Along the Way
The Final 4,000 miles
Emails are posted when they arrive. Therefore, they are not always in chronological order.
January through June 2006
The Student Guest Book was closed at the conclusion of this project. The students tracked your emails on maps as a geography lesson. Thank you for participating. It was a lot of fun hearing from all of you.
Hello,
Adventure Cycling Association would love to hear about
the people and organizations who are improving lives by inspiring others to
travel by bicycle. From rail-trails to multi-day fundraising event rides, we
want to hear about the people who are getting others to travel on bikes more
often. Please consider nominating someone you know for our one of our
awards. Visit
http://www.adventurecycling.org/outreach/awards/index.cfm
for more information.
(editor’s note: The preceeding email was forwarded by Dixie Moore with the KY Rails to Trails Council. If you know of anyone deserving this award, I encourage you to vote in the Bicycle Travel Champion category. You do know someone deserving this award, don’t you?)
Thank you Joe for the PR you are generating for the
building of multi-purpose trails (railtrails and greenways) in
Kentucky. The newspaper articles and exposure
you are generating is invaluable.
Please feel free to come to one of our monthly
meetings. We would be interested in learning how we could work together
more. Our next meeting is Monday night, June 19th 6:30 in
Lexington at 101 Vine. The schedule of
meetings is on the kyrailtrail.org website.
Also would you be interested in joining the bicycle relay that we are sponsoring on July
22nd from Lexington to Ashland
(really Rush) to promote the development of the
Lexington - Big Sandy Railtrail. See the
website again for more details.
Dixie Moore, Secretary
dixiemoore@insightbb.com, C 859-227-6165
Kentucky Rails to Trails Council, Inc.
PO Box 597, LexingtonKY40588-0597
www.KyRailTrail.org
Hey joe, that picture that you and i had taken in Frankfort, i was wanting a copy of that. The one on the website is too small to print out. My family would like to have this picture to put into my scrapbook. Could you send me a copy of that image so that i may print it out or either send it to me by mail at: Scott Paige Louisville, KY
Dear Joe,
You are in Kentucky now and your task is almost complete. One can only
imagine all the memories you have collected and how you captured the
imagination and attention of the beautiful Ky. kids and all the others
that followed your incredible journey.
We are disappointed to be missing your homecoming and celebration,
however our plate at home is very full at this moment. Such is life.
Josh and Eli have renamed you "Awesome Joe". We hope to make it
down in August for the reunion. Tell Barb I look forward to seeing
her.
PEACE, LOVE & WELCOME HOME
Mary B.
P.S. AFTER A
SHORT BREATHER, YOU MUST START YOUR BOOK!
6-15
Look who I found on
the hilltop overlooking the Kentucky Capitol June 8, 2006 about 5pm.
Rex and Joyce
Evilsizor from Texas
6-15
Hi Joe;
Congratulations on
your journey, it must have been a great adventure. I need a little
advice; I'm 64 and just getting into biking again after many years of
not riding one. I would like to know it there is a book or a map I can
buy that tells me where there are some bike trails in Ky. I live in the
Richmond area and just purchased a comfort bike to ride the neighborhood
and paved bike trails. I would appreciate any advice you could give me.
Thank you in advance.
Regards,
Lou Kasitz
Richmond, KY
6-14
Joe: hope things are still going great. i'm sending today's
story this way, and also mailing a copy to you, plus Byron
Crawford's story. the story and photo were also sent to the Associated
Press,and the photo was sent to the Appalachian Heritage Alliance. i
hope ican make it Saturday.
Thanks! Charlie
6-13
Would you happen to
have Joe's home address? Julie and I would like to send him a
congratulatory card on
the completion of his 14,000 mile journey. We also have a
few pictures of our Springfield, IL, trip we took with Joe.
Thanks,
Wayne Loehring
6-13
(editor’s note:) Joe’s address is- Joe Bowen PO Box 425 Stanton, KY 40380
I'm Joe's cousin
from Port Orchard, WA. I had a Dell computer custom made for me
several years ago - it has been in the shop enough times to pay for
another new one ---Different Brand, however. Yes, PHOOEY !
Cindy Shawley Spore
WA, 6/12
(editor's note: An important component of this trip was Joe communicating to the school kids on the laptop while on the road. That Dell Computers would not honor their expensive contract to fix it next day, on-site, is, in my opinion, shameful.)
JOE,
FROM ONE 'OLD' LOUISVILLE JAYCEE TO ANOTHER - HELLO!!! NOT SURE IF
YOU'LL REMEMBER ME, JOE GRIES, FROM THE EARLY 1970's WHEN WE WERE IN THE
LOUISVILLE JC's TOGETHER. I WAS A VP UNDER DAVE BROOKS.
