Riding for a Cause – The Hoka Hey Challenge

Many hear the call, but only a few are chosen. 

The mantra of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge is one that, as law enforcement professionals
ourselves, we can fully understand. While many may hear the calling to serve their communities,
only a few brave men and women leave their families every day to put their lives on the thin blue
line.

The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge began as a celebration of the Lakota Sioux warrior spirit
and has a mission to raise awareness for social issues while giving riders an opportunity to test
their fortitude and determination. In 2024, the event raised over $1,000,000 for nonprofit
organizations across the nation.

We spoke with Dustyn Monismith who has pledged to complete this 10,000 mile journey in the
name of Band of Blue.

True Blue Motorhead  

Dustyn Monismith bleeds motor oil. An avid outdoorsman, he is looking forward to a chance at
grabbing life by the handlebars once again and taking part in the ultimate test of strength,
endurance, and sheer will power.

He comes from a long line of motorcyclists, too. His father and grandfather were both
adventurers of the open road, and Monismith began riding at just fifteen years old. Today, he is a
service manager at Shipwreck Harley-Davidson in Wilmington, North Carolina. He and his
wife, Brenda, are also instructors for the Harley-Davidson Riding Academy. Originally from
Pennsylvania, Dustyn has lived in Surf City, North Carolina for the past year.

Dustyn first heard about the Hoka Hey Challenge from his brother-in-law who completed his
first ride in 2020 to raise money for homeless veterans.  Dustyn has since completed two Hoka
Hey Motorcycle Challenges. First in 2022 and then again in 2024.

Why Band of Blue?

When asked why he chose Band of Blue as his charity, Dustyn stated that when he worked at
dealerships prior to becoming a service manager, he serviced many Milwaukee Police
Department and Waukesha Sheriff’s Department motorcycles. “Police put their lives on the line
for us,” he said, “so it’s important to give back.”

To date, Dustyn’s longest ride was completing the 2024 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge
partnered with his wife. They started in Daytona, Florida, riding down to the southernmost point
in Key West. Then they turned around and rode to Homer Alaska. Dustyn and his wife Brenda
crossed the finish line in just over 13 days, becoming Elite Finishers. The Hoka Hey Motorcycle
Challenge tested Dustyn and Brenda’s willpower and endurance with 10,000 miles of open road,
even riding through Hurricane Debbie as it hit the coast of Florida.

“There’s no time limit,” explained Dustyn, “but you can’t finish any sooner than ten days.” He
went on to share that the majority of riders complete the journey in a window of fourteen to
twenty-one days.

The Ultimate Test 

The Hoka Hey Challenge is not for the faint of heart. People drop out for any number of reasons,
most commonly due to mechanical issues or being unable to withstand the elements. “You don’t
know exactly where you’re going or where you’re going to sleep at night,” Dustyn stated. “So,
your motorcycle has to be outfitted for extreme conditions. For example, during last year’s ride it
got down to the low thirties up in the Yukon so riders had to have tents, sleeping bags, and that kind of survival equipment. You don’t want to be riding through a hurricane in just jeans and a t-shirt. Having Gore-Tex waterproof gear is a game changer!”

The motorcycle that Dustyn will ride is a 2024 Pan America™ 1250 Special Bike by Harley-
Davidson. Designed for utility and rooted in the spirit of iconic American off-road vehicles, this
model is engineered for adventure. The bike will be outfitted with a GPS tracker, so supporters
can follow Dustyn’s progress.

The 2026 Hoka Hey Challenge kicks off in Woodstock, Illinois on August 2, 2026.

Your Donation Matters

The money that Dustyn raises through this challenge will go directly to Band of Blue to further
our mission of creating transformative experiences for families of fallen officers. These
experiences have the power to uplift, bring hope, and ultimately prove that in the wake of
tragedy, children and spouses of fallen heroes can find a reason to smile again. Your donation
makes a difference. Donate with the button below and help Dustyn support families of fallen
officers with the ride of a lifetime.

To donate to Dustin’s ride, please visit our Hoka Hey donate page.

Thank You to Dustyn Monismith for choosing Band of Blue as his charity. Be sure to
follow Band of Blue and Hoka Hey Challenge on Facebook to stay up to date with the latest
news and events.