Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. The Point Of View Of Alystar McKenneh.

When she will arrive very soon at the end of her “Road To Sturgis“, independent film maker Alystar McKenneh will have ridden her motorcycle for 26,000 miles during the last three months. Part of her road was between Key West, FL and Homer, AK where she was a participant and a last minute videographer for the Hoka Hey Challenge. About what became a very controversial motorcycle event, I just asked her “Alystar, What’s Going On?”. Although exhausted by the road, she took the time to send me the following long letter expressing her feelings about the Challenge, the way she lived it and also the controversy she got herself into after a TV interview she gave.

I told her about my admiration and respect for her accomplishments, that her point of view was the one of a rider, as emotional as it should be when a biker is doing his (her) thing on a very long road. I also told her that at the same time she was riding and filming, some organizer statements and facts checking by other riders and observers that she may still not be aware of, were from my point of view many other reasons for the intense controversy surrounding the Hoka Hey Challenge. With her authorization I publish her point of view from the road she followed.

Added July 16, 2010. At 1:20:03 PM EDT I received an email from Alystar Mc Kenneh. She writes “When I spoke with the reporter who called me from the Rapid City Journal and I referred to that woman, she said her name is Jeri O’Bbarr. So I see I have maligned that woman. And I need to apologize to her”

Hi Cyril, “Yeah a “shit storm” has been converging on the Hoka Hey since Jeri O’Barr was spoken rudely to in the riders press conference prior to the ride and it hasn’t stopped yet. While I was in Key West Gina Woods introduced me to a man, Jon Compton who was the EP of a feature length documentary being shot on the Hoka Hey. He asked me if he could hire me to shoot for him. I said Yes. They outfitted my motorcycle with their cameras and I headed out with the riders.

I rode, I shot and after my motorcycle broke down they brought me with them. There were two other units that I met in Key West and on the road shooting as well. It was a heck of a crazy but good time. Unfortunately from the get go when Ms. O’Barr was in the riders room during the press conference, she walked in looking for a fight. Prior to her entrance the riders asked questions, Jim Durham and Beth answered them. They even answered them twice, you know how those things go. There were numerous times when the riders cheered and knocked their coins on the chairs hooting and hollering.  Jim Durham response to the question of  “how many riders were there” was “I don’t know exactly yet because we still have riders who are signed up but who haven’t checked in. We have been called about breakdowns and the Australians weren’t here because of a flight problem.”

We were about 45 minutes into the Q and A which covered everything from the use of chase vehicles to gas stops to speeding tickets when Ms. Obarr said “Why are you being so vague about some of the issues?” Jim Durham  “Like What?” O’Barr “The numbers!” Jim  “I don’t have the numbers for Gods sake, I just said they haven’t all checked in.” Another man  “How many are signed up?” Jim  “750.” Jim “Let me ask you something, why is that number so important to you?” O’Barr “I like to have numbers and facts.” Jim  “Are you racing?” Another voice  “Are you a rider?” O’Barr  “No” Voice “Thank God” O’Barr “May i ask you something? If I’m a support team to a rider and I’m here and I support that rider…” Jim “Then you need to concern yourself with that one person, your rider.”

O’barr continued talking about how her husband was a rider, how there were no unintelligent questions and people just asked questions around her. We heard O’barr went to the States Attorney to file a claim against religious freedom because she said Jim said we were going to Native American graves to collect souls of the dead, and said that the entire thing was a hoax.

Actually what he said was, “We are going to the 7 places by which the most horrible mass murders occurred here in the US”. When he said he lied to us, it was, ” I did lie to you, it’s not just about the challenge, it’s about bringing water to my people because we can’t do it alone anymore.” There was a standing ovation and people in the room were yelling “Hoka Hey” ‘Hoka Hey”.

Once we left that room and O’barr made the claim that Jim was stepping on her religious freedom the entire web got crazy. Riders were calling in from the road to Beth to ask if it was a hoax. We heard that riders were quitting the contest because of it. Riders came into the second check point fighting and cussing about it. The entire thing was getting crazy.

I just continued to shoot. I shot the fights, I shot the guys who were angry about all the talk on the web, I shot the support crews who were looking for some reassurance that this was not a hoax and then all the talk of deaths and taking down of signs and just plain horse crap began to spin these riders around. O’barr was a huge contributor on the HH site for this shit storm and on the web. We were praying that these already physically battered riders didn’t get killed because of her rhetoric.

Considering how emotionally and physically draining this ride was, my production crew  went out of their way to reassure riders that no one was out to trick them. That we were all there with them. And they were tired and burned and angry. We shot it all but we also worked to combat this emotionally needy woman’s poison. The riders were so scattered around during that first week, 647 over a five states area, that many of them didn’t see anyone for most of the ride. And if they were privy to the internet or a cell phone, then they were getting ugly reports from their people. We drove extra miles along the route looking for riders just so they could see us and know they were still part of something. Especially in Canada where there was no cellular phone service.

The riders we found, we would search them out just to make certain they got some face to face with us. Even the three cops who should know better than to believe trash talk, ran up and hugged me once they recognized me getting out of the truck in the Canadian Yukon. One of them said they hadn’t seen another rider since Montana and they were starting to worry that it really was a hoax. It was taking a toll on them emotionally.

In Alaska the channel 2 news interviewed everyone standing around the finish area. I was doing the exit interviews. I was interviewed as well. When the woman asked me where the prize money was coming from I said “the Lakota”. I did not say nor did I mean, “the Lakota Nation.”But it was interpreted that way. My interactions with the Lakota who put this run on were fraught with “us and them” episodes. It’s natural. I think every time white people have interaction with any body it’s always an us and them. We were told about the terrible trials their people had suffered because of our ancestors. It’s almost natural for us to have to undergo the ritual of what your great great grandfather did to us. We are all used to it. I probably should have said the Hoka Hey people, but for me it was the Lakota people, the riders and the film crews. Those were the 3 distinct players in my game.

The answer to that question seems to be of concern for everyone. I don’t know why. I was just a shooter. Why what I have to say should be crucial enough for the Lakota Nation to write a press release refuting a camera person’s statement is beyond me. I was told that Chief Oliver Red Cloud, this sweet man in his 90’s was under attack by his own people for my statement. So I can’t help wondering what is really going on here. I’ve had newspapers call me. Hate mail coming my way and again I have to say…what is the real deal? Why make a shooter the focus and why is the focus being redirected. Is there a larger question at hand about the water issue? Because for me the water issue was all consuming. I shot the riders but at night I studied up on the water problems in SD.

I believe that the Durhams are just a couple of people who created a run to bring attention to the fact that there is no water in many of the homes in their community. How Americans can live without water in 21st century America is amazing to me. I believe they are not media savvy and they could have run the press better but these people have no idea how it’s done. They actually hired a woman on the internet to write the first press releases because they didn’t know how. This was a grass roots effort on their part to tell the world that the Uranium mining in their area is killing people because their aquifer is polluted with Uranium. This is no secret but it is not being being talked about either. I saw no wrong doing on the part of the people who put this thing together. Their one failure was that they did not anticipate the winner arriving in Alaska three days earlier than they expected. But the run was done the way Jim Durham said it would be in the press conference. This run was created to be run in 2009 and a lot of the old rules and regulations were changed and I think some of the folks who signed up then had a problem with the 2010 rules and changes.

So many ugly angry weird things have been said on the internet. I believe it was mostly due to a lonely attention seeking woman who takes absolutely no responsibility for the havoc she created. I don’t doubt some of the wrecks can be attributed to her because these emotionally and physically exhausted riders were reacting to the crap she was spewing on line instead of keeping their focus on the road. The fact that the small newspapers carried her rhetoric with out looking at footage of the actual meeting was obvious because the statements were convoluted and out of context. And in some cases outright lies. I understand small newspapers are not held to the same standards of reporting as the NY Times of the LA Times. That is of course why the Hoka Hey Challenge and all the scavengers words did not appear in any of them. But I did take issue with these reporters on line and in one case called them out.

The Homer paper reported that there were missing riders. Can you imagine how hard the state police would have come down on the HH if that were true. One paper said that road signs in Florida were being removed. That made me laugh. The entire pack left in one huge bunch. Who do you think stopped in the middle of that pack and got out a screw driver. who was left to see him do it as they flew past. Who gave up their front spot to get that pesky sign out of the way. These of course were all state road signs so which sign to choose.

