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Day Two: 96.7 Miles to Petoskey
Day Two became Ken's longest bicycle ride ever: 96.7 miles in 13 hours. Wrong turns, rough trails, lake views, family support, and a high-five from Jeremiah carried him all the way to Petoskey.
Aug 83 min read


Day One: 74 Miles to Interlochen
Before Ken's first 74.2-mile riding day could begin, a missing wallet nearly stopped the trip. Prayer, family support, difficult roads, fresh fruit, a brake repair, and a determined finish carried him from Ludington to Interlochen.
Aug 74 min read


The Last Training Ride Before the Big One
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.
Aug 54 min read


The Call That Changed the Ride
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.
Jul 224 min read


The Rocking Chair Goes Nowhere
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.
Jul 214 min read


Seven Hours Behind the Mask
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.
Jul 204 min read


A Prayer Before the Crash
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."
Jul 184 min read


Looking at These Pictures, It Was Like Yesterday
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.
Jul 173 min read


Fifty Years Apart, Thirty Miles Together
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.
Jul 163 min read


Thirty Miles With Duncan
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.
Jul 103 min read


Fifty Miles on the Bugline
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.
Jul 74 min read


Thirty Miles Before The Storm
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.
Jul 34 min read


More Than A Bike Ride
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.
Jul 13 min read


Getting Past the First Five Miles
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.
Jun 292 min read


A Wet Ride and a Good Test Run
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.
Jun 82 min read
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