Two local men have persevered through some of the most challenging terrain and weather in North America to raise thousands of dollars for the Special Olympics.
Craig Watters and David Pollard of Chatham joined hundreds of motorcyclists for a 10-day, 10,000-mile endurance challenge earlier this month known as the Hoka Hey.
The motorcycle challenge requires riders to travel only on secondary roads, using no electronics to guide their way and to sleep outside with their bike.
“Having done an Iron Man in the past, I was confident in my ability to take on the endurance part of the challenge. What I hadn’t realized would be so difficult was the old-school navigation. You are in the middle of nowhere, you are exhausted, one wrong turn and you really have no idea where you are. That was tough at times but fortunately, we stuck together most of the ride and were able to work through it together,” said Pollard in a news release.
Starting in Daytona, Florida, travelling down to Key West and then up to Homer, Alaska, this year’s journey took the riders through 62 mountain ranges, 32 First Nation reserves, 23 national forests, 18 deserts, six national parks, and four swamps. The men also rode through difficult weather conditions as they faced tropical storm Debby.
“That is the true challenge of this ride and one of the things I really love about it – you know where the start line is and where the finish line is but nothing in between and your ride can change depending on the weather conditions and what time of day you make it there. This year we rode some of the most technically difficult roads at night and in the rain” said Watters in a news release.
Riders are encouraged to use the Hoka Hey as a venue to raise money in support of their community. Watters and Pollard used the opportunity to raise over $20,000 for the local chapter of the Special Olympics.
The local motorcycle riders are set to return home to Chatham-Kent on Friday and will be attending a welcome home party at Pain Court’s Central Tavern beginning at 5 p.m. All are welcome to attend.