I am probably the only one who recognizes the shit storm for what it is. A good opportunity to really take a look at the water problem in America, I pray everyone uses this moment wisely. Way too many people were caught up in the sophomoric behavior of these adults that really should be under a doctors care.

For me. All in all it was an amazing run. Men were made, little boys were culled, the integrity of people was tested; unfortunately too many failed, I shot everything I could, from riders cheating to riders doing what I believe they do best…no man left behind. Once the last rider was in Homer I handed my footage over to Jim Durham and headed back to finish my own Road To Sturgis run.” Alystar McKenneh

77 Responses to “Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. The Point Of View Of Alystar McKenneh.”


  1. 1 deacon Jul 16th, 2010 at 8:24 am

    Brett, you wrote: …..” I read many websites, Facebook, this blog, and never seen Ms. O’Barr being mentioned. You are wrong to think that the negativity comes from her alone.”

    see http://www.rapidcityjournal.com/news/article_a5b791e0-8628-11df-a447-001cc4c03286.html

  2. 2 Joe Mielke Jul 16th, 2010 at 8:26 am

    Peace
    Joe

  3. 3 Doc Jul 16th, 2010 at 9:45 am

    Alystar,

    As a rider who was in the same meeting you were, I think you are one of the few people who have this thing laid out correctly. I applaud your bringing attention to the one person who caused more hate, discontent, negativity and confusion in this event than any other… Jeri O’Barr.

  4. 4 Jeri Jul 16th, 2010 at 10:10 am

    For goodness sakes people. That wasn’t even me that stood up in the crowd. Yes, I filed a complaint. BJ got up and said “I LIED”. SORRY FOLKS…..I do have problem with that! So get over it. My husband and I paid hard earned money to participate in an event that was billed to bring attention to the VETERANS of this great country! JIM DURHAM is a LIAR. He said so himself

  5. 5 Jeri Jul 16th, 2010 at 10:15 am

    ALYSTAR,

    I SUGGEST YOU GET YOUR INFORMATION STRAIGHT BEFORE YOU PUBLISH ANYTHING. I DON’T KNOW WHO THE LADY WAS THAT STOOD UP AND ASKED THE NUMBERS QUESTION BUT, IT CERTAINLY WASN’T ME. I TAKE FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANYTHING THAT I HAVE SAID OR DONE RELATIVE TO THIS CHALLENGE.

    I AM NOT THAT PERSON AND I RECOMMEND YOU FIGURE OUT WHO THAT BRAVE WOMAN WAS……..THEN REPUBLISH THIS CORRECTLY!

    JERI O’BARR

  6. 6 Billy Bartels Jul 16th, 2010 at 10:28 am

    This whole thing is like watching Jerry Springer with motorcycles. Thank you so much for the entertainment. The ALL CAPS, the bad grammar and spelling, this is gold. I don’t know about the ride, but this multipost flame war (or incompetent PR damage control) is worth a half hour of late night cable for sure.

  7. 7 DK Jul 16th, 2010 at 10:45 am

    Billy B, you hit the nail on the head. Ya think Al Gore had this BS in mind when he invented the internet. I can see a mini series or at least a docu-drama on Discovery channel. Maybe somebody can sell tickets to the ” Hoka Hey Showdown in Sturgis”.

  8. 8 Shifter Jul 16th, 2010 at 10:56 am

    Cyril, I got news. The award will be given in Sturgis at the Broken Promise Saloon. All Oglala Sioux drink for free. Participants to the ride authorized to watch them drinking and dancing.

  9. 9 cool hand luke Jul 16th, 2010 at 11:05 am

    RE: Alleytramp (alystar)

    You once again contradict yourself. Your comment below is just ANOTHER CHILDISH and FEEBLE ATTEMPT to bend the TRUTH!

    You state that YOU DID NOT SAY NOR DID YOU MEAN THE LAKOTA NATION. (YOU VERY CLEARLY STATED ….THE LAKOTA!). Please explain to all us intellectually challenged how they are NOT one and the same?

    If this had been held in Germany and YOU were asked, who is paying the prize money?

    And YOU responded…….The GERMANS!

    Wouldn’t that in itself imply that GERMANY is paying the prize?

    Have YOU once……JUST ONCE….THOUGHT about telling the truth, instead of distorting the facts to try to decieve everyone involved?

    I am REALLY starting to take offense by YOUR comments, because YOU are speaking to us (the average reader) as though we are ignorant, uneducated, and even challenged intellectually! Please try to understand……..WE HAVE EARS AND EYES AND HAVE SEEN THE VIDEO OF YOU LOOKING STRAIGHT INTO THE CAMERA AND SAYING……..THE MONEY IS COMING FROM THE LAKOTA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    END OF STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    UNTIL YOU CAN INVENT A TIME MACHINE AND GO BACK AND TAKE BACK WHAT YOU SAID……..

    STOP TREATING US LIKE IDIOTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    In Alaska the channel 2 news interviewed everyone standing around the finish area. I was doing the exit interviews. I was interviewed as well. When the woman asked me where the prize money was coming from I said “the Lakota”. I did not say nor did I mean, “the Lakota Nation

  10. 10 Shell Knox Jul 16th, 2010 at 11:47 am

    I am amazed that Alystar (Jim Durham clone) is blaming the entire downfall of the race on ONE woman. If you and yours are looking for a convenient scapegoat in Jeri O’Barr, go talk people way younger and dumber than the ones interested in finding the real truth behind this race.

  11. 11 cool hand luke Jul 16th, 2010 at 11:48 am

    RE: Jeri O’Barr

    THE MONEY IS GONE!

    Don’t let them get you down Jeri!

    They are just TRYING to put the blame on YOU in a ridiculous ATTEMPT to take the heat off THEMSELVES!

    THE MONEY IS GONE!

    EVERYBODY knows that EVERY person who was in this organization is/was incompetent and incapable of telling the truth!

    THE MONEY IS GONE!

    This whole race was set up under FALSE PRETENSE and the reason THEY changed the venue to….Make it into a “WATER” issue was to try to solicit sympathy for the lakota peoples and THEY thought that the riders would be so stupid and grab it, hook, line and sinker!

    MARK MY WORDS…..”IF” there is a ceremony, I am betting they will have a native dressed up in native garb and he will give a long drawn out bullshit about how all the riders are warriors and blah blah blah yada yada yada…… and then when they have worked the croud long enough and everybody is clapping and giving gutteral sounds (like a warrior going into battle) and high fiving and blah blah blah…

    They will announce that the money is gone, stolen, lost, burnt up, spent, blah blah blah…

    And everybody (all the sheeple who wish they were indians) will stand up and clap and rush to shake his hand and some will even give them MORE money (because that’s what sheeple who have no cultural idenity do)!

    And the organizers will simply stroll out with a shit-eating grin and will start planning their next HOAX-A-ANGLO

    I bet their guest speaker for the ceremony is rehearsing his speech (between shots of rider subsidized rot-gut whiskey) as I write this!

    Jeri…..Keep your head up! You had no fault in this! This was ALL THEIR MAKING!

  12. 12 hawghugger Jul 16th, 2010 at 12:16 pm

    Alystar,
    Very well said!

  13. 13 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 16th, 2010 at 12:38 pm

    Dear Ms. McKennah,
    If you are going to take credit for writing a commentary then at least get your facts correct. Jeri O’Barr was not the one who asked the questions. It was another women entireIy. I know this to be true because I was standing right next to her. I was the one who asked about Canadian laws and those who have ever had a DUI not being able to get through the borders.
    At no time did Jeri ever ask BJ a direct question during the meeting but I did and I am not afraid to share it. BJ exact words were, “If you have ever had a DUI then you should probably not be in this race.” The controversy was huge.”
    To me any comments you have to share from this moment forward should be discredited as someone who does lousy investigation in attempting to slander someone without any facts. On the other hand and in defense of the woman who did ask the question. I spoke to her otherwise and she and I both agreed that BJ was an arrogant jerk who spoke to most of these bikers with little or no respect for the riide they were about to encur. He lied straight out on more than one occasion and cried about the priviledge of bringing water to his people when the Oglala Sioux nation has said they have had nothing to do with him. That was published in the Rapid City News on 7/12/2010. This same women was leary of BJ and his croneys because he claimed 1000 riders and when in fact their was only 750. My husband did this ride and was proud of the challenge he endured as should any biker who rode this race. But that does not excuse BJ’s blatant deception for those who spent hard earned money in making this ride, especially the support teams who went along to support their riders, only later to be told they could not. It is unfortunate that more have not spoken out about what is a truth and what is a lie in support of Ms. O’Barr. I still say the real truth will come out on 8/11 whent the cash is awarded and the check made good.
    To anyone reading these blogs I would be careful as to what is being said and check the facts yourself before making any statements. As far as Ms. Obarr’s Christianity I would say, show me anywhere in scripture where Christians are to be lay downs and not speak the truth regardless of controversy. Jesus was crucified for speaking the truth by people like yourselves who are critisizing Ms. O’Barr and I for am tired of it. By the way I barlely no the woman so I have no reason to defend her other than her courage for speaking out agains the lies and deception of this race.

