LIGHTS UP HOKA HEY MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE RIDER

He is not the famous painter of motorcycles, sorry. David Uhl is the spouse, father, and veteran of #45891 Iron Butt Rider and #903 Hoka Hey Rider.

David travelled the East Coast as a child and consequently became itchy to visit new places. One of the main reasons David chose to enlist in the US Army was this excitement. It allowed him to spend five years in Europe and travel to the country’s western portion. He met Sandy, his current wife, while travelling overseas. They currently have four kids and reside outside of Denver, Colorado. Two have served our nation, carrying on their father’s legacy.

David’s story raised awareness of the difficulties our service personnel face with their finances and the separation of their families. David felt compelled to give back as his time in active military drew close. Personal donations come first. Then, using a harmonious connection between his charitable endeavors and long-distance biking.

THE FISHER HOUSE

David came into contact with The Fisher House Foundation due to his ongoing support of the United Service Organizations (USO) and other charity endeavors. This happened not long after, a couple of years ago, when he joined the Tour of Honor. A nationwide 501(c)(3) organization is the Fisher House Foundation. Currently, more than 90 Fisher Houses serve military families. These residences are located in VA and military hospitals across the globe. While a loved one is in the hospital, they provide military and veteran families a complimentary stay.

David is involved with local and national Fisher House charities. Last year, he met with the regional Rocky Mountain Fisher House leadership. Thanks to this new contact, David learned more about the needs of his neighborhood house. He was also allowed to collaborate with their director on fundraising initiatives.

MOTORCYCLE CHALLENGE ACCEPTED

In 2018, David merged his passion for travelling with his work as a fundraiser. His first Hoka Hey Motorcycle ChallengeTM was underway. This cross-country endurance challenge does not have a race. Instead, a select group of V-Twin riders embark on a 10,000-mile adventure that tests their tenacity and grit.

“The Hoka Hey presents a unique challenge because you have to sleep outside on your bike, without GPS, with manual directions, and without any moving violations.”

Additionally, riders are expected to raise money and promote a charity. With his first challenge, David raised more than $5,000 for The Fisher House. He finished in the top 30 and made several new acquaintances.

David took part in the Hoka Hey Motorcycle ChallengeTM in 2020, once more, on his 2015 Harley-Davidson® Street Glide CVOTM. While participating in the challenge, he quadrupled his donation to The Fisher House. Last year, he collected over $12,000 to donate to the local Rocky Mountain Fisher House and the national organization. David set out to finish competitively in the top 10 at the start of his second challenge. However, David’s motor failed while he was in second place with 4,000 kilometers on his belt.

For me, it was crucial to finish the HOKA Hey. Declaring that I would finish the challenge, I had raised money for my charity. I was going to cross the finish line, bike or no bike!

David made arrangements to return his Street Glide to Colorado in the spirit of a genuine warrior. To complete the goal, he even borrowed a friend’s Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Despite a 72-hour loss and three further mechanical issues, David finished the 2020 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 12.5 days.

ON THE THROTTLE

David is currently aiming for 50K miles this year. The 2021 Midwest Monster ride is one of the following adventures. He has already bought a brand-new 2021 Harley-Davidson® Road Glide Limited to prepare for these. He still has the 2015 Street Glide CVO™ in his garage for commuting. As a long-distance rider, David brought a fresh viewpoint to this battle of the fairings. He highlights the advantages that come with fixed fairing. The fundamental geometry of the motorcycle is crucial when riding for 20 hours a day for 10 days in a row. A rider’s endurance may be significantly impacted by road noise, wind noise, and wind fatigue.

“Like a knife, the road glide fairing slices the air and gives the rider the ideal smooth bubble.”

Additionally, adjust the motorcycle’s settings to suit the rider. David equipped Harley-Davidson® motorcycles with highway pegs, handlebars, and a personalized seat. Being visible on the road day and night is crucial for any rider’s safety, particularly for a challenge like the Hoka Hey. David installed some of best-selling ProBEAM® motorbike LEDs on his new Road Glide Limited. When the kickstands go up, David will be safe on the road thanks to the Dynamic RingzTM in front and the Fillerz® and LED taillights on the back of his motorcycle. Some of the best components available today are found in these items. They provide easy plug-and-play installation and are DOT/SAE compliant.

Visit this David Uhl Fundraising Page to learn more about David’s fundraising initiatives and show your support for his campaign. You may follow him on Facebook for more information about David’s adventure and updates on the Midwest Monster Motorcycle Challenge. His journey, which will cover 7,000 miles, starts on July 30 in Kansas City, Missouri.