HOKA HEY MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE

WINTER 2025 NEWSLETTER

THE SEVEN GRANDFATHER TEACHINGS

Because each Challenge begins and ends in a different location, the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge attempts to honor, recognize and support the Indigenous people from whatever area the Event is based in that year. We learn what we can about the People and their history with the land and use the theme of our Events to share that understanding with our riders.

In Illinois, where the 2026 Challenge will begin, there is but one First Nation that still holds land there. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation lost their lands when the U.S. Government illegally auctioned of the last 1,280 acres of land that was guaranteed to them by the Treaty of Chicago. Because that land hasn’t yet legally been returned to them, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation has spent nearly $10 million over the course of 15 years to repurchase a mere 130 acres that fall on the original Reservation land. This land has since been placed into trust, affirming the Nation’s sovereignty.

For this reason, the Hoka Hey Challenge organization has reached out to the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in hopes of working with them through the 2026 Event.

In preparation for my upcoming meeting with their Tribal Council, I've attempted to learn as much as I can about the people, their culture and their history. A quick internet search and I discovered that the Potawatomi teach their children about the "Seven Grandfather Teachings" of wisdom, respect, love, honesty, humility, bravery, and truth toward each other and all creation. Each principle teaches the equality and importance of their fellow tribesmen and respect for all of nature's creations. Similar to the Lakota principle of WOLAKOTA, the Seven Grandfather Teachings help share the same concepts of abiding by a moral respect for all living things.

We look forward to learning more and sharing insights and understandings with our Challenge participants as we work toward the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge!

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 CHALLENGE

BEING ACCEPTED ON FEBRUARY 1st!!

Beginning & ending in Woodstock, IL from Woodstock Harley-Davidson the 2026 Challenge route will be a ride you won't soon forget!

We will be working with Woodstock Harley-Davidson to make sure this Event is an unparalleled success. Owned and operated by riders for riders, their staff lives and breathes the lifestyle with passion. The core pledge to their valued customers always begins Choice, Convenience and Value. Woodstock Harley-Davidson is engaged in their community and strives to connect one-on-one to meet and exceed expectations.

On February 1st, 2025 we will begin accepting applications for the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Not only will this next Challenge be a daunting ride that will test navigation skills, fortitude, temperament, attitude, determination and the Challengers’ technical riding ability - but - the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge will offer participants the opportunity to examine their lives for wisdom, respect, love, honesty, humility, bravery, and truth.

Things to keep in mind:

• We will only accept 100 new applicants so don’t delay!! (Returning riders can apply at any time.)
• Entry is $1,000 per motorcycle with a single rider. New riders must make payment in full by going to our online payment center to be considered.
• New riders will be required to lease their tracking equipment from us for a $50 fee, payable when you are accepted into the Event.
• The online application will be going live at 12:00 midnight on 2/1/2025. Follow the APPLY link on our HOME page (www.hokaheychallenge.com) to apply. Hard copy applications available upon request.
• Beginning at Woodstock Harley-Davidson on August 2nd, 2026, this next Challenge will traverse the America in a way we've never done before!
• Riders will need to arrive on Friday July 31, 2026 for on-sight registration and bike inspection.
• It is incumbent upon you to ensure you have the skills and are physically and medically capable to participate in this grueling Event before submitting your application package.
• All potential riders must read and acknowledge the Terms & Conditions of this Event when submitting their application.

2025 Reunion in Bardstown, KY: