The Hoka Hey Challenge, starting on June 20th, is one of the toughest rider competitions in the world. The race begins in Key West, Florida, where the riders will get a map of the next 1,000 miles and the next check point (somewhere in Mississippi) , where they will be given a map to the next 1,000 miles and so on, until the final stop location on Kenai Peninsula, Alaska is eventually revealed.

Carlos, who is a Marine Veteran of the Gulf War and Commandant of the Marine Corps League Detachment #1302, and currently working as a Lawrence Detective, is a fearless Harley rider with a passion for adventure. He said he has been preparing for the challenge for over a year.

His preparations included getting his Harley in shape, buying the right gear for the trip, keeping an eye on his diet, as well as sleeping on the floor for over a month to prepare his back for the rough nights ahead. Hoka Hey challengers face a whole range of rules such as only sleeping outdoors, no use of GPS devices, getting maps only 1,000 miles at a time, having no support teams on hand, and so on.

Carlos will have to bring all the necessary equipment for the journey with him. Since they will go through 33 national parks and 62 mountain ranges, he has prepared different camping items for the different outdoor environments he’ll have to stay in, ranging from insect repellants to bear fences and sprays.

Carlos will have to rely on his Harley more than ever. In case the motorcycle breaks down, the responsibility of fixing it falls only on him.

The goal is to ride the 7,000 miles in 10 days without exceeding the speed limit.

We will follow Carlos through a special GPS locator that will be attached to his motorcycle. He also promised to take lots of photos of all the amazing places he is going to pass through.

“My reasons for taking this challenge are many,” Carlos wrote on his website, “I want to reflect on my life and the goals that I have achieved, not for bragging rights but for the pride and hard work that I have put forth for the experiences that I have.”

He is proud to represent the Officers and Veterans of the City of Lawrence.

The 1st place prize is $500K, which will be given in Sturgis on Aug 9 – 15. The 2nd place gets nothing. If he wins, Carlos says “the money will go for my daughter’s college education.”

After this challenge, Carlos will go on another “personal challenge” from Barrow, the northernmost point in Alaska to Tijuana, Mexico, then drop by in Sturgis, just in time for the rally, where the $500K prize will be presented to the Hoka Hey Challenge winner.

We will keep our fingers crossed for Carlos!!

The Kiley Law Group, LLC  is a proud sponsor of Carlos Vieira’s take on the Hoka Hey Challenge.

With all the bike nights, there are lots of choices for every type of biker. If you want to hang with race bikers, the local HOG Chapter, guys from a South Florida fabrication shop, or a group of RUBs, there is a motorcycle event for you.

Or, you can go to the Café 27 Truck Stop on Thursday nights and see a little bit of everything.

First off, this place is a real truck stop so it has a rough feel to it. The place is big enough to accommodate big trucks and lots of motorcycles. On a weekly basis, there can be between 300-500 bikers that stop by.

Cheap food, cold beer, and lots of waitresses all add to the atmosphere of this bike night. You won’t have to wait to long to get a bite to eat, a cold beverage, or have a cute woman to flirt with. If you need to pick up an accessory or two, there are vendors with apparel, jewelry, and other items for sale too.

Every type of biker comes to this place on almost every type of bike. You can expect to see anything from a few sport bikes, every kind of Harley, and wild customs.

As for bikers, you’ll see a bit of everything as well. Solo riders, small groups, motorcycle clubs/groups, 1%ers, and even a few RUBs are all there and are all welcome. It appears that everyone comes just to have a good time.

Last but not least, 10PM means bikini contest time. Nothing says bike night like a hot bikini contest and the ladies at the Café 27 Truck Stop don’t disappoint.

If you live in South Florida or are down for a visit, put the Café 27 Truck Stop on your list of places to visit.

I also went to the motorcycle dealer from time to time too. Not that I didn’t trust my guys, I just needed to make sure my bike was getting the best care possible. No mechanic is beyond a second opinion.

Now that I own a Harley, I plan on utilizing my local Harley Davidson dealer much more in the overall maintenance of my bike. This will add to my motorcycle maintenance costs but in the long run, it will be worth it. I plan on owning my Harley for a long time and it is worth the added expense.

I’m not saying that anyone should give up their local mechanic. Many of these guys are experts at maintaining motorcycles. It’s just that motorcycle dealers offer some benefits that smaller mechanics cannot.

Here’s why the motorcycle dealer can be your friend.

Experience: Certified motorcycle dealers only utilize mechanics that have passed rigorous tests proving their proficiency. You can rest assured that only an expert will touch your bike.

Knowledge: By working on a limited range of bikes, dealer mechanics accumulate specific knowledge that smaller mechanics may not have about upgrades, maintenance, and specific problems.

Access to Parts: With a dealer, you’ll never have to worry about them using sub-standard parts to make an extra buck or two.

Access to other motorcycle owners: Even going to the dealership to hang out is a good idea. You’ll be able to talk to other bike owners who can share their knowledge and experiences with you.

Guarantees: Smaller dealers may not honor their work and may not offer the level of guarantees that larger dealers can. As repairs can be very expensive, it’s important to protect your investment.

This year, I bought my first Harley so I felt compelled to step my biker attire up a notch. I was disappointed to find however, how expensive Harley apparel is. From the smallest to the largest items, Harley accessories are much more expensive than other apparel brands.

Like many of you, I’m not made of money and have to carefully consider all of my purchases. So, with a little bit of creativity, I found a way to make my own Harley apparel that is nicer than anything I have found on the web.

Make your own apparel.

Now, before you decide to start making your own apparel, I am not suggesting you infringe upon any copyrighted or trademarked logos. This is against the law and not very cool.

First, go to a website like Leatherup.com and find a vest or jacket that you like. Of all the sites I’ve seen on the web, this one has a large selection and great prices. If you use the code 55632 when you make a purchase, you will receive 10% off. You can use this code as often as you like.

From there, go to Ebay.com or Amazon.com, and do a search for motorcycle or biker patches. You’ll find that both sites have a huge selection of patches of all types. I found some very unique and rare pieces on both sites; including Harley Davidson top and bottom rockers. You can also do a search for biker patches in your browser and you’ll find hundreds of sources for cool stuff.

Now, all you have to do is arrange the patches on your vest or jacket and you are done. Some of the patches are iron on but I suggest going to your local dry cleaner or embroidery shop and ask them to stitch the patches on.

With a little effort, patience, and significantly less money, you’ll have the coolest gear in your pack. Just remember, this is our secret.

If this is true then I need to share my love of motorcycling with my friends and family. I need to make this a regular part of my motorcycling lifestyle.

These are stressful times and motorcycling has been very fulfilling way to find peace and enjoyment. Doesn’t matter if I’m riding with the Harley guys, a riding club, or a few outlaw bikers, we all have a great time.

I’m sure some of my friends and family can benefit too. So, one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to encourage others to ride as much as possible. Here’s my plan.

• My friends who ride: In 2010, I’m going to organize a few mid-distance motorcycle rides in South Florida with some of my friends. Many of them ride infrequently but are great riders. They just don’t make time to ride as often as I do. Maybe they just need a little encouragement to enjoy riding like they used to.

• My friends who don’t ride: Over the past few years, I have gotten a few people into motorcycle riding safety courses and a few have gone on to buy used motorcycles. I will make a point to invite non-riders to the events I go to so they can start to understand the value of motorcycling as a hobby and lifestyle.

• My family: I’d love to get my older brother on a motorcycle. He needs a hobby and I think he’d look really cool on a big cruiser. My mother loves motorcycles and I plan on taking a nice long ride with her on her next visit to Florida. I want my nieces and nephews to gain an understanding and appreciation for motorcycles and motorcycle safety at a young age.

• My girlfriend: She is actually a very good rider but has not been riding consistently for about a year. I need to get out and help her practice to regain the confidence she had a when she first started riding. She’ll make a great riding partner when she is ready.

2010 is my year to share the joy of the biker lifestyle. How about you?

Joining a motorcycle club can be a great thing to do if you are interested in being affiliated with a specific group. There are lots of choices based on whether you ride a Harley, cruiser or sport bike, how you ride, and your general background.

It’s important to learn as much as you can about any specific club you want to join. Once you are in a club and wear their cut (vest or colors), you will be associated with that group for better or for worse. Doing some due diligence is important to make sure you join the right club for you.

Here are a few tips to selecting a motorcycle club for you.

• Talk to a lot of people: When you hang out with other bikers and go to events, talk to the people you know about the clubs you are interested in. See if they have any knowledge of the club, their reputation, and what they are all about. Try to get introduced to a few members and hang out with them to see if you are a fit.

• Internet research: Some of the larger MCs have extensive websites with lots of information about their founders, their charter (or bylaws), and requirements for membership. Having some knowledge before talking to members is a good way to make a good first impression.

• MCs vs. Riding Clubs (RCs): Traditional motorcycle clubs are defined by having a specific charter. Riding clubs tend to be less formal clubs that are better suited for casual bikers.

• Understanding the rules: Some motorcycle clubs have very strict rules including the type and color of your bike, disallowing female members, amount of miles you have to ride with the club, dues, and other stipulations. Understanding the rules let’s you know the level of commitment required to become and remain a member.

• 1%er MCs: If you have to ask about membership to an outlaw motorcycle club, then you probably don’t belong. Asking an outlaw biker member about joining their club, especially if they don’t know you, might get a response you don’t want.

Joining a motorcycle club can be a great experience but it requires a little bit of work and research. Just talk to the bikers around you and in most cases, you’ll get most of the information you need.

One thing is for sure, Santa looks like a fun guy. He looks like he likes to eat, laugh, and hang out with good people. Mrs. Claus too.