  14. 14 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 16th, 2010 at 12:44 pm

    Ms. McKennah.
    you need to do a retraction and apolagize to Ms. Obarr. You were wrong and need to own up to it. I would suggest you distance yourself from BJ and Beth before you end up in as much hot water as they are.

  15. 15 Dennis J Jul 16th, 2010 at 12:57 pm

    Cool Hand Luke – I think you hit the nail on the head. To take your thought one step further I predict they will say all the money was “donated” to some tribe, used on their alleged water project or used in some far more noble way than giving it to the “winner” of a very illegal race (which would certainly be illegal.) Of course no one will be able to trace where the money actually went or the identity of the recipients, you will just have to trust them.

  16. 16 Randall "TEX" Cobbs Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    Offensive comment written under false ID. Removed.
    Admin.

  17. 17 Me Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:19 pm

    Randall –

    I don’t know you and I don’t really care to – not after that rant – but I really don’t think spewing hate and threats on a very public message board is the right thing to do or a very good idea. There are more effective ways to get your “point” across. – JMHO.

    Me.

  18. 18 Carla Simons Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:31 pm

    O my Alystar, if you really AREN’T trying to cover HHC’s ass, then you have really stuck one into your own with this statement.

    1) Re: Jeri… I want no part of this one, other than to say one woman did NOT cause or primarily contribute to the controversy around this event. Others riders have complained about the impatient and disrespectful way Jim addressed riders (at least one publicly said he dropped out in KW for exactly that reason). At $1000 a head, I think they were entitled to direct and honest answers to all questions before heading out on an 8000 mile endurance challenge.

    2) “I shot the guys who were angry about all the talk on the web, I shot the support crews who were looking for some reassurance that this was not a hoax and then all the talk of deaths and taking down of signs and just plain horse crap began to spin these riders around. O’barr was a huge contributor on the HH site for this shit storm and on the web. We were praying that these already physically battered riders didn’t get killed because of her rhetoric.”

    This sounds like HHC spin to me. Point the finger elsewhere for any attorneys to look at. Signs were taken down (even John White has said that from his short time on the route). Deaths? That should give any rider a moment’s pause; it does me. O’Barr? Several riders have posted they quit the challenge because they didn’t like how it was being run, the directions, and feeling deceived. Maybe they were just ‘boys’ and not men; or maybe they were just seeing it for what it was. And maybe some were affected by the internet talk. But I don’t think you saw everything as clearly, or objectively, as you think you did.

    3) You mentioned on your blog that you wished the Durham’s would release the rider meeting video, as it would clear up so much confusion. Then you say here:
    “The fact that the small newspapers carried her rhetoric without looking at footage of the actual meeting was obvious because the statements were convoluted and out of context.”

    If in fact your earlier comment was correct that Jim wouldn’t release the video, then how the heck can ANY media view it? how can ANYONE view it?

    4) “While I was in Key West Gina Woods introduced me to a man, Jon Compton who was the EP of a feature length documentary being shot on the Hoka Hey”

    I had to comment on this, as I was lambasted by Jon Compton, here in Cyril’s blog (Open Letter) when I referred to him as producer/videographer, which I got from your blog. He came back at me with this: “Carla first….you would be incorrect in your statement as to me being the producer or videographer. Does this make you a liar or simply incorrect in your assumption.”

    I’m not sure what to make of that, other than maybe I demoted Jon when I referred to him as such, rather than as EXEC Producer, and he didn’t appreciate the loss of status. 

    5) “How Americans can live without water in 21st century America is amazing to me.”
    Look around this country. MANY people live without running water, including parts of the deep South you rode thru on this Challenge. Poverty in America IS a disgrace, but it’s not limited to the Native Americans, nor Pine Ridge
    Granted, HHC decided to turn this into water at Pine Ridge…whether Jim has taken up their cause because he truly cares what happens on Pine Ridge, or whether he’s doing it for his own personal motives remains to be seen.

    6) “This run was created to be run in 2009 and a lot of the old rules and regulations were changed and I think some of the folks who signed up then had a problem with the 2010 rules and changes.”
    Definitely rules changed, which is what caused many to be suspicious. It appears at least SOME of these changes were communicated to riders in the private rider forum? But they were never updated on the website, which is how new riders were being marketed to, and what the public saw. Maybe the Durhams werent MEDIA SAVVY, but simply updating the website as rules or policies changed would have had tremendous impact on avoiding much of the controversy. Advice was offered the Durhams. They had TWO YEARS to get this right from an organizational and executional standpoint, and they chose to ignore, even condemn, those who questioned their plans over the past year. It may have been pride and inexperience; maybe stupidity; maybe intent to deceive. We’ll probably never know for sure, as I think, one way or other, SOMETHING will be paid out Aug 11 just to shut up the critics, the press and anyone looking to file a suit for fraud.

    7) “I probably should have said the Hoka Hey people, but for me it was the Lakota people, the riders and the film crews. Those were the 3 distinct players in my game.”
    Hmmm. Film crew. Riders. Lakota. AND the Durham family. 4 DISTINCT players, not 3. Jim’s connection to the Lakota has been widely disputed (it’s all online for the viewing). So, when you said the money is coming from the Lakota – but you really meant Hoka Hey people—what did you mean there? Why not just say an anonymous donor as Jim has said for past year plus? Or did you have no clue where the money came from, and if not, why answer the question? Was it because, per your blog, they had asked you to talk to the media that day (ie, spokesperson, tho unofficial) and you felt obliged to give an answer on their behalf?

    If that’s the case, it’s a shame, as Jim has a short memory. From Homer Tribune (probably the reporter you had to confront, as the other reporter had nothing negative to report at all):
    “I don’t even know who the hell Jon Compton is,” Durham said of the most recent person claiming to be a Hoka Hey publicist. “He sure don’t speak for me.” Upon further questioning, Durham acknowledged that he did know who Compton was, and that he was at the start of the race in Key West as an independent film producer. Durham said the same about Alystar McKenneh, who named herself as a Hoka Hey spokesperson in a television interview with KTUU, Channel 2 in Anchorage.

    [o my… Durham called Compton a producer also! Does that make Durham a liar or just misinformed?]

    8) “I was told that Chief Oliver Red Cloud, this sweet man in his 90’s was under attack by his own people for my statement.”
    If this is true, that’s sad. BUT I’d also wonder if the ‘attack’ directed towards him is not due to your statement, but due to the fact that he has associated himself with Jim Durham, who is taking advantage of the Lakota name and culture, which has also been stated in one or two places. You may be being fed a spin on the facts to earn your sympathy.

    Alystar, I’ve thought maybe you’d walked into a situation with little to no previous knowledge, heard one side of a story painted in a way to gain your empathy, particularly once knowing you had a public venue to speak from. Were their motives for this pure, or tainted? Neither of us honestly knows, we’re just going by our gut. Looking at the Durham’s with open eyes doesn’t mean you cant still help Pine Ridge in the cause you have taken on. In my opinion, James “Red Cloud” Durham is either one really bad event organizer and lacks the responsibility to accept assistance when offered, or he is a deceitful person looking after his own self.

  19. 19 Carla Simons Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:35 pm

    ps.. i didnt intend to insert a sunglassed smiley face there. some punctuation i used did that automatically, and i cant go back to edit it out.

  20. 20 Carla Simons Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    Hey Cool Hand..
    want to hear my prediction? It’s not too different from yours.
    (this is assuming money hasnt exchanged hands in the past month in order to make the prize payable)

    Big Jim Red Cloud gets up to announce the winner.
    And as the winner stands beside, him, Big Jim does his water speech.. he IS good at manipulating emotions. He reveals the source of this donation, and it is probably some Lakota who did good, but had grown up with no water and wanted to help his people, and considered giving this money directly to Pine Ridge, but then thought funding the CHallenge was the best way to bring awareness to the problem.

