Day Two: 96.7 Miles to Petoskey
- Richard Webster
- Aug 8
- 3 min read
Ken began Day Two expecting the longest scheduled ride of the trip. By the time he rolled into Magnus Park in Petoskey, the route had stretched farther than planned and he had completed 96.7 miles in 13 hours
The distance tells only part of the story. This was a day of cramps, wrong turns, rough trails, beautiful lake views, family support, answered prayers, and one very determined 68-year-old who kept moving forward.
A Bigger Day Than Expected
At a little after 7:00 a.m., Ken and Richard reviewed the route one more time. What had first looked like roughly 88 miles had grown to more than 92 after necessary adjustments. Ken was honest about the challenge.
"I'm going to go as far as I can go. I'm not going to hurt myself."
The night before, Ken's legs had cramped badly after sitting around the campfire. About 40 ounces of water helped almost immediately, and he began Day Two with a new rule for himself: water first and no soda for the rest of the trip.
Richard sent him off with a reminder of what was ahead: nearly 94 miles from Interlochen toward Petoskey.
The Team Behind the Rider
Early in the day, Ken recorded a message for the people supporting him. He especially thanked Laralynn, who is running the command center from home and coordinating prayer, and Richard, who prepared the navigation, leapfrogs ahead in the support van, and sets up camp.
Even with turn-by-turn directions, one misunderstood roundabout instruction added an extra mile. Ken laughed it off and kept going.
"I love everybody. I couldn't do this without you."
The Route Had Other Plans
Ken found a rhythm by using the downhills as brief recovery periods. He stopped pedaling, relaxed his shoulders and arms, and let gravity do some of the work. But the route repeatedly demanded adjustments.
Two crushed-limestone rail-trail sections were not a good match for his road bike's narrow tires, so the route was changed again. Later, navigation pointed him toward sand, a fire lane, and another road that forced him to add still more miles.
One unplanned rough section slowed him down, but it also gave him a simple choice: complain about it or take his time and work through it.
The difficult stretches eventually opened into paved trails built along old railroad beds, wooden bridges, rolling hills, and views that cannot be seen from a car.
Forty-Seven Miles Down, Forty-Seven to Go
At 47 miles, Ken stopped for lunch beside a small marina. A cool breeze came off the water, but the halfway point also came with a sobering number: another 47 miles remained.
Just as Ken finished stretching and prepared to leave, Richard and Jeremiah arrived. Ken had been thinking about an ice-cold peach, and the support crew showed up at exactly the right time with encouragement and fresh fuel.
The route kept changing after lunch. At 62 miles, a sign showed Petoskey still 33 miles away. Ken decided to keep trying.
The Final Nineteen Miles
After 10 hours and 77 miles, Ken had drained two 20-ounce bottles and one 32-ounce bottle. He stopped for more water and prepared for what he hoped would be his final break.
The closing miles brought one reward after another: Lake Michigan shoreline, distant hills, a beautiful paved trail, and the knowledge that camp was finally getting close.
When the odometer reached 90 miles, only five remained.
"What a way to end a day on a beautiful trail like this."
Jeremiah Was Waiting
Richard and Jeremiah had already reached Magnus Park, set up the tent and support area, and prepared dinner. Their campsite sat beside the water, ready for a sunset celebration if Ken could finish the day.
Ken finally appeared on the bike path and rolled into camp. Jeremiah was so excited that he ran down the trail to meet Grandpa and give him a high five.
The planned 93-mile day officially ended at 96.7 miles
"I've never gone that far before in my life."
He credited the prayers and encouragement that carried him through the rough roads, extra miles, fatigue, and long periods alone with his thoughts.
The day closed with Ken, Richard, and Jeremiah watching the sun sink toward Lake Michigan. It was a quiet ending to a day that demanded nearly everything Ken had.
Help Carry Ken Through the Next Miles
The Samaritan's Purse fundraiser has now raised $2,541 toward the first $6,000 goal42% funded$3,459 still needed
If you have been thinking about donating, now is the time$10
Support Ken's Operation Christmas Child fundraiser (Click here): https://fundraise.samaritanspurse.org/fundraiser/7346307
Encouragement matters during a 13-hour day on the bicycle. 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
Ken, I’ve been watching your journey since you started this, even prior to doing the treck around Lake Michigan. You are such an inspiration to so many, including me. You are in my prayers and thoughts every day. Richard and Jeremiah, so happy you’re there with your dad/grandpa for this. Lara, you’re unwavering prayers for Ken are definitely heard! God is so good! Each and every day!Your family has truly impacted my life and here you are again Ken doing what seems like the impossible, possible. All by the grace of God! You’ve got this Ken love you all! ❤️✝️🚲🚵🙏🚴♂️❤️🙏