Maybe it’s just me but Santa looks like a biker. It’s easy for me to see Santa riding a big Harley Ultra Glide. It just seems to match Santa’s big girth, smile, beard, and personality.

Here are my suggestions for Santa to get some much needed relaxation after the holiday season has come to a close.

January 2010: After bringing joy to the world on Christmas morning, I would imagine Santa needs some time to rest. After a few weeks or so of that, he and Mrs. Claus should ship their Harley down to Miami, ride to Key West, and throw back a few margaritas at Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville. After a week of drinks, great companionship, food, and sun at this legendary biker bar, Santa should be ready to head back to the North Pole and start working on Christmas 2010.

June 2010: Santa comes across as this big, nice guy but to me, Santa seems like a tough guy who likes adventure. In June, I suggest he and a few of his elves get together and go on a two week Alaska motorcycle tour. Billed as a tour ‘not for wimps’, Santa and the boys will face some of Alaska’s most beautiful and toughest terrain.

October 2010: Before the final stretch for getting ready for the 2010 Christmas run, Santa and Mrs. Claus should take time for one last getaway. Adding some romance into their adventurous spirit, I suggest they go to the 2010 Hogs on the High Seas Biker Cruise. This biker cruise does not involve riding but it involves the best of biker rallies; good times, people, food, and great stuff.  If he and Mrs. Claus get lucky they can win a 2010 Harley Davidson Custom Road Glide.

Santa, thanks for everything you do for us and I hope next year you take my vacation advice. And if I see you at one of these events, I won’t tell everyone who you are!

If you look at most custom choppers, they all stick to the same format. It is pretty common to see choppers without side view mirrors, turn signals, break lights, rear shocks, or radiators. The idea of a chopper centers around minimalism made to look magnificent.

Achieving a chopper inspired look without paying Jesse James $100,000 or more is possible with your Harley or metric cruiser without having to compromise the safety of your bike.

Choppers do not have motorcycle instrumentation clusters and there are no laws currently that require motorcycles to have them. So, take them off. For bikes with the traditional ‘heads up’ style tachometer and speedometer, removing this cluster instantly cleans up the front end of your bike. While it’s not a chopper yet, your bike will certainly look better.

In lieu of having no instrumentation, there is another option. Several companies make very small motorcycle instrumentation modules that will still clean up your bike’s front end, and provide you with the information you need to ride your motorcycle safely for a few hundred dollars.

Only the most hardcore bikers would even think about riding in December or January in Boston, Chicago, or upstate New York. While winter motorcycle apparel will keep riders from freezing to death, it’s still not as fun and satisfying as riding in good weather.

The winter does not have to be a total waste though.

If you can’t ride, then why not take time to upgrade and modify your bike for the next riding season? This way, you won’t miss any riding time and your bike will be the envy of your friends at the start of the spring riding season.

Some upgrades are fairly simple and take very little time to accomplish. Others are extensive and require a large investment of both time and money. Regardless of the upgrade, follow these steps to make your winter season productive:

• Save: If you are looking to make major changes to your Harley, metric cruiser, or sport bike, make sure to put some money aside to make it happen. Frequently, estimated charges may amount to more than originally budgeted. Also, engine, exhaust, extended swing arm, controls, and other upgrades can have hidden additional requirements that may unexpectedly increase costs.

• Research: Go online and research bikes, motorcycle repair shops, brands and materials, and pictures. The aftermarket motorcycle industry is huge and has a wide range in products and services. There are dozens of online retailers for parts and thousands of motorcycle shops across the United States. Make sure to check the online galleries on the retailer websites. You might find a bike that looks exactly like what you want.

• Call Around: Talk to your fellow bikers in person or online to ask their opinions on the best parts, motorcycle shops, and fabricators. Going to a shop and talking to the owners and mechanics is also a great idea. Make sure that your bike will be in the hands of an expert and you’ll get the results of want.

• Get New Gear: What good is a redesigned motorcycle unless you have some new gear too? Don’t forget to upgrade your cool biker gear so you look as good as your bike.

Cold weather doesn’t have to end your excitement and enthusiasm about motorcycles. Take the winter months to plan out changes to your bike and make upgrades to keep your bike running and looking good.

Starting in Concord, MA, there’s a great 125 mile loop that goes through some of the most attractive small towns in New England. These small towns feature old colonial homes and structures dating back several hundred years.

Probably the best feature of this loop is that there’s almost no traffic. These roads are very lightly utilized and you’ll be able to enjoy your Harley or sport bike without having to share the rode with thousands of commuters.

This is not a completely remote ride. There are lots of quaint restaurants and eateries to stop and enjoy a nice break over the 4-5 hour trek. Make sure to check the weather to ensure your ride will be warm and dry. If you don’t mind a cold or wet ride, then make sure your saddlebags are loaded with gear.