Day Three: God Had It
- Richard Webster
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 9
After riding 96.7 miles on Day Two, Ken began Day Three expecting something that almost sounded restful: roughly 40 miles from Petoskey to Mackinac Bridge.
The route was shorter, but it was not easy. It brought steep climbs, fast descents, an unexpected roadside chair, a stranger who wanted to help the fundraiser, and a finish beneath one of Michigan's most recognizable landmarks.
By the end of the ride, Ken had completed 40.6 miles in 4 hours and 8 minutes, climbed 1,356 feet, and reached the place where bicycles must stop and the support vehicle takes over.
A Shorter Day Begins
Ken started the morning at about 8:22 a.m. with temperatures near 65 degrees. After the previous day's record-setting ride, he was grateful to see a much smaller number on the schedule.
"This is like a training ride."
He knew the first portion would contain the day's hardest hills. The reward was supposed to come later, with a long downhill approach toward Mackinaw City and the bridge.
Richard sent Ken out from Petoskey with 39 miles ahead and the support van waiting farther north.
An Unexpected Conversation Before the Ride
The late start had a good reason. A woman noticed the large sign on the support van and the bicycles nearby. She stopped to ask what the trip was about, listened to the story, accepted several cards, and said she wanted to donate and share the fundraiser with other seasonal residents.
Before Ken had traveled a mile, the mission had already reached someone new.
The Hills Had Other Plans
The route began beautifully beside the lake and continued onto a quiet trail. Ken hoped that peaceful path might carry him all the way to Mackinac.
It did not take long for the landscape to change. The climbs grew steeper, and one ridge appeared to rise nearly 1,000 feet above sea level. Ken kept reminding himself that every climb eventually brings a descent.
Then, at the top of one of the largest hills, Ken found something no route planner could have predicted: a reclining chair sitting beside the road.
He stopped, sat down, ate a snack, and laughed at the timing.
"God had my back. He put a recliner at the top of the tallest hill. God is so good. Praise the Lord."
The only problem was learning that the hill might not have been the tallest one after all. Getting out of the recliner became its own part of the challenge.
The Payoff
The downhill finally arrived. Ken stopped pedaling, let the bicycle run, and watched his speed climb to 38.6 miles per hour before rough pavement and potholes convinced him to ease back.
"That was awesome."
Ken ran into what looked like a serious pothole problem. Watch the next video to find out what really happened.
The road also passed a gathering of horses and trailers, another reminder that bicycle travel reveals details most people never notice through a windshield.
Right Where Ken Needed Them
Farther north, Richard stopped ahead to surprise Ken. When Ken arrived, he was listening to a pastor's sermon and had about 10 miles remaining. The two talked about finishing the ride and grilling a hamburger when the support crew reached camp.
Ken continued to notice reminders of faith throughout the route.
"I've gotten so close to God on this journey. I see His signs everywhere. Thank You, Lord."
The Bridge Appears
From several miles away, Richard could see the towers of Mackinac Bridge rising above the horizon.
Ken reached the shoreline beneath the bridge with his bicycle beside him. The moment marked the end of the Lower Peninsula portion of the ride.
The final approach brought Ken into Mackinaw City, where Richard and Jeremiah were waiting. Because bicycles are not allowed on Mackinac Bridge, the support van would carry Ken and his bike across to St. Ignace.
Ken rolled into the pickup area with 40 miles completed and a smile that said the recovery day had done exactly what it needed to do.
Richard captured the official finish.
Across the Straits of Mackinac
The team crossed Mackinac Bridge together in the van. The bridge's steel grating created its unmistakable sound beneath the tires, and Mackinac Island could be seen across the water.
The final Ride with GPS statistics showed 40.6 miles, 1,356 feet of elevation gain, and 4 hours, 8 minutes of riding time.
At camp, Ken reflected on the difference between what Richard often tells him and what he felt throughout the day.
"Richard always says, 'Dad, you got it.' Today I saw it differently: God's got it."
The shorter ride gave Ken's body a chance to recover before the longer Upper Peninsula miles ahead. It also gave him time to recognize the people, the timing, the humor, and the small signs that carried him from Petoskey to the bridge.
Help Carry the Mission Forward
The Samaritan's Purse fundraiser has now raised $3,387 toward the first $6,000 goal, which is about 56% funded, with $2,613 remaining to reach that milestone.
If you have been planning to donate, now is the time. The first $6,000 is not the ceiling. It is the first milestone, enough to help cover shipping and handling for 600 Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. Every additional $10 can help cover shipping and handling for another shoebox gift reaching a child around the world.
Encouragement matters as the miles continue. Please do all three when you can: leave a 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, please choose at least one. Do not only read the story. A few words of encouragement can help carry Ken into tomorrow's ride.
I look forward to reading your daily updates. You are doing such an amazing job! You have the perfect crew too. Keep up the good work! God is with you each turn of the wheel.
You are doing an awesome job, honey! You got this. And God has you! We’re all rooting for you back home. You are doing an amazing job! I am so so proud of you! Git-er-done!
And Richard and Jeremiah, you have been such amazing team/support for your dad and your grandpa. Good job! I’m proud of you guys too!
I love you all. I can’t wait to see you at home.