    All well and good… assuming there was an anonymous donor from the git-go.

    By this point, jim has the crowd all worked up, hands the check over to the winner, who amid all the chanting from crowd “water, water, water,” in Warrior fashion he hands the check back over to Big Jim Red Cloud, honestly believing it will go to the people of Pine Ridge…. when in fact it would have bounced around the stage if he’d dropped it.

    just my theory, all in fun, and no offense meant to whoever is named winner.

    are we taking bets? we can agree to donate any winnings to the OTHER charities on the HHC webpage.

  21. 21 Jeri Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    Alystar,

    [ I believe it was mostly due to a lonely attention seeking woman who takes absolutely no responsibility for the havoc she created. I don’t doubt some of the wrecks can be attributed to her because these emotionally and physically exhausted riders were reacting to the crap she was spewing on line instead of keeping their focus on the road. ]

    The Lord detest lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful. Proverbs 12:22

    I am a mature CHRISTIAN woman who lacks for nothing. I will stand for the truth and the truth is that this Challenge was a lie from the beginning. My husband and I had money invested and he was ready to ride, just like the other challengers. It asked him not to go……collecting souls of the departed warriors…..WHAT?

    To set the record straight: I have filed a formal complaint w/ the Attn. Gen. in the State of FL and SD. I am waiting a response from them.

    As I see it today, I am the least of the Organizers problems and certainly not the only one to have filed a formal complaint…..so…..Ms. Alystar……I caused the wrecks because I stood up for the truth. Believe what you want. I was not the woman who stood up in that meeting. I AM the woman who stood up for her religious rights. Get your facts straight.

    BJ should have disclosed his RELIGIOUS AGENDA BEFORE he took our MONEY!

  22. 22 another Jim Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    Ms. McKennah. with respect to riders taking down signs. Are aware that the only update to the offical Hoka Hey web site during the entire race was announcement that unknown riders were taking down signs?

  23. 23 outside Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    I am not sure if everyone knows who Randall “Tex” Cobbs Is. But you might google it. Remember Raising Arizona? Remember the road woarrior. Yeah Right. Same Guy

  24. 24 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 16th, 2010 at 1:52 pm

    Randall “TEX’ Cobbs,
    Wow, I got the feeling you know BJ and Beth. What a blog. I know on more than one occasion BJ confronted those who had spoken bad of him and challenged them to say it to his face. Which are you? With threats like this I hope you have no adverse reaction. In case many didn’t know there was several represenatives, who were not wearing their colors, who were supporting riders. Some of these clubs are extremely well known and are not known for being ripped of as taking it kindly. I would hate for something bad to happend to BJ, which most likely could, and because of your blogs you be the first person they look at. I would also hate for BJ to not show up to the rally because of fear of his and Beths safety as being a reason to not answer for their actions.
    Carla and the rest of bloggers I applaud you for your courage to speak out the truth and put out the fires this aritcle Ms. McKennah started. I hope she learned a very valuable lesson.
    I too met John and he told me personally he was doing a documentary on the challenge. I liked him and found him very honest in his dealings. We shall see what he has to say and what kind of documentary he makes. I hope it would be in support of our riders with absolutely no recognition to any of the HH crew.

  25. 25 Jeff Nicklus Jul 16th, 2010 at 2:02 pm

    I believe all of you should step back and take a deep breath and think about what you are writing on this blog and others.

    Please try and remember that should an investigation ensue the investigators could and more than likely would subpoena Cyril to get each of your IP addresses who have made “factual” comments herein. Then guess what? You guessed it, you will get the privilege of testifying, under oath and penalty of perjury, to everything you have written as factual herein.

    Now I don’t have a dog in this fight, but even if I did I believe I would sit back and let the wheels of justice turn. You all do as you like.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  26. 26 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 16th, 2010 at 2:10 pm

    Bring it on. I will not let Jeri stand alone. I am not at all fearful of speaking the truth if it helps all those involved. For me it is not about the challenge even if the course was not what HH said it was, It is the deception for those who have been burned. My man did the challenge and is a better person for it in someways but many were decieved into believing they were doing this for a worthwhile cause. My husband and I had sponsors who supported us in this event based on the lies we were told and the charities that were involved. We had to reimburse some of those who asked for their money back and I can’t say I blame them. All because of the lies. All BJ did was massacre the souls of those already dead with his lies and deception . My prayer is that others on here won’t be afraid to speak out for those who were there and know the truth.

  27. 27 Dazed & Unconfused Jul 16th, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    Jeff,

    While your advice to step back may be good this blog is not Law & Order: REAL LIFE.

    First of all there would be a phone call. Here is a partial transcript of how it will go down.

    “Hello, Is Mr. Uncofused there?”
    “Speaking”
    This is F.Lee bailey of the CSI: Real Life division and I want to talk to you about your knowledge of comments you posted on a blog”
    “What comments?”
    “We have on record your IP address, and the email address (john.doe@gmail.com) that you posted on a blog”
    “Not me. Never heard of it”
    “It’s YOUR IP address!”
    “Maybe. But 6 other people live here who can access the internet.”
    “Oh. Could they have posted it?”
    “Sure.”
    “Can you ask them if they did?”
    ” Nobody knows what you are talking about”
    “OK, Thank you Mr Unconfused. Sorry to have bothered you.”

    F. Lee turns to the eye candy in his office,”Damn! And Jeff said it would work!”

  28. 28 Carla Simons Jul 16th, 2010 at 2:26 pm

    Jeff, your warning is true. i have documented everything i’ve written. if it’s not backed up, it’s obviously my opinion which is worth as much as any one else’s and not stated as fact.

    of course, if i cant take my notes, i’d be worthless. CRS is doing a number on me (it CANT be age-related)

  29. 29 09 Indian Rider Jul 16th, 2010 at 2:54 pm

    A reply to ME
    I don’t know that I see any threats being made.
    I do see an honest offer from “TEX” to give Durham the boxing lessons he asked for.
    As for the other verbage “TEX” uses in his post?
    Well some folks may not be as refined in their language as you might be.
    ON WITH THE SHOW!!!

  30. 30 Speedie Jul 16th, 2010 at 3:08 pm

    And you actually make a living with writing like what you have demonstrated here?

    Your facts are inaccurate. Your story telling is flawed. You claim bike mileage when actually riding shotgun in a chase vehicle. And I would tone the hyperbole down just a bit ….

    Although I may be miss-understanding your intent. But I doubt if anyone really wants to be the Jerry Springer of biker blogs …

  31. 31 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 16th, 2010 at 3:11 pm

    Okay, folks we are getting off subject. Ms. McKennah has yet to retract a single statement she has made and that to me is the issue. Where is this woman and why has she not responded to all those who have shown she was in grave error?

    Ms. McKennah,
    1. Actually what he said was, “We are going to the 7 places by which the most horrible mass murders occurred here in the US”. When he said he lied to us, it was, “ I did lie to you, it’s not just about the challenge, it’s about bringing water to my people because we can’t do it alone anymore.” There was a standing ovation and people in the room were yelling “Hoka Hey” ‘Hoka Hey”.

    His people have water and it is supplied by the US Government who built a pipeline from Pine Ridge Reservation to the Missouri River. They not only have water they have good water. Those who don’t have water live on land where a well needs to be dug. That was deception.

    2. Riders were calling in from the road to Beth to ask if it was a hoax. We heard that riders were quitting the contest because of it. Riders came into the second check point fighting and cussing about it. The entire thing was getting crazy.

    This was because the first check point was suppose to be in Southaven, Mississippi. This was on thier website plain and simple. First checkpoint was to be somewhere is MS. not Daytona, FL. I personally got an email on Friday night,, wknd of the race from Southaven telling that Beth had personally told them to tell people that Southern Thunder was to be the first checkpoint. It was also at this same checkpoint that support crews were informed they could not support their riders in anyway except in case of mechanical failure. They could not even bring them a bottle of water. This was a change in the rules that support crews had no knowledge of and most likely would not of encurred any expense if they had. I was livid. No one, and I mean no one I spoke to and there was at least 30 knew about this rule. Why not say. “no support crew.” Now we have two lies.

