Beginning September 8th, Willie Stewart, Lucas Onan, and Mohamed Lahna returned to Hyde Park in Boise, Idaho, to take on one of the most grueling endurance bikepacking races in the U.S.—the Smoke ‘n Fire 400.

In 2020, this trio, along with fellow athlete Andre Kajlich, made history as the first cyclists with physical disabilities to ever attempt the race. Only Lucas crossed the finish line that year. In 2021, the team came back stronger, more determined, and ready to push past their limits.

Smoke ‘n Fire: 430 Miles of Pure Grit

Idaho’s Smoke ’n Fire 400 isn’t your typical cycling event. Spanning 430 miles of rugged Idaho backcountry, the self-supported race forces riders to navigate two-track and single-track trails, remote forest service roads, and steep gravel climbs.

Participants have five days to complete the route with no outside assistance or prize money. The challenge is purely personal—a test of both physical endurance and mental resilience.

Many riders view Smoke ‘n Fire as a stepping stone to the legendary Tour Divide, yet it’s an adventure that few ever attempt, let alone finish. The route highlights Idaho’s wild beauty, weaving through small communities and offering moments of connection with nature and self-discovery.

Meet the Riders

Willie Stewart – “One Arm” Willie

Willie Stewart is no stranger to endurance sports. After losing his arm in a construction accident in 1980, he turned adversity into triumph, competing as a three-time Paralympian and finishing the IRONMAN World Championship four times.

From captaining a rugby team to solo kayaking the Grand Canyon, Willie embodies grit and perseverance. For him, Smoke ‘n Fire is about breaking barriers and mentoring other athletes to see what’s truly possible.

Lucas Onan

Born with arthrogryposis, Lucas Onan has never let his physical differences limit his adventurous spirit. He’s cycled across the U.S., completed the Leadville 100 ultra marathon, and even tackled a 45-mile skimo challenge in the Tetons.

Introduced to CAF in 2018, Lucas now thrives on pushing the boundaries of endurance sports. After being the only finisher from the team in 2020, he returned in 2021 to defend his title and support his teammates.

Follow Lucas: Instagram | Facebook

Mohamed Lahna

Growing up in Morocco without a left femur, Mohamed Lahna didn’t get his first proper prosthetic until age 20. Soon after, he cycled the Atlas Mountains, ran marathons, and earned a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in Paratriathlon.

Mohamed has since swum the Strait of Gibraltar, raced in the Marathon des Sables, and competed in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics as a road cyclist. The Smoke ‘n Fire 400 is yet another challenge in his relentless pursuit of possibility.

Follow Mohamed: Instagram | Facebook

Redemption Ride: 2021 Race Recap

Returning to Smoke ‘n Fire in 2021, the trio knew what lay ahead—extreme weather swings, grueling climbs, wildlife encounters, mechanical breakdowns, and sleep deprivation. But this year, the mindset was different. It was about redemption and proving that nothing could stop them.

Lucas rode strong, while Willie and Mohamed pushed harder than ever before. Over the course of several days, all three athletes battled Idaho’s harsh backcountry and rode with unyielding determination.

In a race where only 55 riders finished, Lucas, Willie, and Mohamed all crossed the finish line, conquering the course within the five-day limit.

Reflecting on his emotional finish, Willie shared:

“You’re stripped bare out there. It’s something you don’t really want to expose yourself to, but the struggle makes you a better person. It opens your mind to the possibilities you didn’t know existed.”

Relive Their Journey

• CAF athletes alongside Mission 43 return to Smoke ‘n Fire 400
• ‘It was emotional’: Three athletes complete Smoke ‘n Fire 400
• View Photos from the 2020 Race

Support Athletes in Adaptive Sports

Challenges like Smoke ‘n Fire prove that sports can be adapted, but determination and resilience are universal. Help fuel more opportunities for athletes to access adaptive sports, push boundaries, and achieve their goals.