The Last Training Ride Before the Big One
- Richard Webster
- Aug 5
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Tomorrow, Ken leaves for Michigan. The following morning, he will point his bicycle north from Ludington and begin the nearly 600-mile journey around Lake Michigan.
But before any of that could happen, there was one final training ride to finish, and one question Ken needed answered: Would his shoulder hold up?
"Lord, Not Now"
On Sunday, Ken and Laralynn were unloading her scooter after church when one of the wheels became stuck. Ken grabbed it with his left arm and pulled hard. Something in his shoulder pulled with it.
His first words were simple: "Lord, not now."
Ken went inside and asked Laralynn to pray for him. When she asked what he would do if the shoulder did not improve, his answer showed just how committed he is to this mission:
"If I have to ride around that lake with one arm, I'm going. I've got too many people counting on me."
Thankfully, today's ride gave him the answer he hoped for. He climbed onto the bike for one last test before departure.
One Last Ride Through Familiar Country
The morning was cool, about 65 degrees, with wet roads and rain waiting farther down the route. Even so, there were familiar moments that made it feel like one last ride close to home.
The Canadian geese that usually seem determined to block the road had apparently called off their protest.
At Holy Hill, beneath a sky that looked ready to open up, Ken paused with the bicycle that will carry him around Lake Michigan.
Farther along, a baby deer appeared up ahead, another quiet moment on a route Ken has ridden again and again while preparing for what comes next.
Twenty Miles, Rain and a Good Answer
The rain finally found him during the last half hour. As Ken rolled into the home stretch, the roads were wet and so was he.
He laughed it off: "I better get used to it." Rain, wind and changing conditions will all be part of the journey around the lake.
The final training ride totaled 20.0 miles, with about two hours of moving time, 2 hours and 31 minutes elapsed, and 941 feet of climbing. More important than any number, his shoulder held up and he came home ready.
The Vest and Mirror Don Left Behind
The most meaningful part of the day came after the ride.
Ken is retiring the orange vest he wore throughout training. When the Lake Michigan ride begins, he will wear a lime-green vest and helmet cover in honor of his brother Don, who rode around the lake with him about 20 years ago.
He will also carry Don's bicycle mirror, the small mirror that attaches to his glasses. Don used it on their earlier journey to look back and make sure Ken was still behind him.
This time, Ken believes Don will still be out front in a different way.
"I know he's going to be with me around that lake. He was with me last time. He'll be with me this time, and he'll be taking the lead like he always does to make sure the path is clear."
One Last Prayer at Holy Hill
Before closing the book on his training miles, Ken made one last stop at the Holy Hill sign for the photo that has become part of his routine. This time, the moment meant more than a picture.
"I finally made it to the Holy Hill sign for my routine photo. Today was extra special. I knelt in prayer, asking for safe travels for my son, my grandson and myself. We are setting out with full faith that the Lord is with us."
It was a quiet way to finish months of preparation: not with a stopwatch or another training goal, but on his knees, placing the journey and the people he loves in God's hands.
Tomorrow, the Journey Begins
Ken and the support crew leave for Ludington tomorrow. The riding begins at 7:00 a.m. on August 7.
The training miles are finished. The bags are nearly packed. The next update will come from the road.
If you are following Ken, please leave a comment and like this post. Then return to Facebook and like or comment there too. Those small signs of encouragement mean more than you may realize when he is tired, wet or facing another long stretch of road.
Help Carry the Mission Forward
As of today, supporters have given $2,141 toward the first $6,000 goal, approximately 36% funded, with $3,859 remaining to reach that milestone.
The $6,000 goal is not a ceiling. It represents the shipping and handling for 600 Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts. Every additional $10 can help cover another shoebox, allowing the impact to keep growing beyond the first 600 children.
If you have been planning to give, now is the time. Your donation can encourage Ken as he begins the ride and help send another gift-filled shoebox to a child around the world.
Please Encourage Ken
Please do more than read along. Leave a comment at the bottom of this post, like or comment on the Facebook update, and text Ken directly at 262-707-4253 with a word of encouragement. If you can, please do all three. At the very least, choose one way to let him know you are following along and cheering him on.
Enjoy the ride Ken! Incredible job preparing yourself for this journey. Don will be with you and new memories made. I will keep you in my prayers!
Now that’s dedication! May God watch over you, keep you safe, and give you the strength for every mile. Looking forward to following along on your journey. Best of luck, Ken!
-Kayla, RT Viemed :)