An Ohio man has successfully accomplished a remarkable feat by completing a 10,000-mile motorcycle challenge. The entire purpose behind this incredible journey was to extend support to veterans in need.
Patrick Romeo, a military veteran himself, successfully completed the Hoka Hey Motorcycle Challenge in 2020. Initially, he believed it would be a one-time achievement and had no plans of participating again.
In a twist of fate, 988 not only became the lifeline for suicide and crisis support but also the rider number that he was assigned in 2020 and will forever hold. Inspired by this coincidence, he made the decision to participate in the challenge once more this year.
“I saw it as more than just a coincidence,” he explained. “When I saw the number 988, it immediately reminded me of my own personal number. It felt like a sign. I couldn’t think of a better way to support our veterans and spread awareness than by riding across the country with that number displayed on my windshield, and partnering with the Resurrecting Lives Foundation (RLF) to get the message out.”
In order to successfully complete the challenge, participants must refrain from using GPS and spend nights outdoors with their motorcycles. Moreover, they are required to raise funds for a charitable foundation. Romeo opted for RLF, an organization dedicated to reducing the rate of veteran suicide.
Dr. Chrisanne Gordon, founder of RLF, expressed her gratitude for the repeated act of kindness by stating, “The fact that he has chosen to do this for us again is just the most magnificent gift we could ever ask anybody to do.”
During his latest journey, Romeo encountered challenging weather conditions. He had to ride through 15 hours of continuous rain at the start, and later on, he faced dense fog and smoke caused by wildfires.
“He expressed that this time, the focus was not solely on the ride itself, as he had already experienced it before. Instead, it was about honoring the 988 movement and showing support for our veterans,” he commented.
There were instances when he contemplated dropping out of the challenge, but the mission always served as a reminder of his purpose. To help him persevere, loved ones sent him uplifting text messages.
“The impact of my son-in-law’s words was profound. As a combat veteran himself, he messaged me, reminding me of the countless veterans who may be contemplating giving up. He emphasized the significance of organizations like RLF and 988, and why I embarked on this run in the first place. He encouraged me to persevere, reminding me that there were still a few miles left to go and not to quit prematurely.”