    3. I just continued to shoot. I shot the fights, I shot the guys who were angry about all the talk on the web, I shot the support crews who were looking for some reassurance that this was not a hoax and then all the talk of deaths and taking down of signs and just plain horse crap began to spin these riders around. O’barr was a huge contributor on the HH site for this shit storm and on the web. We were praying that these already physically battered riders didn’t get killed because of her rhetoric.

    Considering how emotionally and physically draining this ride was, my production crew went out of their way to reassure riders that no one was out to trick them. That we were all there with them. And they were tired and burned and angry.

    HH crew admitted on the HH website of discussions that they were in no way responsible for the death of any rider. That a rider should know there limitations and should stop and rest. Now if HH has said this why are you contradicting it? It to me is the firs truth I had heard come from their own mouths.

    4.In Alaska the channel 2 news interviewed everyone standing around the finish area. I was doing the exit interviews. I was interviewed as well. When the woman asked me where the prize money was coming from I said “the Lakota”. I did not say nor did I mean, “the Lakota Nation.”But it was interpreted that way. My interactions with the Lakota who put this run on were fraught with “us and them” episodes. It’s natural. I think every time white people have interaction with any body it’s always an us and them. We were told about the terrible trials their people had suffered because of our ancestors. It’s almost natural for us to have to undergo the ritual of what your great great grandfather did to us. We are all used to it. I probably should have said the Hoka Hey people, but for me it was the Lakota people, the riders and the film crews. Those were the 3 distinct players in my game.

    Tell me the difference between ” the Lakota” and the “Lakota Nation”? The rest of your rhetoric is stirctly a one sided conversation. While I don’t agree with what happened to the Sioux nation, many nations have suffered other than Native Americans at the hand of others. BJ and his crew used the play on sympathy of the Lakota Nation and did not even have their backing. Another lie.

    5. So I can’t help wondering what is really going on here. I’ve had newspapers call me. Hate mail coming my way and again I have to say…what is the real deal? Why make a shooter the focus and why is the focus being redirected. Is there a larger question at hand about the water issue? Because for me the water issue was all consuming. I shot the riders but at night I studied up on the water problems in SD.

    You are the center of attention because your facts are not straight. You have taken the words of key players who have used you to take the focus off of them. Had you really studied the way you said you did you would know that your facts were incorrect.

    6. I am probably the only one who recognizes the shit storm for what it is. A good opportunity to really take a look at the water problem in America, I pray everyone uses this moment wisely. Way too many people were caught up in the sophomoric behavior of these adults that really should be under a doctors care.

    Now who recognizes what? You created this shit storm yourself. Sophmoric behavior is listening to gossip and not facts, you personally smeared a womans name for sake of your column and making news that is non existant. Any back lash you get is you reaping the benefits of what you have sowed.
    When you apolagize for what you have said and done and can write an article based on truth then you might be redeemned.

  32. 32 Jeff Nicklus Jul 16th, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    Dazed & Unconfused,

    If you believe any of what you have written you are a fool. This can be tracked back to the very computer you are typing on. All they have to do is serve you with a subpoena and away goes you computer and within minutes they are into your hard drive and bang there is a copy of your posting … and that my friend is real life. There will be hundreds of lawsuits stem from this whole thing ….. watch and see.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  33. 33 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 16th, 2010 at 3:34 pm

    Jeff,
    I say good, I have nothing to hide and don’t care about any lawsuit. The way I see it if everyone was afraid of being supeona and not having their facts in order then they shouldn’t be blogging. Being silent is not always the best policy. If you recall it was becasue people were silent we can no longer say the Pledge of Allengiance in our school. Silence is why many Americans no longer have many of their freedoms. Silence is not going to help those who have lost a loved one who thought they were riding for a good cause. I will not be silent if the AG wants to talk to me. Silence is often a killer and not how this country was founded.

  34. 34 Jeff Nicklus Jul 16th, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Dawn,

    I agree whole heartily with you! What I am saying is, you better have your facts straight because the repercussions could be great. Also, please note that legally the “Truth” is always an affirmative defense.

    I wish you the best and I hope for all concerned this works out well. My condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in this “adventure”.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  35. 35 Dazed & Unconfused Jul 16th, 2010 at 3:52 pm

    Jeff,

    If I really thought that I was going to say anything that was going to be used against me I can assure you that they would not find me. I know all about NATs and double NATs. I was wardriving long before you knew that Al Gore invented the internet. Opena and free wifi, etc Why do you think there are so few crimes prosecuted based solely on computer activities? The only exceptions that come to mind right now are viruses, pedophiles and hacking. Because those are crimes that go beyond expressing an opinion.

    Anyway, your advice to take a step back is good. So far there have been no lawsuits filed – yet. I am actually surprised in some ways. My guess is that most people don’t consider $1,000 worth fighting for. But a small claims filing would be easy enough to do and easy to win for breach of contract. I say easy to win because it would be easy to show breach of contract and because it would be too costly for JD and his land trust company to defend.

    I suspect that after 8-11 there will be a lot filed.

    I would not be surprised if a deal was cut with the winner. Unless they have an anonymous benefactor (and I am not discounting that John White would do this) JD may be best served by going to the winner and telling him, “We don’t have $500,000. We did not get enough sponsorship or riders. What we can offer you is an annuity (like the lotteries) or a bulk payout of $250,000. If you sign this non-disclosure we will increase the annuity to have a value of $600,000. If you don’t sign this we never talked. We won’t pay out and you can sue us. We have no assets so good luck collecting.”

  36. 36 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 16th, 2010 at 3:57 pm

    Dazed and Confused. You may have hit the hammer on the nail. I can see things played out this way. All will come to light on 8/11. I am sure by then BJ and Beth will be long gone.

  37. 37 Dazed & Unconfused Jul 16th, 2010 at 4:11 pm

    The other thing that would be interesting is to track the registration on all vehicles purchased since this whole thing started and then compare the income to the trust company to the personal expenditures of the Durhams. It might be an easy way to pierce the corporate veil of the land trust company. I am sure it will all come out in the end.

  38. 38 Jeff Nicklus Jul 16th, 2010 at 4:17 pm

    Dazed & Confused,

    I never said that you had made any statements that could be consuidered libelous. However, one doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that when one person says one thing as absolute fact and then another person says the exact polar opposite, someone is lying. Re-read some of the comments made as fact and you will see what I mean. Like I said, I don’t have a dog in this fight and I could care less what transpires.

    Also, your hypothesis concerning the “payoff” could have a lot of merit. Again, as Dawn said, 8-11-2010 will be very telling.

    One last thing: AL Gore didn’t invent the internet. I am devastated.

    Have to go get ready for Sturgis now.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  39. 39 Me Jul 16th, 2010 at 4:25 pm

    RE:’09 Indian Rider –

    “Hey Jimmy!

    I’m calling you out xxxxx!

    Just me and YOU xxxxx!

    Shit! That wouldn’t be fair!

    Just me and YOU and five of your rez buddys!

    I am gonna beat you like I beat Holmes only worst!

    YOU be there boy! I am gonna xxxxx slap you like a pimp slaps his whores!”

    —Doesn’t sound like a vacation request to me…ya just shouldn’t put these kinds of words down… I can understand all being upset. This, no doubt, is a very upsetting situation to all, involved or not –
    and it’s not about “refining” language.
    I’m not looking for argument or to create an “issue” – thus the “JMHO” part (means “just my honest opinion) – we’re all entitled to our own,
    A good day to you sir 😉

    Me

  40. 40 All jim needs is Kool-Aid Jul 16th, 2010 at 4:31 pm

    I for one believe this is a total scam and for anyone that believes that Big Jim is not media savvy. Needs to Google The White Buffalo Capper, it is very interesting article about how Big Jim was Savvy enough to con 2 Boulder Co. business men very interesting reading. Plus I think Mind Control 101 Teaches the first step of mind control is sleep deprivation. You cannot blame the death of 2 men on one women but you can blame it on the mind control of one man and the lure of $500,000 cash.

  41. 41 Bill R Jul 16th, 2010 at 4:32 pm

    I think it safe to say that anyone with any connection to the Hoka Hey debacle has lost all credibility.

  42. 42 Jeri Jul 16th, 2010 at 4:33 pm

    Dawn, Cyril Huze returned my call this morning and graciously listen to my concerns about this article. He was very informative and helpful. He called me later this afternoon to let me know that he had attempted to help me by posting this “apology” he had received from Ms. McKenna

    Thank you Cyril for your concern and help in this matter.