HAVE TO GO NOW BUT JUST WANTED YOU TO KNOW YOU ARE REMEMBERED BY PEOPLE
FROM YEARS GONE BY!
LOUISVILLE, KY
6/9
I just wanted to take
a moment to tell you how nice it was to have the opportunity to meet you
today in Frankfort at the Singing Bridge. You are to be commended
both for your accomplishment on the bike, but also as an ambassador for
the Commonwealth of Kentucky! I hope the weekend at the Gorge goes
well and has many participants. Take care and I hope to get to
ride with you sometime (maybe we can tie a rope to Brian Billings and he
can ride with us).
M. Chad LaRue, P.E.
Director of Membership Services Kentucky Association of Highway
Contractors 6/9
Joe:
This is your cousin - 3rd or 4th removed! I am Jim Powell and I
was born in Powell County in 1939. You may remember my Grandfather
Clayton Bowen. I still have several aunts and uncles that live in
Stanton and Powell County. I talked with you several months ago while
you were home from your bike ride. Three years ago I walked from Seattle
to Miami. 3700 miles and 6 months later I walked into the Orange Bowl to
complete the journey. Now I am seriously considering riding a bike from
San Diego, California to Caribou, Maine next Spring/Summer. Would you be
interested in joining me? Even if you are not, I would still like to
meet you and ask some questions. I can drive up to Stanton any time at
your convenience. Please let me hear from you. Thanks and stay safe out
there.
Jim
Powell
6/8
(editor’s note: San Diego to Maine next summer? Just wait till Barbara hears about this.)
Hey Joe!
I just wanted to remind you how proud we are of you here in Powell
County! It is great to have
such a positive influence like yourself in a county where there are so
many negative things prominent, such as drug and alcohol abuse.
Our youth needs something to keep their interest away from those
things and I want to commend you for your help in that area. I am an
employee of Whitaker Bank in Clay City.
We have been decorating a bicycle this week to display in front
of the bank next week for the Pedals and Blooms Festival.
Decorating the bike has got me really excited about the festival.
I hope the rest of your journey is safe and I look forward to
welcoming you next weekend!
Keep up the good work! Sincerely,
Cassandra Begley (I am the daughter of Garry & Kathy Chaney)
Clay City, KY
6/8
Joe,
It was great having lunch with you today here in
Jeffersontown. Karen and Laura were really happy to see you once
again. I have ordered your book for you and it is being shipped
directly to you. Have an easy and safe trip home!
(special note to
Editor) Joe made me do it!
Bill Karrer
Taylorsville, KY
6/7
(editor’s note: You guys need adult supervision.)
Hi Joe,
Read Byron’s article
today. Sorry we couldn’t hook you up to my Rotary club when you were
here. I will be in Stanton with all your well-wishers on the 17th.
What’s the best time to be there?
Bob Quaife
6/7
(editor’s note: see www.cyclethegorge.com for details)
Greetings Joe:
I heard from
someone that you were back on the bicycle. I have kind of kept up
with you on your web page. What a wonderful thing you are doing, I
have passed your project on to teachers I know. Where are you
living now, It looks as if you are no longer in Taylorsville? Your
stairway is doing well and is used every day. I would love to visit with
you again sometime. You do the best job of being out - making
stories.
Roger Fisher
Jeffersonville, IN
6/6
Hey Joe,
This is Glenda up here on Cow Creek Rd. I have
been reading about you and following you on the computer and stuff. I
think it is so interesting. I was up til 2 a.m. this morning on the
computer. I think it is just absolutely great what you are doing. I saw
Barbara and two of her grandchildren at the library a month or so ago,
and I was asking her about you.
Well, I guess my son Kyle is going to be in the
bicycle race on June 17th. He is looking forward to it. I gave him my
old bike and he has been working trying to fix it up. Kyle graduated
from 5th grade 2 weeks ago and he will be going to middle school and
Kayla starts Kindergarten. Bowen School better look out. She's a
handful. Well Joe, I hope to see you on June 17th. Have a safe 2 weeks
heading back!
Your Friend Always,
Glenda
Powell County, KY
6/3
I saw the story on local TV about Joe and his biking travels across the
country and they included a website.
Since I enjoy bike riding on bike paths and different roads in my
area, I was interested in reading about Joe's travels.
Good luck on the rest of Joe's trip and the students who are
doing this as a school project.
Hopefully, the weather he faces ahead will be more cooperative
than Springfield gave me as he traveled through this past week!
:)
Patty P. Springfield,
Illinois
5/31
Joe,
It was great talking to you about your trip as you rode through
Kankakee and my idea for a similar trip. I see now that you're in
southern Indiana. Kankakee has been inundated with rain, and I hope you
missed the big storms. Best wishes on your continued, safe journey home.
Being the procrastinator that I am, I haven't had a chance to e-mail my
story about you until now. I hope you enjoy it. If I'm ever in the
Appalachia area of Kentucky, I'll look you up. You have a beautiful area
that is crying for tourism and economic development to help the people.
Hopefully, people will catch on to what your area offers. Thanks again
for a wonderful story.
Roy Bernard
Kankakee, IL
5/30
Hey, Joe!
What a glorious day! Joe and David and I spent a good part of our ride
back to Louisville (Chauffeured by Joe's wife, Suzanne) talking about
our amazing encounter with you. You made my first century a memorable
one and you tripped some fantastic early cycling memories for our pal
Joe Ward. Definitely keep in touch. I'll be wondering if you find a
Lincoln connection to your Taylorsville Civil War hero.
Looking forward to our next ride together,
Kirk Kandle
Louisville, KY
5/28
(editor’s note: in bicycle lingo, a “century” refers to riding
100 miles in one day.)
Hi Joe!
We got our
computer up and running again so we checked in on you today.
Keep pedaling!
Paden and
Dalton
ps. Tell my
sister hello. Pete
5/27
Hi Joe,
Greeting from Yellow Springs, Ohio.
I finally got time to check out your website, very interesting.
I saw the interview on Channel 2 and article in Dayton Daily
News. Attached is pdf version of the DDN article. Take care, you
never know I may look you and Brian up sometime. Cheers and
keep up the good work!
Dan Carrigan
Yellow Springs, OH
(along the Little Miami Scenic Trail!)
5/26
Hi
Joe,
I
played tour guide for you for a few miles from Riverscape to Carillon
Park on the 22nd.
I
thought I'd send you my little paper on the Wright Flyer "Undulation"
Problem. I put this together starting in 2003 for the TechFest 2003
Technical Festival in the Dayton Area that celebrated the 100th year of
flight and the 200th year of Ohio statehood. I built a 1/32 scale Wright
Flyer in a wind tunnel to demonstrate the instability of the early
Wright Flyers. Students got to try flying it and learn about aircraft
stability and a little control theory. I have had the demo at a lot of
events since. You have my permission to distribute or use the
information in the paper anyway you like. It was done as an educational
exercise for the students and interested adults. Checkout the TechFest
websites at:
http://www.ascdayton.org/TechFest2003
http://www.ascdayton.org/TechFest2004
http://www.ascdayton.org/TechFest2005
http://www.ascdayton.org/TechFest2007
And
the pictures on my website at:
http://members.aol.com/swftec
follow the events link to TechFest2003
This
a great program we do to get students interested in Science, Engineering
and Mathematics. If you don't have a program like this in your area yet
consider getting one going. Our kids and our future need it.
The
Engineer's Club building near Riverscape where the Stainless Steel
Wright Flyer III is, is a historic building itself. The club goes back
to early in the 1900's and was started by Col. Deeds and Charles
Kettering. Orville Wright was an active member and leader. The club has
on display the number three Wright horizontal four cylinder engine. It
is very similar to the 1903, 1904 and 1905 engines and was used during
that time frame for experimentation by the Wrights. I am a member of the
club and use it for business meetings and I'm involved monthly with the
Miami Valley Consultants Network meeting that we have there.
http://www.engineersclub.org
Stephen W. Frey
SWFTEC/ICOD/ASC... swftec@aol.com
1-937-256-9698
Dayton, Ohio USA (the birthplace of aviation)
5/23
I saw the big wall
display about Joe’s trip when my wife and I visited the gorge May 11-12.
In case he’s getting homesick, here’s a photo I took of some mushrooms
growing among the ferns along Rough Trail on May 12.
Tim Gaffney
OH 5/22
(editor's note: The display Tim mentioned is at the Gladie Educational Interpretive Center on Rt. 715 down in the Red River Gorge along the Red River National Scenic Byway. The display is maintained by Hope Crosby and follows Joe's entire trip. It's really cool.)
Sir,
I just read about your trip in the Illinois Times (I live in
Springfield, Illinois and sadly I missed your passing through - I would
have loved to have visited with you seeking advice on bicycle equipment
and strategies for the long distance road). I think that what you are
doing is great! I would love to do exactly the same thing and hopefully
I will get to do it in the near future. Anyway, Keep on pedaling and
head up high!
Grant W. Cavins
5/19
Joe, I am really
bummed about missing your arrival in Springfield, Illinois but found out
after the fact by reading an article about you in the Illinois Times.
