“Young Islander Michael Hopkins just finished the ride of his life – all 11 years of it.Michael, with his father Steve, rode over 420 miles the week of Aug. 21, from the mouth of the Columbia River to Walla Walla.Michael was the youngest ever to complete the second annual Ride Across Washington (RAW), sponsored by the Cascade Bicycle Club.It was very fun, Michael said of the experience. And my friends think it’s pretty cool.After his father proposed the idea and Michael expressed interest, the two set up a rigorous training program, which culminated in one Chilly Hilly each day for four consecutive days.It’s an awful lot to ask of an 11-year-old kid, to focus on a goal that distant, said Steve. But he never lost focus. I was really impressed.Steve also said Michael was an inspiration, to many riders, mostly older and much heavier, that may never have continued riding if they didn’t see an 11-year-old out there doing it, too.The Hopkins duo rode recumbent bicycles and kept an average speed of 13.34 miles an hour. “