    Ms. Alystar McKenna – no comment

    Added July 16, 2010. At 1:20:03 PM EDT I received an email from Alystar Mc Kenneh. She writes “When I spoke with the reporter who called me from the Rapid City Journal and I referred to that woman, she said her name is Jeri O’Bbarr. So I see I have maligned that woman. And I need to apologize to her”

  43. 43 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 16th, 2010 at 4:45 pm

    I just posted this on facebook for all to see as I got the same email.. Hopefully Ms McKenna learned a good lesson from this on proper reporting. I am sure she thought her sources were good but good reporting gets both side. Jeri, I am sorry you had to go through this. God works quick and you have been redeemed. Ms. McKenna I am glad you owned up to your mistake and since you claim you need to apolagize to that woman, why not do so.

  44. 44 09 Indian Rider Jul 16th, 2010 at 5:25 pm

    No stress ME.
    I favor this part of his post.
    “REMEMBER WHEN YOU ASKED ME TO TEACH OU HOW TO BOX? I’M GOING TO TEACH YOU BOY!”
    Happy Trails to you ME!!!

  45. 45 David Allen Coe Jul 16th, 2010 at 5:38 pm

    Does anyone besides myself find it at all suspicious that shortly after starting this scam 2 years ago, Jim and Beth bought a brand new 3/4 Ford powerstroke with all the whistles, (aprox.$35-$45,000) and then a few short months later a brand new 2009 H-D Street glide (aprox $25-$35,000) and were also taped at the Las Vegas bike show (filmed having a heck of a good time) and also partying up in Daytona shortly after that? Let’s not forget last years attendance to the Sturgis bike rally where it seemed as though money was no object as far as he was concerned because he stayed at the suite disignated for Costner just above the midnight star at $1000+ a night?
    I won’t even tell everybody of the extra curricular activitys he has been enjoying since the money started rolling in from the riders fees.

    I will tell you this ……Since Jim and Beth have started getting these $1000 checks sometimes as man as 25 in one week to as little as 1-2 a week over thje period of two years! Over that two years and no plan had yet to give fruit (as far as getting the full ammount so he and Beth could leave the country with no extradiction laws).

    As far as this fairytale about the water and pine ridge residents not having any. It is untrue that they can’t drill a well and get water and/or dig trenches and tie into an existing water line……

    BUT……

    This is where is gets annoying as hell.

    They (the residents are fully capable of providing water to their homes, but it will not happen unless someone does it for them while they get sloshed on cheap whiskey or are too busy breeding more children to brutalize and sexually torture soon after birth)

    I’m not saying all ther people on PR are this way, but many many are! They think the government owes them everything and constantly have their hands outstretched waiting for a handout.

    Last week I cleaned out my freezer and came across about 20-30 lbs. of antelope meat (one roast, a few steaks, and some burger) and wanted to get rid of it since I had just bought about 50 LBS OF 93% LEAN hamburger and didn’t have room, so I went down to the cornerstone mission to give it away. A young native man and woman approached me and asked what I had in the sack, and as I started to open it, he aggressively grabbed it and snatched it out of my hands and began to run when I yelled at him that I was there to give it away and asked them to share it with the other residents. Thinking he was going to say thank you, he instead asked me if I had any smokes, when I said no he asks….how about money? You got any money? give me some money! Now…..I’m all for helping people who have it rough, but after giving him enough meat to eat well for a week and maybe more, I take offense to someone whom I have just helped….Demand money from me with out even saying thanks first for the food I just gave them!

    So I just turned and walked away. I am not racist, but am finding out more as the days go by that the natives around here EXPECT to be given things and then if anything bad happens in their life, some how, some way, it is the white mans fault!

    Until these people put the bottle and the drugs down and find jobs, any job to support themselves , they will blame the white man for their short comings!

    I have a feeling that Durham did the same thing here….. He believes the white man owes him something and he took it! He has a clear conscience about taking that money because he honestly believes the white man owes it to them!

    During the interveiw where he was asked his thoughts about the two riders who lost their lives….Listen to it…….He just gives out a …….eh….they knew what they were getting into! so what? Anytime someone gets on a motorcycle they take the chance of dying!

    He showed no remorse! Not a shred! To this day he has never called and offered any kind of sympathy or even sent a card!

    But yet Alystart states that he started crying, along with Beth! Yeah…….RIGHT!

    This sounds really bad……..But……..These people seem to me would be people that if they came across a accident where the person(s) were barely hanging on to life and there was nobody around, they would dig through your pockets, maybe roll you over to check your front pockets for money, and then take off, and depending on how drunk they were, would call 911 when they were a ways down the road!

    Very sad human beings.

  46. 46 1550tc Jul 16th, 2010 at 6:19 pm

    Hey Jeff Over & Out Nicklus

    Love the comment your Lodge brother & distant relative Jack finally made about Tiger breaking his records !!

    NOT NOW BUT Can you explain all this Hoka Hey or give me the Readers Digest version when we meet up in Lead 🙂

    Is there a conspiracy theory to this Hoka Hey? Is it on u tube?

  47. 47 Felicity George Jul 16th, 2010 at 8:09 pm

    Here in Alaska many people have to haul their own water in and do just fine. One area void of water is the bluffs along East End Rd. where the Hoka Hey finish party was. I find that exceedingly ironic.

  48. 48 Felicity George Jul 16th, 2010 at 8:16 pm

    What will probably happen:

    http://i28.tinypic.com/33x7l6p.jpg

  49. 49 Rick Lossner Jul 17th, 2010 at 6:58 am

    Before reading about this race on this website… I’d never heard of it.. now, as someone earlier said, it’s like watching a Jerry Springer show.. hell, even better!

    Truly looking forward to hearing about the $$ at Sturgis to see how this whole thing plays out. Though, there may be more $$ in the lawsuits between you all before it’s over 🙂

    ~Rick

  50. 50 Jeri Jul 17th, 2010 at 7:36 am

    Watch for my story: The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge: Jeri O’Barr’s position

  51. 51 Jim Puckett Jul 17th, 2010 at 8:06 am

    Moving on to a positive note:

    So what would you guys and gals think about an AMA Sanctioned event with mandatory rest stops, mandatory SPOT 2 satellite tracking devices, crystal clear rules and route instructions, disqualification for flagrant speeding (as detected by SPOT 2 time and position data in near real time), and 100% of the prize money in an open book, irrevocable escrow account?

  52. 52 Doc Robinson Jul 17th, 2010 at 8:49 am

    Billy Bartels, I’m with you buddy.

  53. 53 Captain Bob Jul 17th, 2010 at 9:48 am

    John White has suddenly become very quiet.

  54. 54 Kirk Perry Jul 17th, 2010 at 11:31 am

    (not verbatim)
    “Well it was raining the day my mom got out of prison….. So I drove to the station in my pick-up-truck …….. but she got run over by a dang ol’ train.” – signed D.C.

  55. 55 just my opinion Jul 17th, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    Jeff Nicklus; Even thou i agree that people should think about what they type on a blog. I don’t think for a minute that a DA or any other government official can force anyone to testify about their knowlage or lack there of. First any person would have to reside within 150 mile range of the court that any case would be heard in or they are not required by law to even show up let alone testify. And 2nd but more importantly no one can say for sure who did the typing. Most computers are in rooms with access from several family members or coworkers and anyone of them could have written the comments. That is the beauty of, or curse if you will of the internet it allows anyone and everyone to state their own opinions without fear of the consiquences. So write on people there is no gustapo in the USA that will kick in your door and drag you off to testify against your friends and neighbors. This whole thing has turned into a Jerry Springer like joke. The money will likely be paid and the promoter will hold another event to earn even more money and all the sheep will forget what happened here in a very short time span and life will be good once again. The promoter may have set this whole thing up him self just to get all the free press. If he did and if he pays the money in Sturgis then he can come back and say see I am good person and all those bad people tried to beat me down and keep me from helping my beloved people. Shame on them but now I have a new rally and it only cost the rider 1200 dollars each . And the riders will sign up and the next episode of Jerry springer will begin. Jeff as you know ALL promoters are full of shit they will say and do anything to get their money. I am positive that you as a vendor have seen that. I have said before that I don’t know what this story is really about but we will all know the truth here in a couple weeks at sturgis.

