Road warrior

Romulus mayor accepts gruelling Hoka Key Motorcycle Challenge

    Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight has proven he is a man who enjoys a challenge.

    For the next week or so, he will have a chance to demonstrate those skills as one of a selected group participating in the Hoka Hey, an event designed to test the limits of physical and mental endurance while traveling across the country on a motorcycle. The 100 riders, selected from hundreds of applicants, are prohibited from using electronic navigation devices, highways or hotels or motels.
    The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, considered the toughest motorcycle endurance race in the country takes place every two years and features travel on terrains designed to push riders and machines to the limits of their mental, physical and mechanical abilities. The event is steeped in Native American traditions and is similar to the ancient challenge faced by young Native American men to prove their worthiness and earn their designation as a warrior.
    Riders in the Hoka Hey select a charity and accept pledges and donations as support for their participation in the challenge. McCraight, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and ardent supporter of veterans’ causes, selected Foundation 14 as the charity he will ride for contributions.
    Foundation 14 is a nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping veterans riding motorcycles. Founded eight years ago, Foundation 14 has helped 26 veterans by either providing them with specialized motorcycles that fit their specific disabilities or by assisting with a costly repair on an existing motorcycle. The goal is to get the veteran riding again and into positive social contact.
    McCraight and the other riders began their challenge at the southernmost point on Aug 4 and are not told of their designated route to the northernmost point of the country. Some directions are provided at the starting point and further routes provided at specific checkpoints as the ride continues until Aug. 14.
    “Simply put, I will be sleeping outside next to my bike for the duration of the event, using a compass and old school maps to find my way on the back roads,” McCraight said. His goal, he said, is to generate $14,000 in contributions for Foundation 14. McCraight explained that Foundation 14 is a healthy alternative to some of the negative attitudes that sometimes come with serving in a forward armed forces combat unit. These negative behaviors can range from depression, seclusion, alcohol or drug abuse.
    “During my years at Foundation 14, I have witnessed firsthand the efforts of Foundation 14 and how their work can change lives,” McCraight said.
    Donations to support McCraight’s efforts can be made at shorturl.at/XlgYx.