Michael Nielsen’s Story | Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge 2026

The theme art for this year’s Challenge was created by 12-year-old Nagmo Jackson, who used the bear to represent strength and the color yellow, which to the Potawatomi Tribe, symbolizes the good path. It takes strength to live your life with honor, respect, integrity, compassion, perseverance, and sacrifice. It takes courage to choose what is right over what is easy—to step outside our comfort zone for the sake of others. To be like the bear, we must be brave, grounded, and true, following our own hearts and doing what is right simply because it is right.

That spirit defines Michael Nielsen, a rookie rider in the 2026 Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge—an epic 10,000-mile endurance ride across the back roads of America. With no GPS, only turn-by-turn directions, and nights spent sleeping beside his bike, this challenge will test a lifetime of skills and push him to his physical and mental limits.

But Michael isn’t riding for himself. He rides for the heroes of Mile Monsters Inc.—young boys battling Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and 100% fatal muscle-wasting disease. These boys face challenges daily that most could never imagine, yet they do so with courage and heart.

Every mile Michael rides honors their fight. Every donation fuels the mission of Mile Monsters Inc.—helping families in any way possible, whether it’s a new van to reach medical appointments, a PlayStation to lift spirits, or a dream experience like swimming with manatees.

Like the bear, Michael rides with purpose—brave, determined, and unwavering—walking the good path in honor of those who inspire strength beyond measure.

HH#1289 – Every Mile for the Monsters