It's just three days (August 5) now until this year's Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge heads out from Phoenix on a 48-state tour that will eventually conclude in Nova Scotia. The event appears better organized this year, with Harley-Davidson signing on as official sponsor, but that hasn't stopped others from opposing the event.
In a petition posted for signatures on www.change.org, Felicity George said, "Last year, at least 4 fatalities and 16 serious accidents were due to the poorly organized Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Since the organizers refused to avail the public with a roster of participating racers the total number of those injured and killed could be larger. There was no medical support, route maps were wrong, and many check points were unmanned. The race is billed as an 'Endurance Test' because racing is illegal on public roads."
One of last year's opponents, Jeri O'Barr chimed in on the petition page saying, "Prize at the end of the road spells RACE....any way you look at it. Illegal in every state. Please shut this event down!"
There are currently 11 signatures on the petition.
A shut-down of the event does not appear likely at this point, however. In addition to sponsorship from Harley, the Hoka Hey organizers have announced have signed with David Roma, a producer of documentary films, to do a full-length piece on this year's Hoka Hey. A television mini-series is also reportedly in the works. A documentary had been announced as part of the deal last year as well, but that never happened. Nor did any of the charities who were to have received funds ever get any money, due to the fact, the organizers said, that the Hoka Hey ended up losing money.
While last year's event--which was at that time supposed to be a one-time-only event--offered a prize only for the winner, this year's Hoka Hey will divide prize money among more participants. As was the case last year, the event is limited to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, although this time the restriction to air-cooled engines is not in force.
Registration for this year's Hoka Hey is still open through Aug. 4. The registration fee is $1,000.
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