  56. 56 martin Jul 17th, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    Between Carla Simons and David allen coe,there isn’t anything else to say is there?Oh I thought it was supposed to be held at the Broken Spoke aug.11th?

  57. 57 Jeff Nicklus Jul 17th, 2010 at 3:32 pm

    JMO,

    1: “First any person would have to reside within 150 mile range of the court that any case would be heard in or they are not required by law to even show up let alone testify.”

    You are totally mistaken about the show up and testify statement ….. I currently have litigation going in a Trademark infringement case …… the Defendant lives almost 2,000 miles from me yet, he is compelled to appear in Federal Court, live and in person … there goes the ol’ 150 mile rule huh? Maybe in Utah in a Civil matter is State Court the 150 mile rule applies, but make no mistake about this any litigation that stems from this will likely be in Federal Court due to the multitude of jurisdictions.

    2: “Jeff as you know ALL promoters are full of shit they will say and do anything to get their money.”

    I am not referencing anything that the Promoter may or may not have said or claimed, I have no idea about that. What I am talking about is everyone who is giving conflicting statements …. Someone is lying.

    3: “So write on people there is no Gestapo in the USA that will kick in your door and drag you off to testify against your friends and neighbors.”

    You are correct, no one can force you to testify, well, no one except a Judge! Remember the little situation a guy named Richard Nixon got himself into with some recordings a few years back? Don’t testify when ordered to by a Judge and you can be held in Contempt of Court and jailed. There has been more than one newspaper reporter who has seen the inside of a jail cell on Contempt charges.

    4: “That is the beauty of, or curse if you will of the internet it allows anyone and everyone to state their own opinions without fear of the consequences.”

    Yes, if those making statements were clarifying their statements as their “opinions” all would be good, but that is not the case with most of what I have read herein.

    Personally I could care less what people write herein, I am simply saying be careful what you write because it could come back and bite you in the ass.

    Have to go back and work in the shop now as we are getting bikes ready for Sturgis …. you going JMO?

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  58. 58 Bigfoot Jul 17th, 2010 at 4:43 pm

    I have ridden to Alaska many times. Sometimes by the short road through Canada (I live in New England) and other times by going to California and taking a right turn. I am no stranger to camping out along the road or in the woods and bathing in a stream or lake. I sometimes hunt for my food instead of shopping while I am on these rides. The ride I like, byt after reading all these stories about Hoka Hey, Iyou could not pay me enough to ever get involved with one of their runs. No one agrees who did what to who or how and when I ride I enjoy myself and this does not soung like those who rode in this did at all. And they had to pay for this load of **** on top of it.
    The ride part sounds like a good reason to stay home.

  59. 59 John E Adams Jul 17th, 2010 at 6:17 pm

    This event seems to have struck a note with many, I hope in the end the spirit of the event and prize money is passed on as promised .

    Although I do not know but suspect Jim Durham is reading and hopefully reflecting on each of these thoughts. For you Mr. Durham, without any judgment on my part here is my only thought:

    “I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother, but to fight my greatest enemy – myself. Make me always ready to come to you with clean hands and straight eyes. So when life fades, as the fading sunset, my Spirit may come to you without shame. – Chief Yellow Lark, Lakota Sioux”

    John

  60. 60 Felicity George Jul 17th, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    Anyone familiar with Michael “Mavrerick” Bresnan?

    http://i28.tinypic.com/214pz6.jpg

  61. 61 Dawn Mcelwain Jul 17th, 2010 at 7:47 pm

    Jim Puckett, What are you saying. Would anyone do this ride again? In a heart beat if it had gone down the waythe ysaid it would. This challenge did not have holes in had pot holes. It is obvious to many that BJ,, Beth and thier crew seriously misrepresented themselves and deceived a whole lot of people. Anyone probably could of pulled it off better had they of been honest. If you can do that then I think you have a challenge/race, as long as Red Cloud/Durham have nothing to do with it.

  62. 62 Bodhi Jul 17th, 2010 at 10:15 pm

    I’m so glad that Alystar’s article wasn’t put forth as anything other than her “(own) point of view” because it sure as hell doesn’t resemble anything close to an unbiased look at what actually occurred during the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge. Her slant is obvious and equally pathetic.

    So, here’s my point of view… since that’s what passes for journalism these days.

    The first time I saw Alystar was following a heated exchange in South Haven, between a Challenger and organizers Jim Durham/ Red Cloud (and the friend of Jim’s who was in the service with him, sorry I don’t recall the guy’s name) when immediately following the shouting match, Alystar was Johnny-on-the-spot with her video camera hoisted at the ready, when she unprofessionally and quite sarcastically taunted the rider by asking him “…Do you need a hug?” and the Challenger responded, “No, I just need some F’n directions that make some F’n sense!”
    I wasn’t sure at the time if she was trying to deliberately instigate continued drama for her own video’s sake, or if she was just so “in the camp” of the organizers that she just got caught up in the moment – I now believe both things to be the case.
    Ironically, the very first turn out of the South Haven dealership had been mistakenly omitted from the turn-by-turn directions given to the riders for the next leg of the Challenge but were now handwritten in onto the maps.
    To the organizer’s credit, Beth was working quite hard to get updated instructions in the hands of all who were still there and telling them verbally, so they would be careful to avoid missing the first turn (that had previously not been on the page). Her effort was appreciated by myself of course, but it still serves as an example of how the frustrations of the riders may have been partially justified.
    It’s just hard to guess how many left there without an updated version of the directions.

    The next time I saw Alystar was at Flaming Gorge H-D.
    Like many other riders, I had missed turns and gotten off course several times earlier (mostly thru my own fault) and I had lost a good deal of time back-tracking, and had then made the decision to stop back-tracking. Immediately upon arrival (and during check-in) at Flaming Gorge, I told the folks manning the post that I in fact, had been on the highway and was no longer eligible for the purse – but DO plan to continue to ride the route the rest of the way to Homer.
    I felt satisfied enough with my ride and that I’d had integrity enough to DQ myself, without needing anyone else’s input at that point – and decided I’d make it the rest of the way to Homer, less as a competitor and that’s when the ride became more of a spiritual journey and personal quest for myself… but I still rode quite hard.

    While making final preparations to leave onto the next leg of the Challenge, I was approached by Alystar and a man who introduced himself as Jon Compton.
    Jon came across as a friendly individual genuinely concerned with how the ride was going for me. I had told them about becoming frustrated with the route earlier and that I had already DQ’ed myself but planned to continue on to Homer.
    Jon kinda laughed and said that the ride was intentionally designed to be mentally challenging as well as a physical test.
    I agreed and we continued to share friendly comparisons and stories from my own experiences on the ride.
    It mattered little to me at this point, as I was already out of the running for the money – but I told them both that I DID believe that some route signs had been removed (or were never there).

    Now, I should say at this point, that I was VERY surprised to read above that Alystar finds it laughable that anyone would take the time to remove road signs from the route.
    ESPECIALLY when it was during this particular interaction at Flaming Gorge when both Alystar and Jon informed me that the riders responsible for removing the road signs had been caught and had already been sent packing from the Challenge!

    Alystar-
    “One paper said that road signs in Florida were being removed. That made me laugh. The entire pack left in one huge bunch. Who do you think stopped in the middle of that pack and got out a screw driver. who was left to see him do it as they flew past. Who gave up their front spot to get that pesky sign out of the way. These of course were all state road signs so which sign to choose.”

    Note to Alystar:
    If you’d like a demonstration of how a route sign could be brought down in just a matter of seconds and without the need of a screw driver, just let me know.
    Your lack of imagination on this matter is surprising considering the fairy-tail version of this story you submitted for your article.

    They then asked if I had seen other Challengers along the highway. I told them I had seen several, and likewise riders with their support teams.
    When they asked me for names, I refused to offer any to them though I’m certain that some of the individuals I saw were people they would have known.
    However, I did not feel that it was my place to expose anyone, and if either of them wanted to “catch” them cheating, they’d have to go and look for themselves.
    Besides, simply finding a rider w/ their Support Team would not necessarily prove an attempt to cheat, as who’s to say that they hadn’t broke down and now planned to return to where they were picked up??? In any event, it just wasn’t my job to “report” on anyone.

