Hoka Hey Hot Wash

The wrap-up seminar poster

"Whether you want to learn more about the crazy 15,000 mile, 48 state, 2 country Harley adventure that was Hoka Hey from a rider who did it or just pick up some good road trip tips check out our latest Patriot University seminar!  If you are an experienced H-D road tripper or someone who is considering an epic trip, this will be a great seminar to attend!"

The call went out recently to all interested Patriot H-D newsletter subscribers announcing a "hot wash" seminar about the Hoka Hey long distance ride. The poster attracted the curious, like me, as well as several other more experienced long distance riders who are eager to compete next year. The seminar featured lessons-learned from Patriot's sponsored rider, Keith DeNinno. Linden Able, G-M at Patriot, set out a great display of gear, tools, and equipment for long rides. In the crowd was Laura, one of the two additional riders from the Fairfax  HOG chapter. I found out I was not the only person who watched Keith, Laura, and Amy via Fleet Tracker as they wended their way over the 15,000 mile course. Maria had done me one better, keeping a detailed journal of Keith's progress.

Some comments and lessons learned, as shared by Keith and Laura

There were 173 registered riders. Not all intended to ride the entire course but paid the $1000 entry fee for the privilege of riding a part of the trail. Not all had enough time to finish. Many planned for a 10,000 mile, 16-day ride as advertised and simply ran out of vacation time before they could finish. Some experienced mechanical problems and there were some crashes.

In all, 75 made it across the finish line. Keith was 43rd. Only eleven made it within the allotted time. So far, no prize money has been awarded. The organizers claim that all eleven had exceeded the speed limit at one point, but this is under dispute.

Keith's mantra: "Ride for tomorrow." Can't do it all in one day!

The first person to cross the finish line (the as yet undeclared winner, Will Barclay) burned through 4 sets of tires. He never bought any food but packed all he would need: 30K calories of protein bars. He changed oil 4 times. He slept about 2 hours a day.

Prepare for extremes in weather. It was 38 degrees on Bear Tooth Pass. In August.  It was over 120 in Death Valley. Hurricane Irene soaked some riders.

Stay in shape

Eat protein and complex carbs. Avoid simple sugars and caffeine.

Laura got some great pics without stopping too often. She used a digital camera which she kept on a lanyard and operated with her left hand. No messing with focus or zoom and there were some really great pics.

Lots of complaints about the route instructions. Keith showed us the collection of directions and I do not know if I could follow them when I was wide awake, let alone wet, tired, and hungry at midnight on day 19.

There was a helicopter following the riders with a camera. and lots of ground camera crews. Watch for Hoka Hey, the movie!

Rumor has it that Hoka Hey 2012 will be about 7,000 miles in the Mid-West.

Tips and Tricks

• Full-face helmet with bluetooth to phone, radio, and Internet
• Tank bag with map case
• Flashlight on a lanyard to read maps in the dark
• Painter's tape under the tank bag to protect the gas tank
• Camera on a lanyard or a helmet cam. 
• Wet weather gear doubles as an extra layer in the cold
• Motorcycle cover makes a good tent
• Carry emergency tire repair kit and two means of inflation
• Check tire pressure at every stop

Keith with his well-worn Hoka Hey shirt

This summer--before, during, and after the big ride--I posted a lot about Hoka Hey 2011. I am not sure how many of my readers are contemplating a long distance ride but, rider or not, something about this particular journey captures one's imagination. What a great adventure! In addition to the two-wheeled travel and camaraderie with other bikers on an epic journey, I like the connection to native American issues, the challenge of pushing riders and bikes to the limit, and the promotion of the Warrior spirit. I have not yet done my first long ride but this speaks to me and I cannot stop dreaming about it. 

Hoka Hey! 

This is November 1, 2011, the first day of NaBloPoMo 2011. So far, so good. One day down and only 29 days to go.