We all participate in things we have a huge passion for or believe in strongly. Whether it is something we got into on our own or something that a family member first showed us, what we do sometimes has a deeper meaning than it first appears.

Off-roading is a family affair with many of us getting involved because we grew up around it or we are out exploring with our family now. No matter what you do or why you do it there are stories like the one of John Hodel and the Baja 1000 that make you realize there is more to off-roading.

John Hodel’s brother Mark paid the ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam 50 years ago and to remember him, John is racing the 50th anniversary of the Baja 1000.

The 50th anniversary of the Baja 1000 has a deeper meaning to Hodel as it also marks the 50th anniversary of his brother Mark’s ultimate sacrifice in Vietnam. For the race Hodel is doing more than just riding a section of the race, he is racing it all.

“Mark was the brother who first started riding motorcycles and introduced his love of them to the family,” Hodel explained. “So in memory of my brother and his love of motorcycles, I am racing a motorcycle. The significance of the anniversary of the race and Mark’s passing is a connection I could not ignore.”

Hodel will be participating in the Motorcycle Pro Ironman class, a class that consists of individual motorcycle riders, attempting to complete the entire event themselves with no teammates. All riders must finish with the bike they started with. There is no age differentiation for participants, and at 56 years old, Hodel will be one of the oldest participants in this class.

“I made the commitment to ride this race solo, all 1,300 miles, on a motorcycle to raise money for specialized wheelchairs or other personal needs for wounded veterans,” Hodel said. “Mark was killed by an explosive mortar shell and I knew that if it had not been a direct hit, he would have experienced long-lasting repercussions, for the rest of his life.”

In addition to racing the Baja 1000, John Hodel is raising money to help wounded veterans.

“I’ve been racing motorcycles for over 35 years and for me, racing 40 hours straight in the Mexican desert will push this 56-year-old beyond my limits both physically and mentally,” Hodel continued. “It is symbolic of the physical pain and mental anguish our wounded veterans have felt and will have to endure their entire lives. Mine will pass, theirs will continue.”

We wish Hodel the best for the race and for the cause that he is doing it for. If you would like to see what you can do to help for this year’s race, be sure to check out the Stand For Vets website.