Only Harley-Davidsons are running in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge (Photo: Jason Pryor)
As a media event, the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, which started from Key West, FL, on Sunday, is a non-starter. Reports in the news media have been primarily focused on local riders competing, along with a few about the first day crashes in Florida.
Least helpful of all, for families and friends of riders who are eager for news of their favorites, is the official Hoka Hey website. While the home page says "See what's going on:" and offers links to the Hoka Hey Blog, Twitter, Yahoo! Group, Facebook, and MySpace, none of those links work. There is in fact a MySpace page, but little information there, and since the race began there have been a total of six tweets on Twitter, again offering little information.
On Facebook, seven messages totaling 372 words have been posted. Meanwhile, the race is now in its fourth full day and the riders are said to be in New Mexico, heading for the next checkpoint in Rock Springs, WY.
In response to this dearth of information, the riders' friends and families have reached out to those of other riders, primarily through the discussion board of the Hoka Hey Facebook page. Here, followers ask questions and post answers to questions about the route, offer the information they have received in occasional phone conversations with their riders, and discuss the possibility that the entire ride may be a scam. They also share links to blogs and SPOT tracking sites where particular riders' progress can be tracked.
In one case, through communication with their riders and each other, family members have found that their riders have met each other and are riding together. Here is the exchange.
Cathie Pollock--Good luck to all those riding!!! I talked to my brother today and he knew it wasn't going to be easy. I'm so proud of him. I believe that all the riders that make the trip are winners. Go Chuck Go
Jeri Collier O'Barr--You got that right Cathie...My husband is riding w/ a guy named Chuck...I wonder if he is the same?
Cathie Pollock--Jeri, it's posible, He said he was riding with someone out of Orlando, close to where he lives. He's almost at Boise City now
Jeri Collier O'Barr--Cathie, My husband is almost in Boise City too. Is Chuck from Sorrento? I think that is what Ricky said.
Traci Lynn--Chuck is from Sorrento!
Cathie Pollock--Yes, That is my little brother. How crazy is this?
Traci Lynn--Aunt Cathie what's the chance of that.....
Cathie Pollock--I know Traci. You never know what is going to happen next. So full of surprises
Traci Lynn--I am just glad to hear he is riding with someone and not alone... These guys are tough to be still riding so hard. I am telling you my butt hurts thinking about it lol
Jeri Collier O'Barr--Hey ladies, let me say that my husband has spoken very highly of your Chuck. My Ricky is an honorable man and will ride with him and help him any way he can! I am so thankful! Blessings.
Cathie Pollock--Thank you so much. Your Ricky must be some guy too!!!! I'm trying to get hold of my sister-in-law and tell her. I feel so much better to know he is with someone.
Background: The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is running from Key West, FL, to Homer, AK. The winner is to be receive $500,000 in Alaskan gold, while the remainder coming from the $1,000 entry fees is to be disbursed to a variety of veterans charities, as well as cover expenses and provide the organizers compensation for their efforts. Arrival in Homer is planned for July 4.
Related articles:
Hoka Hey Challenge launches from Key West, headed for Homer, Alaska
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Quick update on Hoka Hey; first day crashes
Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge generates controversy, skepticism
Friends and families connect in search for info about Hoka Hey riders
First Hoka Hey riders reach Homer; first to arrive not necessarily winner
Hoka Hey organizers call event successful, planning party
For most riders, Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge was about the ride
No winner named for Hoka Hey on July 4
Redcloud says Hoka Hey winner will be named Aug. 11 in Sturgis
No Hoka Hey award ceremony to be held at Black Hills Harley-Davidson
FBI will have no involvement in determining Hoka Hey winner
Ogalala Sioux disavow connection with Hoka Hey
Hoka Hey award to winner key to potential fraud investigation -- FBI
William Barclay declared winner of Hoka Hey, to receive cash via wire
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Comments
The riders have really put a lot into this ride. It would be a shame if the organizers are just taking advantage of them.
Wonder what Biker Attorney Lester's comment would be if this is a scam?
Chuck was in a fatal accident 06/26/10 between Casper Wyoming and Douglas. Keep his family in your prayers.
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