Day Seven: 400 Miles and “Jesus, Take the Handlebars”
- Richard Webster
- Aug 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 14
Day Seven carried Ken from Bark River, Michigan, into Oconto, Wisconsin. The route was supposed to be 66.3 miles, but the day became less about the number on the map and more about the milestones, prayers, memories, and unexpected turns along the way.
Before the new day begins, there is one joyful moment from last night that did not make it into the Day Six post.
One More Moment From Last Night
Ken and Jeremiah cooled off along the Lake Michigan shoreline before dinner. Ken called everyone in to eat, but not before the two of them had a little more fun by the water.
Later, Ken answered a question people have been asking throughout the trip: What does he eat while riding? His road food is simple and protein-focused—mixed nut butter rolled in a tortilla, cheese sticks, hard-boiled eggs, grass-fed beef sticks, pecans, and an apple.
A Sunrise Worth Waking Up For
Morning at OB Fuller Campground began beside the lake, with geese near the shoreline and the sun beginning to break through the clouds.
The sunrise changed by the minute, painting the water and clouds in shades of pink, orange, and red.
Ken started earlier than he had in several days. The route from Bark River to Holtwood Campground in Oconto was planned at 66.3 miles, making it the longest remaining day of the trip. He was also excited because his younger son Jeremy, Jeremy's wife, and the grandchildren were expected at camp.
Ken confirmed that the repaired hybrid had performed better than before, but he chose the faster road bike for the longer ride. The morning air was cool, the lake flies were thick, and the mask Steve sent was ready for another day of road dust and debris.
A Cold Start on the Faster Bike
Once on the road, Ken settled into a pace of about 15 miles per hour. The road bike made the distance easier to cover, while the mask kept cold air and roadside particles out of his throat and lungs.
The temperature in Bark River had dropped to 59 degrees. Ken added his rain suit to block the wind while the sky stayed mostly cloudy.
The quiet miles gave Ken time to think about the encouragement arriving from home. A prayer from his friend Dan and a message from his niece Lindsey lifted his spirits. Ken reminded readers that he sees the texts, comments, prayers, and calls, and that they matter when the road ahead looks the same for miles.
“Jesus, Take the Handlebars”
At roughly 20 miles, Ken found a peaceful place to stop. He does not plan every break, and this one felt like another spot placed in his path at exactly the right time.
While eating, Ken reflected on how close he has felt to God during this ride. He talked about letting go, trusting God with the road ahead, and finding strength for distances he once wondered whether he could complete.
His version of a familiar phrase was perfectly suited to the trip: “Jesus, take the handlebars.”
Ken connected that faith directly to the reason he is riding—to help Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts reach children who may never have received a Christmas present or heard about Jesus Christ.
The 400-Mile Mark
At the 30-mile point, several milestones arrived together. Ken passed 55 hours in the saddle, reached roughly 22,000 calories burned, and crossed 400 total miles on the trip.
He still had about 200 miles left, but 400 were now behind him.
Construction, Bridges, and Roads He Did Not Expect
A one-lane construction zone appeared ahead. Ken trusted that he would find a safe way through, and the obstacle turned out to be more manageable than it first appeared.
At the 40-mile mark, another unplanned break came beside a welcome sign and a park. Ken laughed again that he does not choose these stopping places—God does.
A small pedestrian bridge offered another glimpse of the community around him.
Roadwork made one turn onto Madison Avenue look uncertain, but Ken carefully worked his way through it.
Leaving the heavy traffic behind for Old Peshtigo Road brought immediate relief. The quieter route ran alongside Highway 41 and gave Ken a chance to remove the mask while the air was clear.
Then the route changed again. A packed dirt trail led toward the Peshtigo River, where Ken remembered the devastating Peshtigo Fire and the people who entered the river to survive. The river also brought back memories of canoeing there with his sons during their Boy Scout years about 30 years ago.
Loose gravel followed. Ken made it clear that he was not complaining—he wanted viewers to experience the changing road with him.
The final country roads were quieter, shaded, and far more peaceful than the busy highways of the Upper Peninsula. Ken was grateful for the masks that protected him through the dust, bugs, and rushing semis, but he was also happy to leave the heaviest highways behind.
Holtwood Campground at Last
After a long day, the navigation announced that Holtwood Campground was only a quarter-mile away. Ken celebrated as the entrance came into view.
Ken finished with about 60 miles for the day, more than 430 total miles behind him, close to 60 hours in the saddle, and roughly 23,000 calories burned during the trip. Cloud cover and flat roads made the ride more comfortable, but he was still ready for dinner and sleep.
Sleep had been difficult the night before because his air mattress kept losing air. Ken's son Jeremy was already heading toward camp and offered to stop for a replacement. Jeremiah also left for a short Bay Beach adventure, giving Ken's young sidekick a little vacation of his own.
The Day Seven Numbers
Planned route: 66.3 miles from Bark River to Oconto
Distance ridden: About 60 miles
Total distance: More than 430 miles
Time in the saddle: Close to 60 hours
Calories burned: Roughly 23,000
Trip milestone: Passed 400 total miles
Morning temperature: 59 degrees after the temperature dropped
Biggest relief: Cloud cover, flatter roads, and leaving the heaviest highways behind
$1,571 From the First Goal
The live fundraiser now shows $4,429 raised toward the first $6,000 milestone. That is about 74% funded, with $1,571 remaining.
If you have been planning to donate, now is the time. Ken has crossed 400 miles, the final days are approaching, and every gift helps turn those miles into encouragement, joy, and hope for children.
The $6,000 milestone is the first goal, not the ceiling. Every additional $10 can help cover the shipping and handling for another Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift.
Encouragement Matters
Ken said it plainly today: the prayers, calls, comments, and text messages lift him up on long stretches of road.
If you can, please do all three: comment at the bottom of this blog, like or comment on the related Facebook post, and text Ken directly at 262-707-4253. If you cannot do all three, choose at least one instead of only reading and moving on.
Day Seven began with a sunrise over Lake Michigan and ended across the Wisconsin state line with more than 430 miles behind Ken. The road changed from highway to construction zone, bridge, dirt path, gravel, and quiet country pavement—but he kept moving forward, one unexpected turn at a time.
Another donation will be added marking 400 miles completed, Ken. I cannot comprehend your strength, energy, steadfast determination to this challenge taken up! Godspeed, my friend. 🚴♂️🙏🏻❤️