Bonus Ride: Dad Went Back for 600 Miles
- Richard Webster
- Aug 18
- 4 min read
Dad was home. Everyone told him the ride around Lake Michigan was complete and that coming up a few miles short of 600 did not change what he had accomplished.
But the number still bothered him.
So on Tuesday, August 18, Dad put his helmet back on and went out again. This time, his riding partner was his granddaughter Ariel.
Even the upside down getting ready photo became part of the record. This was not a polished victory lap. It was a real family ride, with laughter, hills, lessons, and one goal Dad wanted to settle for himself.
Five Miles Was Only the Beginning
The first few miles brought the familiar roads, Dad's running joke about the Canadian geese protesting, and Ariel learning how he talks his way through a ride.
Then Dad reached the milestone he had come back for. He had crossed 600 miles, but neither rider was ready to turn around.
Ariel became the first grandchild to join him for a full training style ride on a regular bicycle. Jacob had ridden the electric bike before, which Dad still jokingly calls the cheater bike, but Ariel was doing this one under her own power.
Of course, a helmet brought the same problem it always does.
The climbs were work. The descents were pure fun.
Grandpa Rode Behind Her for a Reason
One narrow stretch offered almost no shoulder. Dad deliberately stayed well behind Ariel so drivers would notice him first and have more time to move over before reaching her.
At the next stop, he explained that the extra distance was about protection, not pace. Ariel had handled the hill well, and Grandpa was simply playing defense.
Holy Hill Came Into View
Dad had a destination in mind for this bonus ride. When Holy Hill appeared across the countryside, he let Ariel turn and discover the view for herself.
The shoulder widened, the road felt safer, and they stopped long enough to preserve the moment.
Back on the road, Dad repeated one of his most important cycling lessons. He does not like loud music or earbuds while riding because hearing the traffic behind him matters. Cyclists must pay attention, ride single file, and show drivers respect too.
The shaded road toward Holy Hill made the final approach especially beautiful.
Stairs, an Elevator, and a View Worth the Climb
Inside Holy Hill, Ariel presented Dad with a choice: the stairs or the elevator. After she suggested the elevator was for old people, his decision was made.
The stairs kept coming.
At the top, the view stopped both of them. Dad has lived in the area for about 40 years, but this was his first time in the Scenic Tower. From there, he could see Hartford and even point out the road where they had stopped for a photo earlier.
On the way down, a kind visitor warned them away from a nest of yellow jackets. That detour led into a little more of Holy Hill's history, including the earlier churches that stood on the site.
What the Hills Taught Ariel
The ride down brought speed, laughter, and a little disbelief from Ariel when it felt as though her tires were barely touching the road.
Dad kept watching for wildlife and stayed ready for the next climb.
On one hill, Ariel became Dad's trainer and pushed him toward the top. He still found enough energy to remind everyone that he beat the kid up the hill.
Then Ariel shared the thought that became the heart of this bonus ride. A hard hill can feel like a trial in life. If all you do is stare at the difficulty and think about how much remains, you slow down. When you keep moving and keep your focus where it belongs, the struggle can still shape you and God can still use you.
Her next reflection went even deeper. Growth often hurts. There is no easy road to becoming strong, and sometimes the pain is the evidence that something in us is changing.
After another steep climb, Ariel's heart rate read 177. Dad's read 134. He decided that either the technology was wrong or this ride around Lake Michigan had left him in pretty good shape.
The Last Hill and the Ride Home
Ariel turned the final descent into what Dad called her ski run. She was learning when to downshift, how to control her speed, and how much fun a bicycle can be when the road finally gives back what the climb demanded.
Dad admitted that he never imagined doing something like this with his grandchildren. Ariel told him that people become like those they surround themselves with. Dad agreed. His grandchildren keep him young.
Then they entered the home stretch together.
The Official Total Is 614.3 Miles
RideWithGPS recorded 22.3 miles, 1,414 feet of climbing, and 2 hours 41 minutes of active riding for the bonus outing with Ariel.
The complete activity record now shows 614.3 miles traveled, 14,061 feet of climbing, 66 hours 22 minutes of active riding, and 11 recorded activities.
Dad did not merely reach 600. He went well beyond it, and he shared those final miles with his granddaughter.
The Giving Went Beyond the Goal Too
The live Samaritan's Purse fundraiser now shows $9,041 raised. That is approximately 151% of the $6,000 first goal, with nothing remaining to reach that milestone and $3,041 raised beyond it.
The $6,000 goal was the first milestone, not the ceiling. Every additional $10 can help cover shipping and handling for another Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift. At $9,041, supporters have already given enough to potentially help cover that cost for about 904 shoebox gifts.
If you have been planning to donate, now is the time. The ride has crossed 600 miles, but the opportunity to help another child is still moving forward.
Please Do More Than Read
Encouragement mattered to Dad during every mile of this journey, and it still matters now.
If possible, please do all three:
1. Leave a comment at the bottom of this blog.
2. Like or comment on the related Facebook post.
3. Text Dad directly at 262-707-4253.
If you cannot do all three, please choose at least one. Let him know you saw the extra effort, the 600 mile milestone, and the family story that came with it.
Dad went back out because finishing well mattered to him. He came home with 614.3 miles in the record and a memory with Ariel that neither of them will measure only in miles.
What a great blog and story. It has been great following and participating in your journey Ken.
What a wonderful ride with your granddaughter. Created memories together you will cherish forever. So happy for both of you.