    Alystar became increasingly hostile and accusatory. Her tone was argumentative and at the same time dismissive.
    Alystar’s attitude completely took me off guard as she wasn’t anyone to me at all, and I the longer I talked to her, the more it felt like some sort of an interrogation.
    I wondered, …just who the hell did she think she was??? She must have been high or something. lol.
    Jon seemed a bit embarrassed for her, and frankly, I felt a little sorry for HIM, knowing that he had to work with her in any capacity.
    From MY point of view… Alystar is the perfect storm of ego, illusions of grander and hype.
    AND proof positive that anyone with a camcorder and an agenda is a VERY scary thing!

    Way to go, Alystar….Don’t ever let the facts get in the way of a good story. MSNBC needs you!
    – but IF you’d care to learn a little something about video journalism, you might want to check out the work of Adriana of Lake Weir Living.
    http://www.facebook.com/LiveWhereYouRide
    Her YouTube and Facebook documentations of the ride were at least a service to the Challengers and their families and not the self-serving dribble you produced. Adriana’s offerings are true examples of what the Hoka Hey spirit was meant to be while telling the stories of the riders and the wonderful people of Homer!

    And that’s the way I saw it.

    Bodhi, coin #209,
    2010 Finisher, arriving in Homer June 30th – and not needing anyone’s acceptance or approval, least of all Alystar McKenneh’s…

  63. 63 Jeri Jul 17th, 2010 at 11:52 pm

    Bodhi, coin #209,

    YOU ROCK! I so appreciate the truth……as you saw it! 🙂

  64. 64 Felicity George Jul 18th, 2010 at 6:27 am
  65. 65 Jeri Jul 18th, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    To all who wonder if BJ is the man he claims to be….Navy Seal?

    Email just received from Steve at Stolen Valor.

    The information I got from one of our people was that there are NO RECORDS of Jim D ever serving. We need the name that Beth enlisted under and then we can run a check. Please go back to our form and fill out whatever you have on her. We’ll run a check.

    We are glad to hear that you have made a complaint about this ride. We were wondering if that was going to happen.
    Thanks for the inquiry.

    BJ’s life is a lie. SURPRISED?

  66. 66 just my opinion Jul 18th, 2010 at 2:27 pm

    Jeff Nicklus; I too have had the misfortune of defending my Intellectual property in Federal court. More than ten times and I can tell you with absolute certainty that there are milage limits on witnesses and subpeona’s. I believe it to be 150 miles but it may be 200. In either case it is definately not 2000 miles. I think in your case the attorney probable has not explained fully how these things work. Your witness must be willing to travel to help you and your case but they would not be required by law to do so. They probably were subpeona’d just so that they are on the courts record as being a witness so that they can be heard by the court. As for your other thoughts I would have to agree some of these people should think twice about saying this or that is a fact especially when the facts are not fully out yet. As for Sturgis I will be going in two week. Hope you have a profitable and safe trip. It should be good for all us vendors being the 70th.

  67. 67 Carla Simons Jul 18th, 2010 at 6:23 pm

    enjoyed reading your perspective Bohdi, and the spirit you carried on the road

    i’m sure it’s a memory you will hold close forever

  68. 68 Felicity George Jul 18th, 2010 at 9:13 pm

    Hey Jeri…..

    Concerning JD’s claims about being a Navy Seal….

    check this out:

    http://i25.tinypic.com/j9vs5w.jpg

  69. 69 Jeff Nicklus Jul 19th, 2010 at 9:44 am

    JMO,

    This guy that is 2,000 miles away is the Defendant in this case not a witness that is helping my case, actually once he gets on the stand he will make my case, but that is neither here nor there.

    Stop by and say hello in Sturgis, I would love to lay eyes on you.

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  70. 70 Harley guy Jul 19th, 2010 at 12:34 pm

    It’s interesting that Alystar McKenneh “handed over her footage to Jim Durham”. This means that she was hired by him to shoot the ride. Of course she would be defending him and the whole Hokey Hey debacle, since she was part of the whole scheme, it seems, from the get go. Ask her how much she got paid for this, and how much of a percentage she is hoping to receive from the film if it is ever placed. Funny how all these collaborators are stepping forward to attack the critics who have watched all this come down, and who are trying to look out for the biking community. This thing was illegal from the start, and has caused injury, and death. Now the money has disappeared, and a smoke screen is being laid out to hide the perpetrators. It’s pretty obvious to all of us what has happened, and once these people are in court, they’ll be spilling their guts, and trying to make a deal with the DA.

  71. 71 just my opinion Jul 20th, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    Jeff Nicklus; Now that makes more sense. I thought you believed a witness could be subpeopna’d from 2000 miles. That is what I get for thinking. I hope you win your case without it costing your company too much. Were do you set up at? I would like to stop and say hello IF I can slip off the leash. I ussually take at least 2-3 days for enjoying the hills and stopping around to say hello to people I know in the Industry. We set up at Black Hills HD has been a great spot, lots of people but they don’t seem to be in a hurry so you get time to talk to them and that always helps. Let me know were your gonna be and I will try to get by and see you.

  72. 72 Carla Simons Jul 20th, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    Harley Guy..
    Per Alystar’s blog, Jon Compton approached her and asked if she’d like to film the ride for him. He “hired” her, but for no pay, and she had to pay her own expenses.
    Now, what kind of deal may have been made for a cut of the proceeds, i have no idea.
    Shoot, dont even know if what she posted was true.

    I wondered about handing the film over to Jim also.. he has the technical know-how to edit it??? LOL

    but.. it was for HHC, so guess makes sense he’d get it.

    just letting you know what she had stated. for what it’s worth.

  73. 73 Carla Simons Jul 20th, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    Interesting…
    A post from Beth Durham on 8/19/09 in my home moto-forum…
    here’s the link to the forum, but below that are a couple of the most telling quotes.

    http://forums.delphiforums.com/MCTourer/messages?msg=37678.86

    Here’s a quote about what the Challenge is all about, and about the charities:

    “We are promoting a legitimate fund raising event. We are working with 16×9 Films to develop a 13 episode series which will focus on Challenge participants; military veterans; the communities we will travel through; as well as our named charities. Sure, the Challenge will be a big part of the program but the special interest stories – the lives of our veterans and those suffering with MS; the average Joe in small town ; the hog farmer or the Chiropractor – that’s the real story. We don’t believe “the public would only be seriously interested in the race leaders” but think they will be more interested in issues that really matter.

    “With respect to the charities; we are working hard to make this a profitable event in order to have money to donate. But, we haven’t pinned down an exact dollar amount yet. We have been in close communication with our named charities and they are simply thrilled to even be considered by our organization. ”

    [ yep, it sure sounds like this was all about the water, doesnt it? ..cbs]

    AND quote about where the prize money came from… specifically this:

    “On the subject of our banking practices… The Medicine Show Land Trust is the organization that is promoting the event and the money brought in through the application process is not where the prize money has come from. The $500K comes from a group of private, philanthropic individuals who have chosen to remain anonymous. This is not a matter of public record and I am not at liberty, nor am I inclined, to share it. However, I do want to assure you that the money was secured long before we began to promote the event.”

    This was August 19, 2009.
    To HHC 2010 organizers and John White…
    You cant make these statements just “go away” or change them to suit the situation today.

  74. 74 Benjava Jul 21st, 2010 at 12:26 am

    That’s the funny part about this sad story. Everybody keeps parroting this water bs without doing any real investigation. The first time this water smoke screen turned up was very recently. It’s sad that Alystar seems to have just bought bj’s bull hook line and sinker without checking out all the propaganda put out there over the previous two years.

  75. 75 Jeff Nicklus Jul 21st, 2010 at 4:34 pm

    JMO,

    We will be set up at the Golden Hills Resort in Lead. The corner of Hwy 14 and Miners Ave ….. just at the top of the hill as you get into Lead. Drop me an email direct and I will give you my cell number just incase. j.nicklus@desperadomotorcycles.com

    Over & Out,

    Jeff

  76. 76 Nick Jul 22nd, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    Has anuyone came up with the true rider amount yet? Has anyone really found out who is in the org-
    anization , (Hoka Hey) commitee or what is this Hoka Hey Motorcycle Co? John White and his APE company and money seem to be in the middle of it all but one time he has nothing to do with it and the next he is part of it and as he used his(APE Co. ) employees to prepare the bikes for shipping and readiness and ride in it all the lawyers should be aware by now and if it (APE) is a World Wide Company money is available to sue for as fraud it seems and the law was broken. The heirsa od the deceased from a ill promoted race on public hiways, both US and Canada have a very good case.

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