Robert Peterson (Photo: Robert Peterson)
The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge started out from Key West, FL, early this morning, headed for Homer, AK, but for Robert Peterson it began long before now.
While in Daytona Beach earlier this year for Daytona Bike Week, he learned about the Hoka Hey and "It piqued my curiosity." Facing discouraging responses from people he mentioned it to (too old, too this, too that), Bob decided to ignore it all and enter.
He left for Florida on June 12, with plans to arrive there June 15.
"I want to be early to get into the spirit of the race and get to know the people."
His bike for the race is his 2006 Harley-Davidson Fat Boy. The race is limited to Harley-Davidsons and also to air-cooled V-twins, which leaves out the Harley V-Rod.
Bob has a support team accompanying him in a motor home, and he is among the racers who have no expectation of winning the $500,000 in Alaskan gold that one person will take home. For him the race is two challenges: to win the race (not likely), and to do the route safely.
"If I can do it in the time allotted I'll be happy."
This is an endurance race, not a speed race, and each bike is equipped with a transponder that will alert the organizers if the rider is running too fast or straying from the designated course.
And while information of this sort is not available, at least so far, Bob believes he is the only Canadian in the race. As far as Bob is concerned that makes him a winner already.
The finale of the race is to be July 4. We'll be checking in with Bob and his support team periodically over the next two weeks, and hope to meet up with him when the ride comes through Colorado. Stay tuned.
Update: OK, well, this never happened. Although I had arranged with Bob to contact his support team on a phone number he gave me, no one ever answered that phone or replied to the messages I left. Nor has Bob replied to any emails I've sent him since the race ended. I do know he reached Homer, however, because he was interviewed there by Adriana Rosas of Lake Weir Living. He said he had a great time and would do it again in a heartbeat.
Related articles:
Hoka Hey Challenge launches from Key West, headed for Homer, Alaska
Quebec City's Robert Peterson sole(?) Canadian in Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge
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
Hoka Hey award ceremony held at Broken Spoke at Sturgis rally
Comments
Not the only Canadian. Mike Rodger, British Columbia, is riding alone, but not without the support of his friends. Go Mike Go.
Just wondering - how old it too old?
Yea, I'm with Patty - One time when we were going from Austin, TX to British Columbia, we has a man in his 60's, crippled from Polio when he was a baby, ride his Harley all the way there & back. He had a side hack that he installed an extra gas tank from a Ford Pinto. He out rode all of us.
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE THEY ARE TODAY? LOOKING FOR GLEN BLACKWAY FROM HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIF.
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