Pre-Trip Updates

Ken's final 20-mile training ride brought rain, a shoulder scare, a prayer, and a promise to carry part of his brother Don with him around Lake Michigan. Tomorrow, the journey begins, but one quiet decision at the end of this ride says more than the mileage ever could.

Ken set out on the Wild Goose State Trail with two grandsons for a demanding gravel training ride. Forty-two miles, rough terrain, teamwork, deer flies, and one flat tire turned the day into a family story worth remembering.

Ken left home in 49-degree air with nearly 56 miles between him and Oshkosh. Then he discovered the navigation route was programmed backward. See how he handled the hills, changing weather, a moving destination and the family welcome waiting at the end.

A request for help protecting Ken's lungs became a conversation about fatherhood, faith, charitable giving and 600 shoebox gifts. RZ Industries founder Steve Torbenson shared why his sons inspired his work and how his team plans to help Ken face smoke and dust around Lake Michigan.

Ken's 40.97-mile training ride included 1,673 feet of climbing, a 15 mph headwind, a stop at Richard's house and one deeply personal reflection about his brother Mike's concern for his safety. Ken's answer came down to a rocking chair, a bubble and why he still chooses to ride.

Ken rode 55.61 miles from Hartford to Lake Michigan and back, climbing 1,940 feet over seven hours while facing poor air quality, bridge construction, heat, a hard headwind and one final hill.

Ken's Saturday mask test became a much bigger story after a crash in the final mile. At nearly the same moment, Laralynn felt prompted to stop and pray for his safety. The timing left the family grateful, reflective, and calling it a "God wink."

Twenty years after biking around Lake Michigan with his brother Don, Ken looks back at the rain, detours, landmarks, and moments that still feel like yesterday as he prepares to ride again for Operation Christmas Child.

Ken's July 16 training ride brought a special riding partner, wildfire haze, Holy Hill, steep climbs, and a few feathered roadblocks. Thirty miles later, a grandfather and grandson had a story neither will soon forget.

Ken had 27 days left before his Lake Michigan ride, so he headed out on a 30-mile training ride with Duncan. The route brought hills, old neighborhood memories, Holy Hill, and one simple reminder: keep getting stronger.

Ken took his secondary road bike out for a serious training test and ended up riding 50 miles in July heat. The route included North Lake, the Bugline Trail, tree-covered paths, a quarry with bright blue water, and one more reminder that this Lake Michigan ride is getting closer.

Ken logged a 30.33-mile training ride on July 3, climbing near Holy Hill, stopping every five miles, racing the weather, and preparing for his Lake Michigan ride for Operation Christmas Child.

Ken and Richard spent the evening turning the Lake Michigan bike trip into a real plan, mapping the route, narrowing campground options, preparing gear, and getting ready for a 545-mile ride with a purpose.

Ken completed a 39.79-mile training ride through Hartford, Slinger, Richfield, and Holy Hill. See the route, watch his videos, and discover what keeps him moving forward.

A little rain made today’s ride the perfect test for Ken’s new rain suit. He stayed dry, comfortable, and kept putting in the miles as he prepares for his Lake Michigan bike trip.

Ken’s Lake Michigan bike trip is almost here. He has been training and working out nearly every day to prepare for the miles ahead. Follow the blog for daily ride updates, photos, videos, mileage progress, and stories from the road as Ken raises support to help ship 600 Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts.