The road is calling....

Game on: June 20th, in Key West, Florida will be the day I embark on the "ride of my life". The Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, a gruelling 7,000 mile cross country jaunt that, God willing, will end when my bike crosses the finish line in Homer, Alaska. (see http://www.hokaheychallenge.com/)

My name is Brian McDonnell Jr. I ride Harleys. I currently reside in Chagrin Falls, Ohio where I am the owner of BMJ Construction, Inc. My days are filled with my work (residential construction), spending time with my girlfriend, Candy and my two beautiful daughters, Megan (21) and Kelly (17), and dreaming of the road....

When I first heard of the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge, I was completely hooked. Of course, I tried to dismiss any thoughts of competing and had tons of good reasons not to put myself out there, but I found that I couldn't let it go. Something about this race, covering countless miles and hostile conditions, had it's hold on me. Beginning at the Southern Most Point of the Continental United States and ending in our 49th state of Alaska, it literally spans the continent. I had to do that! In the true Harley spirit, there are known and unknown hazards to the passage. A challenge. Even the course itself is a guarded secret. As the race begins, the participants are given only the location of the first check point. I gave in to the call of the road. I'm in! So the question is: Am I up for the Challenge?

I've ridden a bike since I first went against my parents wishes at age 17 back in South Euclid, Ohio. I am a Cleveland area native, the oldest of four children born to Brian Sr.and MaryAnne McDonnell. My parents raised us with a love and respect for the outdoors. As kids we fished, hunted and rode dirt bikes (sorry Mom). I also love skiing and golf.

My first bike (first love?) was a Honda 450. I rode the hell out of that bike but my passion for the road may coincide with the purchase of my first Harley, a 1970 Super Glide that I bought in the early 90's. That's when I took off, literally, any chance I could. To date, I have ridden in all of the "lower 48" and most of Canada. I even have an Alaskan trip already under my belt. I am accustomed to long days/nights with endless highways or byways stretching out ahead. And I know what it's like to put 1000 miles in during one day of travel. On my current bike, a 2008 Harley Davidson Street Glide, I received the "Iron Butt Association Award" for a ride from Cleveland to Florida in which I logged more than 1100 miles in a day.

For more than two decades, I've seen my share of the road. Yet, the daunting scope of Hoka Hey humbles me. I am seasoned enough to know what I am up against. I will ride with focus and determination, calling on every bit of strength I can muster. Every day, mile after mile, I will leave it all on the road. As you read my blog, I ask for your prayers ( I heard a minister is among the participants... unfair advantage?) and wishes for good luck. It may just be the luck that sees me through...I'd rather be lucky than good any day!

To my fellow participants...safe travels...see you all in Key West! ... It's a good day to ride!