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 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.