3 Weeks and a wake-up

Well in 3 weeks it will be my last night in a bed.... after that I will be sleeping on the ground for the next 10-14 days on the way to Homer Alaska.

Pastor Ernie, in Key West, has GREATLY BLESSED us with saying we can stay there from June 17th until we leave the morning of the 20th. Father's Day.

Glad Tidings Tabernacle
1209 United St

Key West, FL 33040
Lead Pastor: Ernest M. DeLoach, Jr

Then after LOTS of riding and very (VERY) few chances to shower we will be in Homer, AK

We are also VERY, VERY BLESSED to be able to stay at the Homer AG church when we get there. I said I would shower (twice?), and maybe even burn the clothes I'm wearing, before I went inside. The thought of a pressure-washer was discussed along with skiing ( aka dragging me ) in the bay, but I don't ski to well. [Also might be some type of EPA violation.]

Homer Assembly of God Church
736 East End Road
Homer, Alaska 99603
Pastor Gregory T Newell

THANK YOU Pastor Greg.... see you soon. I'll have to try some fish when I get there if you have any around (hehe).


Too bad we don't know the route or we could stop at other churches along the way to sleep and meet more 'family'.

PLEASE keep us in your prayers as this is a grueling endurance challenge. Long days and short nights through mountians, deserts, swamps and quick gas and meal stops.


Until the next time.....
Ride safe ... Everybody Goes Home

BodyBag

BodyBag - Hoka Hey Challenge

After GREAT prodding and a few threats, (kidding), I will attempt to create my blog...

I will try to post whenever I stop long enough at a wifi hot spot.

That said...

On June 20th, 2010 I will be heading out on a ride called the

Hoka Hey Challenge
Leaving Key West, FL and ends in Homer, Alaska.

with only 14 days to make it.

http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/

Watch promo on Youtube -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbsXGNu1Sj8&feature=channel

I will be on my 2008 FLHP ( Harley Road King) after trading in my 1999 Road King. I will ride along with my Chaplain and ride partner Curtis. We have 7000+ miles and no idea what the route will be.
What we do know is : No Interstates, No Hotels, New maps at every checkpoint ( at least 7 ) , Only 1000 from around the world were chosen but only those who show up in Key West will ride.

This is a ride to bring visibility and awareness for some great charities for our troops and Native Americans.


I Fly a 2 Blue Star banner one for my son and one for my brother.

I ride for them. My son in the VMFA-122 and my brother in the Navy. I ride for my Dad - US Army Ranger (Ret.) and my sister, her husband and my niece who all have served this great nation.

I ride to honor those who have fallen and made the sacrifice for all of us and to remind others of those who never returned and for the Native Americans this nation has forgotten.

SOOOOOO......

After many road trips and nights camping, a few sleeping on the side of the road, some backyard camping, testing gear, trimming the load, making day rides 600-800 mi average through Ga, SC, NC, and Va as one day trips some one way some round trips and up to 18hrs straight riding, timing my fuel and food stops, eating while riding, packing and repacking my gear and the bike...... I'm almost ready - really close! Just got some new stuff from my brother and his friends - which means I get to repack my repack.....

Some pics preparing for the journey.... so far

It began long before I ever knew about the actual ride (The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge) long road trips and overnights on the ground in a tent or under a tarp. It's been almost a year and a half now since I signed up for the Hoka Hey and all those trips seem to have been only "Training Rides". Below are some of the pics since last July.

Cold - Jan 10,2010 Very light snow in FL! I call this heavy frost...

2009 Fall - trying out a Big Agnes tent. Nesbit stove and canteen cup make great coffee/grits or oatmeal.

















I got some funny looks camping ... The Big Orange bag is my BodyBag... I sleep in it..... That's how I got my name. Yep! 4 handles and Zipper down the middle - Bodybag.

Got a new Bodybag --- Official US stamped -OD Green - 6 handles..... zipper down the middle.

To all those who helped make this happen:

Spring Lakes Farm - Morgan Horses

X-Techs - Motorcycle shop




Hansen Enterprises http://www.hansenenterprises.net/

Thank You Michelin Motorcycle.

We will be riding on the Michelin Commander for the entire trip!

http://www.michelinmotorcycle.com/

Here is my current windshield !











Check out this incredible charity for our troops and any pledge for my ride made on their site goes to them 100% to help our troops that need them.

Read his story - the TRUE HOKA HEY SPIRIT.

Wounded Wear - check out the website.

http://www.woundedwear.org/Our_Mission.html

Remember I only have to make it in 14 days to Homer BUT I will try to keep updating this blog as often as I can for everyone to keep track. We head for the Keys on June 17th.


This is a One Time in History Event and I hope I can / will have the time to keep all of you informed. I know I'll have alot to add once I get to Homer. ( After some of sleep).

If you want to donate for food and fuel its open to anyone who wants to be represented with a card or sticker on my bike email me at hokaheyjo@yahoo.com or 1bodybag@gmail.com .
This is a very expensive endeavor any help is cherished. Our bikes only run Hightest and that makes it about $15-$18 per fill up.

To Our Armed Forces Men and Women...........

THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE GIVEN,

THOSE WHO ARE GIVING,

AND THOSE WHO HAVE GIVEN ALL.

Until the next time.... Ride Safe... Everybody Goes Home...

God Bless