It’s hard to put into words how deeply I miss my dad, Mike Dennis, and the incredible influence he had on my life. Growing up around dirtbikes and Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club, I witnessed firsthand how much joy and inspiration your community brought to him. He often spoke of you all with such admiration—his adventures with the club were a constant source of happiness and pride.

When I told him in 1999 that I was thinking about moving to Colorado, he looked at me and simply said, “Just do it.” That moment changed my life. I worked two jobs to save up and made the move out west that same year. His first trip to visit me was epic—he drove across the country in his van with his dirt bike strapped to the back, and when he arrived in Silverthorne, the adventures truly began.

His love for riding inspired both me and my husband. Brian is now an avid single-track rider here in Colorado, and it meant the world to my dad to ride and tinker with him during his visits. One of our most treasured memories was when Jim Keeny and Bob Warga road-tripped out to ride with us in Tin Cup—one of my dad’s favorite places. We planted a couple of trees there with his ashes, a small tribute to the man who taught me that adventure is always worth chasing.

I continue to wear his Hocking Valley Motorcycle Club jacket here in Colorado as a symbol of his spirit and legacy. He always believed that beauty exists everywhere—you just have to look for it—and he had an incredible ability to connect with people wherever he went. His magnetic spirit lives on in every ride, every trail, and every memory we carry forward.

We hope you all have a wonderful ride in Dennisville, and we look forward to joining you at future events. Thank you for being such an important part of my dad’s life.

With love and gratitude,
Sarabeth Dennis

Mike was extraordinary adventure rider and explorer. He logged countless hours exploring every nook and cranny of several states. Most often living off his bike alone.

He never met a stranger or missed and chance to learn something about the area and its history. He had a great sense of humor that always made our lives more fun! I miss him every day.

-Friend and HVMC Club Member Jim Keeny

L-R: HVMC club members Jim Keeny, Mike Dennis, Pat Cowher and Bob Warga on a ferry across the Ohio River during a motorcycle trip to West Virginia. 

He was just a great companion to be around. Even at breakfast time, he was always joking. He always wanted to ride at the back of the group. I still look in the rear view mirror today and think I’ll see him there.

He was the type of guy to stop and pickup a box turtle and move it out of the road. I can’t count the number of times he did that. There weren’t really adventure rides back then, but we rode a lot of dual sports together. We went on a lot of riding trips to West Virginia and Pennsylvania. Later on, trips to Colorado. He really loved Tin Cup, Colorado.

-Friend and HVMC Club Member Bob Warga