their annual HOG rally. In 2013 we rode from San
Jose Costa Rica to Limon CR for the rally event. In 2014 we departed San Jose Costa Rica to San
Juan Del Sur Nicaragua then to Estelí Nicaragua, Granada Nicaragua then back to San Jose Costa
Rica. 

                                                                                                                                                                 In 2015 I purchased an Ultra Limited and three days later headed to Key West FL for some wind
therapy. I rented a 2015 Road King from Black Pearl HD in Belize City and rode the country
roads to Placencia Belize to spend several days on the coast prior to ridding back to Belize City
for the 2nd Annual Meet in the Middle Rally held in Belize City.
In August of 2018 left Atlanta GA on a Monday afternoon, arrived midday Thursday in Las Vegas
NV to meet up with the brothers and sisters from the Costa Rica HOG chapter. Rode with the
group for three days, visited the Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon before heading back to Atlanta
GA.
In 2019 I left Atlanta GA to meet up with the brothers and sister from the Costa Rica HOG
Chapter for Biketoberfest in Daytona Beach FL, was ask by the President of the HOG chapter (he
couldn’t make the trip that year) to lead the group down to Key West. Lead the group down to
Key West for some southern hospitality. Ride 2 Read charity ride to benefit Brookwood
Christian School, Acworth GA.
In 2020 I planned the entire ride/boarding consisting of me and brothers from MI and TX.
Brother rode from MI to Atlanta GA where we rode to Meramec State Park outside Sullivan MO
(meet up with brother from TX), then to Sioux City IA then onto Rapid City for Sturgis Rally
(Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Spearfish Canyon, Deadwood to
name a few). Departed Rapid City and headed west to Boulder CO to spend a few days ridding
in the mountains before heading east to Montgomery TX, stayed at my brother’s place
overnight before heading to Atlanta GA the following day (8/6-19/20 - 4,583 miles).
In 2021 I planned the entire ride/boarding consisting of me and brothers and sisters from MI,
TX, and Costa Rica. The three from Costa Rica and I rode to Meramec State Park Sullivan MO
(meet up with brother from MI), Council Bluff IA (meet up with brother from TX) then to Rapid
City for Sturgis Rally [Devils Tower, Custer State Park, Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Spearfish
Canyon, Deadwood to name a few], Rock Springs WI, Wendover UT to visit the Bonneville Salt
Flats, Truckee CA for a visit to Lake Tahoe, San Francisco – Golden Gate Bridge then ride down
Lombard St. to Fishermen’s Warf for some fresh seafood before heading to Big Sur for the
night. From Big Sur to Bakersfield CA for a quick trip to stand with one foot on each side of the
North American and Pacific tectonic plates (bucket list✓ ), near Gorman CA. From Bakersfield to
lower section of the Sequoia National Forest then Lone Pine CA for a visit to the Mt. Whitney
Portal then through Death Valley to Las Vegas. Yuma AZ to Sierra Vista for a trip to Tombstone
AZ, left Sierra Vista for Montgomery TX, the group spent the night at buddies’ house. Then off
to Jackson MS and back to Atlanta where the brothers and sister from Costa Rica flew back
home with a boat load of memories. The length of the trip (8/6-24/22) around the United
States was 7,594 miles with many places visited by those whom accompanied me both from the
US and Costa Rica sadly will not have been visited by a majority of the US population.
Trips for 2023 consists of 21st Annual HOG rally at the end of April in Costa Rica, Laconia Rally in
June, meet up with 10 brothers who rode up from Costa Rica in Waco TX and rode to
Milwaukee for the 120th HD Anniversary event, then Biketoberfest in October to wrap 2023.
“Hoka Hey” is a Lakpta word meaning “Let’s go!” or “Let’s do it!”, a phrase which self-
empowers through courage and confidence, while revealing to others to take their power back
in the face of those who seek to steal it. I am participating in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge because in a world full of ever-changing chaos I’ll be challenging the full combination of my physical, mental and
spiritual fortitude and knowledge to raise awareness, enrich and inspire, empower and unite
those I come in contact with, hopeful for the betterment of all people and the environment.

