Hoka Hey Challenge 2011 Update

[Squidbuzz]

Part of an email from Hoka Hey Challenge 2011.

We have evaluated the level of interest in the event from riders of non Harley-Davidson motorcycles and have concluded the current level of interest will not support this division as we initially envisioned.  Therefore, the event will become an all Harley-Davidson, event for 2011.  

We received some encouraging expressions of interest from non-Harley riders but it does not seem that the interest will result in a field large enough to overcome the significant effort and cost of producing a separate division.  It was our feeling that mixing non-Harleys and Harleys in one group would result in an all out grudge race and that is the last thing we want so we discounted that format.

I wonder if my Buell would be a valid entrant.  =)
 

[Scratch33]

This cluster**** still being put on by Big Chief What's-His-Face?

[SLK50]

 The phrase "once burned, twice shy" comes to mind.

[Scratch33]

I think the organizers have a keen appreciation of their target audience's average intelligence.

[BwanaDik]

Was there ever a definitive write up here (or elsewhere I guess) on what actually happened on the 2010 run?  I've heard conflicting reports about whether the prize was actually awarded.

[2wTraveler]

Not these guys again.  

Significant interest? Maybe riders of other makes are wise enough to know that they plan on screwing you on the prize money, or is it that they don't want to get schooled by those "Jap Bikes"? (or BMWs for that matter)

[endo]

I hope it's as entertaining this year as it was last year!  Some of those facebook posts were...  well...  I guess entertaining is the right word.  

[antvq]

Harley-Davidson Sponsor Of A Completely Revised Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge

Harley-Davidson Motor Company will provide marketing and promotional support for a new  2011 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. The event has been completely changed from last year and from what was initially announced for the 2011 edition.

Under Harley-Davidson’s support and guidance the event will begin in Phoenix, Arizona, (no more San Diego) and travel through all 48 contiguous states and Canada to Nova Scotia (no more traveling to Mexico). The route will travel over 10,000 miles and is open only to all riders of Harley-Davidson motorcycles (no more open to all brands). There will be 15 checkpoints along the route located at Harley-Davidson dealers where participants must check in as they ride the route.

In addition to being an event sponsor and organizer, Harley-Davidson is exploring hosting a checkpoint at the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The first 25 participants to reach the finish and who ride the complete stipulated route will be recognized as winners and be eligible for monetary awards (no more a 1 million dollars winner). Each rider will have the opportunity to designate a selected “home Harley-Davidson dealership” when they enroll. The home dealers of the top five finishers will be eligible for awards and recognition alongside the riders.

[Scratch33]

Not to be outdone, here's the competing rally that John White (the mysterious & addled bailer-outer of last year's HH) is supposedly behind:

http://www.gutsandgloryrally.com/index.html

[Slonishku]

What a retarded cluster fuck that rally was last year. All I know is at least second hand. I've seen some good reports that said very bad things, and I've seen some very poorly written reports that said it was awesome, but for all the wrong reasons.

Maybe with HD behind it, they'll be forced to get their collective shit together and do it right... or at least better.

Format wise, it reads as if it might go to a self-paced, get to the checkpoint whenever you get to it kind of ride.

[BwanaDik]

Not to be outdone, here's the competing rally that John White (the mysterious & addled bailer-outer of last year's HH) is supposedly behind:

http://www.gutsandgloryrally.com/index.html

"Further, each participant
will have a GPS tracker attached to their motorcycle during registration to ensure that the
participant adheres strictly to the pre-determined route. Any variation from the route will result
in points being deducted from the applicants overall score."

"In order to qualify for any prize, each participant must take a picture of every “You are Now
Entering------“ sign as they cross each state line."

50 MPH average speed

So far one of the most grueling set of rally instructions I've ever seen....

"The Company will have a vehicle and trailer following the last participants during each leg of the
Rally. If you are broken down, you will have a total of Ten (10) minutes from the time the
Company vehicle arrives at your location before your motorcycle and you will be loaded into the
Company trailer and delivered to the next checkpoint"

Hope they've hired a semi....

Well, this knocks out most of the participants (if it's at all enforced)

"By signing this document and entering into the Guts & Glory Rally Across America, you hereby
agree that you will NOT:
1) Consume alcohol before or while driving.
2) Drive under the influence of alcohol in any manner.
3) Consume or inhale any intoxicating substance or drug before or while driving.
4) Drive under the influence of any intoxicating substance or drug of any kind.
5) The Company maintains the right to have a drug screen performed to a
participant at any time before, during, or after the rally.
6) No weapons of any kind will be permitted to be carried during the rally.
Carrying a weapon of any kind will result in your immediate removal from the
Rally."


So this is intended to basically be a Pirate Parade?

[county]

I hope they will still sleep next to their bikes...