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Wayne Atterberry on December 27, 2008 at 07:50 PM said:

I have just about finished your book. I could not lay it down. You guys are awfully tough. I would like it very much if you and your wife and Steve and his wife would come down this summer and let me take you around. I have three bedrooms so I could put you up here and you wouldn't have to stay in the town hall.

Wayne Atterberry, former Mayor of Chandlerville, IL and 94-years-old.

Mike Metelak on November 19, 2008 at 06:59 PM said:

Last weekend was deer hunting season in Northern Minnesota. This year instead of heading into the woods I made a choice to stay at the cabin we rent for deer camp and read your book from cover to cover. I spent two full days from wakeup to bed time reading. I don't know where to start in describing how much I enjoyed reading your story; and I am so glad you captured this huge accomplishment by writing your book!

I think reading the book non-stop for two days was a great way to get immersed into your trip. I felt like I was riding along on your adventure. With each new town you experienced a new story. I felt more and more proud of your ability to meet the challenges you faced and found a way to overcome adversity. There are no better life skills than that for all of us to learn.

I could go on and on about how much I enjoyed reading your book, but the message to you would be the same...I am so proud of you for having completed the trip; for the cause that ultimately drove you to finish the trip; and for the effort it took for you to write the book.

As I was reading the book one strong theme kept surfacing in my thoughts and it has to do with a quote that Tom Lehman (The Minnesota pro golfer) wrote in his book called; "In his Grip"; meaning in the Lord's grip. Tom is a strong Christian and is very open about his faith. Even though he has experienced tremendous success in professional golf, he claims in his book that his golf success is not what defines him and his life.

In his book he states..."Success defines what we do...significance defines who we are." Your book was very open about your faith and your trust in the Lord. What you accomplished and the purpose that drove you spoke volumes about you and what defines you.

To say I am "proud" of you for your accomplishment is an understatement...it is clear that you lead a life of "significance" and I am blessed...You are a very inspiring person. The world needs more leaders like you!

Mary Lilyquist on October 24, 2008 at 01:59 PM said:

Ken ~ …I just couldn't put your book down. By Chapter Six I only read with a box of tissue as it tugged at my heartstrings. Thanks to Make-A-Wish we met the Campbell family in 1983. Katie and Amy were diagnosed at almost the same time with brain tumors at the same age. Katie was wish #5 and Amy was wish #7.

I am not too good at putting thought into words but what you and Steve did for Make-A-Wish was no less than miraculous. Amy's wish was so fun for our family at such a stressful time in our lives with a critically ill child, a toddler and a newborn baby. Today Amy is 31 years old, happy…she doesn't remember much about the surgery and treatment, but she sure remembers every part of her wish. I savored every paragraph and enjoyed reading about every mile of your ride” ~ With Much Gratitude, Mary Lilyquist”

Bob Bruno on October 10, 2008 at 03:00 AM said:

A wonderfully inspiring book. I tip my hat to two unselfish young men whose unbelievable accomplishment not only satisfied their own quest for adventure but, in doing so, made a huge contribution to the then fledgling "Make a Wish Foundation" that has continued to flourish to be a huge success today. Also, their warm and personal encounters along the way with Americans everywhere have rekindled my pride in America.

TEAM DIAMOND D on October 8, 2008 at 08:14 PM said:

Ken, What a great book, the way you wrote, I felt like I was right there with you guys. Very down to earth and realistic. A very grand challenge that you both went though and finished and ended up doing it for a good cause. Congrats to the both of you. Your Captain Buds

Kent Allen on September 21, 2008 at 08:07 PM said:

An incredibly exciting account of an amazing journey by two exceptional young men for a most worthy cause!

Valerie Comstock on September 19, 2008 at 03:02 PM said:

Kenny…I loved your book! In fact I was so enthralled with your mission, journey and the way that you conveyed it, I bought four copies as gifts for my family. One book went to my 71-year-old father-in-law. I honestly did not know for sure how he would react, as he is not much of a reader. Well, he read it cover to cover in a matter of days and then gave it to his 90-year-old brother-in-law, who still bicycles. But my father-in-law then told me that he not only doesn’t read much, he hasn’t read a book from beginning to end since HIGH SCHOOL! That was 53 years ago! Congratulations on a great read and for your commitment to Make-A-Wish.

Ken Venner on September 9, 2008 at 04:10 PM said:

I finally had a chance to read your book, cover to cover, and what a great book. I was drawn in as the story went on, and what an amazing journey it was that you described. You are a gifted story teller, and I loved the various stories about people, situations, challenges and successes.