The charity I will be supporting is the Grand Canyon Conservancy (GCC). The GCC accepts the
responsibility of stewarding these places and pledges to honor and respect these lands, their
cultural history, and the 11 nations that are still here: The Havasupai Tribe, The Hopi Tribe, The
Hualapai Tribe, The Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians, The Las Vegas Band of Paiute Indians, The
Moapa Band of Paiute Indians, The Navajo Nation, The Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, San Juan
Southern Paiute Tribe, The Pueblo of Zuni and the Yavapai-Apache Nation.
I have visited the Grand Canyon numerous times both as a child and adult and still remember to
this day the markings on the rocks left by our native American heritage many years ago of
which many still live in and around the surrounding area. I chose this non-profit in hopes many
generation from now can still enjoy the beauty.
The GCC Mission: As the official philanthropic and collaborative partner of Grand Canyon
National Park, Grand Canyon Conservancy’s mission is to inspire generations of park
champions to cherish and support the natural and cultural wonder of Grand Canyon.
The GSS Vision: Support Grand Canyon National Park in its goal to provide enriching and
fulfilling visitor experiences and protecting the park for future generations. We will achieve this
by establishing a continuous and growing funding stream, providing enhanced educational
experiences, and engaging advocates for the park.
Breathtaking from the moment you first cast eyes on it, Grand Canyon is just that –
Grand. The natural and cultural significance of Grand Canyon makes it one of the Seven Natural
Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is a sacred place of serenity and
reflection that invites exploration and adventure, instilling both gratitude and humility. Grand
Canyon is a cultural touchstone for those who came before and those who have yet to come.
Grand Canyon Conservancy’s vision for Grand Canyon is:
• A precious natural and cultural resource that is forever safeguarded.
• Indigenous people and connected communities who are thriving.
• Memorable experiences that welcome, ground, invigorate, and inspire.
Current Priorities include: Dark Sky Preservation, Desert View Inter-tribal Heritage Site and
Trails Forever.
Link to GCC and my Charity page: Mission, Vision, Purpose
https://protect.grandcanyon.org/site/Donation2?df_id=4740&mfc_pref=T&4740.donation=form1
Sponsor:  Nick Nicholson with HELLBENDER HD has agreed to help sponsor me for the 2024 HHMC
HELLBENDER Harley Davidson
993 South Cobb Drive
Marietta, GA 30060
770-919-0000

Meet The New Rider # 1178 Ida Martinez

 

My name is Ida (Ketsy) Martinez, born October 9th,1956, born in Albuquerque NM. I live in Virginia Beach, Virginia. Married 43 years, 3 children, 8 grandchildren. 2 dogs and a cat.

I started riding bikes when I was around 9/10years old. Got my first bike at 15. Used to ride in Mountains of Colorado.

I joined the New Mexico National Guards at 19 in 1976. Was an ammunition specialist. Got tired of weekend warrior and went full Air Force in 1978. Spent 18 months in Okinawa Japan. Then state side at Langley AFB VA. Was a Air Passenger Specialist..

I started off riding mini bikes, to dirt bikes, to street bikes.. In 2006 got a Honda 750 trike and starting my riding all the time. In 2010 got Ultra Tri glide trike. I have done most of my riding in Virginia, North Carolina, Maryland and Washington DC. Activities are NASCAR, camping, watching grand kids race at local track, basketball,volleyball, soccer, baseball and football, Go Broncos

I would like to do the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge myself.. For the adventure to do something I know I can do. The accomplishment of riding to my soul. I believe in fate and this is my fate. Have something to tell my grandchildren. I know there’s most likely a few that ride more than me but I enjoy riding, always have. I also wanted to do this to share something special with my brother rider #1062 as a brother/sister team. We know our older brother Jody will be our angel riding with us.

My non profit fundraiser is the ADA, American Diabetes Association. Diabetes runs in the family. I have friends who have passed because of it.

I have been doing fundraisers for the last 20+ years for diabetes. Anywhere from Poker Runs to scavenger hunts to Tour De cure to walks.

All the funds will go to research to finding a cure for diabetes.

Meet The New Rider # 1200 Gonen Minuskin

 

About Me

I was born in Israel and emigrated with my parents at the age of 6 to New York. I remember witnessing my parents take an oath as we became US Citizens, we were so prod to be American. I grew up in New York and worked most of my adult life in New York City as a computer programmer for various investment banks. While on a vacation in Cancun I met my wife, who moved in with me just 6-months prior to 9/11. Our apartment, located in Battery Park City was a few blocks from the World Trade Center. On that horrible morning, I was at work in midtown and when I saw the news, I immediately ran back on foot to find her. By midafternoon I made it back to our apartment and was happy to find her alive and well, she did not know if I was alive or dead either. This experience and the months and years that followed influenced who I became today.

 

We have since started a family and now have a wonderful 17-year-old daughter; “Ashley” We are such proud parents. In 2019 we moved to Delray Beach, Florida where I manage the technology for a small hedge fund. I am so happy to be so close to my office that I can drop my daughter off at high school every morning. I am sad, thinking about the day that she leaves the nest and goes off to college. I cannot believe I have made it this far and have a truly blessed and wonderful life.

 

Why Do I want to Ride

Though I have been riding for over 25 years, the past 4 years I have been increasing my love for long distance and ultra-long-distance riding. I ride an average 200-300 miles each Sunday with a local riding club, and we take several trips per year to the mountains of North Carolina. I heard about the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge from a club member and got introduced to rider #1038 who explained what it was all about. I knew this was what I was searching for. To prove to myself that I have a chance, in Sept 2022 I traveled solo from Delray Beach, FL to New York and along the way earned my membership in the Iron Butt Association. That ride had two objectives, 1. to visit my cousin Avi who was fighting Brain Cancer and 2. See if I can ride that far solo. Riding the Hoka Hey also allows me to see the United States in a way that will last a lifetime and raise money for a Charity. I am so blessed to be healthy enough to participate.

 

My nonprofit is the Glioblastoma Foundation for Brain Cancer Research.  

 

 

Why Did I choose it

After a three brain surgeries my cousin Avi Noy died from Brain Cancer on April 7th 2023 . He leaves behind 3 beautiful daughters, a wife, mother, father and a brother and sister. A parent should never burry their child. This cancer came up suddenly and was brutal. There is no real viable treatment.

 

The goal is to fund new, more effective treatments for Glioblastoma.