Polish riders set out on The Hope Tour for a cause close to their hearts

Three riders undertook an incredible tour to bring hope to cancer patient and felt the H.O.G.^® spirit wherever they went. This is their 8,552.2km story…

This long-distance ride was more than just a tour – it was an epic journey to bring hope to one incredibly brave young man. Michał Milczarek, a 15-year-old from Poland, has been waging his own quiet war against a cruel opponent: neuroblastoma, a form of cancer which impacts the nervous system. Harley Owners Group^® members Anna and Adrian Dąbek, along with their 12-year-old son, undertook the adventure across 31 days, visiting 16 different countries and 24 H-D^® dealerships, all to raise money for Michał’s life-saving treatment and show that goodwill really can move mountains.

Everywhere The Hope Tour took them, Anna and Adrian were welcomed with open arms and encountered a sense of community that can’t be measured. “We’re not extreme athletes. We don’t chase Guinness World Records,” they add. “We’re two teachers and parents with a passion for motorcycles – and hearts that can’t stay indifferent. Everywhere we went along the way, we discovered people with big hearts who supported us through every kilometre.”

This is their story.

Starting out
We left from Komorniki in Poland – a town whose residents and local authorities were part of this mission from the very beginning. Our goal was to visit as many Harley-Davidson^® dealerships and chapters as possible, distribute flyers, share Michał’s story and gather as many hearts – and donations – as we could.

We set off with saddlebags full of flyers, wearing T-shirts promoting the mission and hearts full of hope and uncertainty. We knew this trip was about something much more than sightseeing and that it was a test – of gear, nerves and weather. This was no vacation – this was a mission.

We began sharing photographs and updates on our Facebook page as we went, appealing for donations.

Green hills and golden hearts
Passing through Slovakia and Hungary, we met people who didn’t know us at all, but still asked how they could help. Then, in Romania, even some unpredictable weather didn’t overshadow the kindness of the people – or the beauty of the Carpathian Mountains. The Transfăgărășan and Transalpina roads are dream routes for bikers!

In Bucharest, after the tough mountain roads, Anna’s Fat Boy^® needed some brake repairs. The team at Harley-Davidson Bucharest, upon hearing about our cause, performed the service completely free of charge.

Warmth, spices and generosity
As we crossed into Bulgaria, we were met with warmth – both from the people and the sun. The Black Sea, breathtaking views, amazing food and unpredictable roads greeted us. Then, in Istanbul, Turkey, we encountered true hospitality.

At the Grand Bazaar, a man named Abdullah gifted us a scarf for Michał, no questions asked. We visited two H-D dealerships and the workshop of TT Custom Choppers, where we met the legendary Tarhan Telli, creator of some of the world’s most unique custom motorcycles. His passion, generosity and spirit left a deep impression on us and this is a moment we’ll never forget.

Blue skies and inner peace
After the hectic traffic of Istanbul, Greece was like balm for the soul. Cicadas, the Aegean Sea, incredible food and smiling faces everywhere. We needed this pause. Fatigue was creeping in and Adrian’s Road King^® required a new fuel pump. The friendly team at V-Twin Motor Inn in Thessaloniki got us back on the road in no time – despite the scorching heat.

Our trusty Harleys – a 2001 Fat Boy and 2003 Road King – performed brilliantly throughout the trip.

Wild and genuine
In Albania, we felt like explorers among towering mountains and stunning lakes (such as Lake Ohrid and Lake Shkodër) – raw, powerful, peaceful. This country pulls you back. The winding roads, fresh-caught fish, unspoilt nature and, above all, incredible friendliness of everybody we’ve met is unforgettable.

The Balkans at their best
We experienced perfect weather and thrilling roads through Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia. Croatia’s coast is so stunning, it’s hard not to stop for photographs every few kilometres.

In Bosnia and Herzegovina, we saw something we’ll never forget… a white-bearded Polish biker on a 1937 Knucklehead! We had an instant connection – that’s the power of Harley-Davidson. The motorcycles, whether 20 years old or 90, spark wonder, passion and a feeling that anything is possible.

History, speed, beauty
We passed through the vineyards of Slovenia and headed south to the motor-mad heart of Italy. At the Museo Mille Miglia, we saw what motorsport once meant: cobblestone roads, minimal protection – only steel nerves and roaring engines.

From there, we took the Mont Blanc Tunnel into France and travelled through Annecy, Dijon and Amiens. They were full of history, charm and more Harley riders, who opened their garages and their hearts to our cause. We met some old friends and made some new ones.

The final stretch
In Belgium, we reunited with some old H.O.G.^® friends and made a quick detour to the Netherlands to stop at the Dutch Hills Harley-Davidson dealership. Then, it was on to Thunderbike Harley-Davidson in Hamminkeln, Germany, where we were gifted a hat and T-shirt for Michał. As we neared the end of our trip, we rounded it off by taking the famous German autobahns and made a triumphant ride home to Poland.

Tears of joy
Back home: laundry, shopping, catching up on emails and, most importantly, meeting Michał again! Together with his mum, grandma and grandfather, we gave him all the gifts – our branded tour shirt, the scarf from Turkey, cool gear from Thunderbike and 21 poker chips from the different dealerships we visited along the way. His joy was priceless.

What are we left with? Memories, new friends across Europe and, best of all, the knowledge that together we gave Michał more than money – we gave him hope and proof that he’s not alone.

Thanks to the people we met along the way and those who supported us from afar, the fundraiser has grown. But we’re not there yet – Michał still needs help. His fight continues and we’ll stay by his side until the final success. Anyone is more than welcome to help, and you can find his donation page here.

Our journey gave us real life lessons, shared with our 12-year-old son, and we felt the H.O.G. brotherhood everywhere. People didn’t ask why we were riding, they asked “what can we do?” We believe in a happy ending.