I was so impressed by you and your destiny, that this book for me was a launching point to larger things...I am ANXIOUSLY awaiting for the next printing, and I intend to buy 10+ copies so I can share it with my staff, and drive a discussion/conversation around the key points of the book.

Fred Majerus on July 9, 2008 at 08:24 AM said:

Ken Congratulations! What a great book and great accomplishment. I hadn't read a book for pleasure in many years, only business related material. When I started your book,I couldn't put it down. I finished it in one weekend. It was thrilling, exciting, inspirational, and challenging-the trials,tribulations, and fun you had. I have a large U.S. map on my den wall and I was able to easily follow your cross country trek. I was wondering how you would hit all 48 states Fantastic achievement and fantastic book! Can't wait for the next one.

Vivian on July 7, 2008 at 08:25 AM said:

Each and every comment others have entered about this thrilling story accurately describe my own sentiment. Kenny and Steve fulfilled their dream of biking the 48 states, and it was kicked in gear by a reason. Make-A-Wish. Pedaling On Purpose is a thrilling, heartwarming, inspirational and adventurous story! With each page I turned, I kept seeing their story in movie form.

Nick Stanton on June 26, 2008 at 07:18 AM said:

Congratulations on both an amazing cross-country journey and also writing and publishing a book about it. Both are extraordinary endeavors, and take more commitment than I could certainly muster. You should be proud.

I really enjoyed your book. There’s a reason that stories about cross-country travel are a tradition in American literature – there’s just something compelling about the promise of the open road. I have to say that my favorite sections of your book are those in which you and Steve have doubts about finishing the trip you started together. Conflict is the essence of great drama, and seeing whether or not a friendship can survive such a long and arduous trek is the emotional heart of this story. It’s what keeps the reader reading.

At the heart of this book is a very interesting story... again, thanks for...your very compelling book.

Jeff Millen on June 9, 2008 at 09:39 AM said:

Ken, Steve,

I loved this book! What a great book to read to get outside your yourself. Ken has an easy, understated, and humorous, way of storytelling. It was easy to feel the obstacles, dissapointments, and also the joys and triumphs that Ken has so aptly described. I read this book for a couple of months right before bed. It always put a smile on my face and gave me peace even if I had had a bad day. The whole undertaking was such a big goal with litle realistic chance of success. To carry through with a such a dream which then became a goal was inspiring. Ken and Steve showed how taking each day a day at a time can make daily struggles tolerable and that sometimes what look like struggles can be seen as opportunities. The physical struggles were many and were well described. It was the mental and emotional struggles that were for me, more interesting. This book was inspiring, and celebrates life and what is good in people. Thanks, Ken for getting it down on paper.

Alan Myers Peru, Indiana on June 4, 2008 at 11:37 AM said:

Courage. Faith. Commitment. I knew the story. So I thought.

God brings to you what you need. And God is giving us wonderful messages through you and Steve. What an inspiring book. One of the best I have ever read. It is a great book for all ages and I encourage all to please share it with the young and old alike.

From the towering Rockies and to the hot deserts to the Atlantic ocean, you saw the beauty in Gods work and describe it beautifully in "Pedaling on Purpose". I felt the beauty in the discription of landscapes, the people that gave you hope and determination, and in your personal inner struggles that brought you through this wonderful adventure.

And the love for the kids, "Love is the greatest of all of God's gifts." Now you give back and we all benefit.

Thank you both for giving encouragement to all of us. Heaven knows our world is a bit tough right now and by reading your book it renewed me, and my Mother, Dorothy. Her faith in people, purpose and God were restored and renewed. My Father couldn't wait to start on it, due to the reviews Mom and I gave. I am positive my 77-year-old dad, Elvin, will come away with a new sence of what it is to give it all. Purposely.

Kenny, your book is so much more than what I could of conceived. Thank you for sharing your stories that brought several emotions to the top of awareness for me. Simply, reading your story felt good. Thanks and God Bless!

Ralph and Joan Johnson on May 27, 2008 at 10:39 AM said:

It was very heartwarming to read about the hospitality of so many people and the sincere appreciation both of you extended to them. Can't help but think what a difference a cell phone would have been!

Thanks again for "passing on" your experiences and for sharing it...We wish you both continued success and happiness.

Rita Hartert on May 20, 2008 at 06:53 PM said:

Just finished reading your book, Pedaling on Purpose, and want to tell you how immensely I enjoyed it. I think perhaps what struck me most throughout your biking ordeal, was the fact that you and Steve did have a lot of fun. On almost every page you wrote how you two were laughing so much. I think that was great!...besides the wonderful loving friendship you developed. I also want to congratulate you on your accomplishments...both the bike tour and finishing your book!

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