I'm sure you've heard many times, people say, "I would love to do what
you're doing" but I would love to do what you're doing. I hope to
ride across the country someday even if it's piecemeal fashion and
discover the true America. I hope you have nice roads and good
tailwinds for the remainder of your trip. Keep on keeping on-
Aaron Shehan, Springfield, Illinois
5/20
I sent an
email yesterday 5/18 saying Joe was traveling through Lebanon, IN and on
to Noblesville about 20 miles away.
However, he was traveling East and not West as I incorrectly
indicated. Sorry for the
error. I read that he
indeed did make Noblesville yesterday evening even with the terrible
weather we had.
Cinda Sullivan
Lebanon, IN
5/19
My son
Jonathan and I just talked to Joe (12:30PM) at Arby's Restaurant in
Lebanon, IN. Arby's is
located on the west edge of the city of Lebanon on St Rd 32.
A strong wind and rain delayed Joe's departure so we had the
pleasure of talking with him while on our lunch hour.
He showed us the map of his journey that started April 05 from
California. My 20 year-old
son was impressed with his story as was I.
He talked briefly about his findings from the Civil War and we
sure would have liked to spend more time listening but had to get back
to work. The weather has
cleared again and Joe's intentions were to make it to Noblesville, about
20 miles west of Lebanon, by evening.
It was great talking to Joe and we wish him well!
Cinda Sullivan
Lebanon, IN
46052 5/18
We ran into
Joe at the Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.
I had just finished a short bicycle trip in Illinois - just 320
miles.
After we saw
him we thought "We should invite him to stay with us".
We went back looking for him, but he was gone.
Next time
you are in Lincoln country, come see us!
Jim Cravens,
Springfield, IL
5/18
Whew!
I guess we would have a long day just chopping out one row of that corn
in Illinois. And I suppose you can already see the short rows heading
home.
I’m
still working in Beattyville on Hwy. 52 and the people there are
really excited with your return. I noticed last week they have
installed signs along Ky 11 advising " Caution Bicycle Route"
Well,
get you some rest while you can and we'll see ya when you get in.
Bernard
Jr.
5/16
Howdy Joe, I was looking at your web site to check on you. I’m in Alaska now for a few weeks supporting the army for their deployment to Iraq. Any just wanted to say hello, it sure was nice running into a home town guy in north Carolina. Hope and I would love you to come visit us some day in Murphy. Take care and may god watch over you and keep you safe.,,,,,, your friends roger and hope powell ( Murphy nc) 5/18
Joe, it was
good talking to you today at Arby’s Restaurant in Lebanon, IN.
Wish my son and I could have taken a longer lunch break. The sun
is back out now so I assume you are headed for Noblesville, IN which I
found out is only about 20 miles and not 35 as we told you. Know
you will be glad to get home and see your family and that won’t be long
now. We wish you well and I do hope you and your friends are able
to bring honor due to the Civil War hero.
Cinda
Sullivan Jonathan Sullivan Lebanon, IN
May 18, 2006
Sir,
I just read about your trip in the Illinois Times
(I live in Springfield, Illinois and sadly I missed your passing through
- I would have loved to have visited with you seeking advice on bicycle
equipment and strategies for the long distance road). I think that what
you are doing is great! I would love to do exactly the same thing and
hopefully I will get to do it in the near future. Anyway, Keep on
pedaling and head up high!
Grant W. Cavins 5/18
Sincerely,
Sherri Beardstown, IL 5/13
Hello,
Joe stayed with us in Galena
Illinois at the Country Inns and Suites on Sunday May 7, 2006.
What a trip he's on.
I was totally amazed.
Deb Dole
Front Desk Clerk
Galena, IL 5/13
Hello Joe,
Thank you for spending the night in Galena at our hotel, and
making us a part of your long journey. What a wonderful thing for
the school kids to follow.
Ride safe, live long!!
:)Deb Dole
Galena, IL
5/13
(editor’s note: the following three emails were sent by our new friend, Chris. She not only wrote to the students, but also to the web site and to Joe. Thanks, Chris.)
I was lucky on May 10th
when I saw Joe pedaling past my Elementary School in Alpha, Illinois. I
was just pulling out of the parking lot, on my way to the High School,
when Joe went by. I read about him in the newspaper (The Rock Island
Argus) and was so surprised to see him on the road.
I followed him down the
road and watched him turn towards the diner. Hmmmm, the idea came to
me...."Why not buy him lunch". I thought I would run an errand, hoping
that he would settle in at the diner, then I would sneak in and pay for
his lunch, then sneak back out. Nope, that wasn't the case. When I
pulled up in the parking space, Joe was under the little tree in the
side yard, talking on his cell phone. Rats, that called for a change of
plan. So I waited for him to end his conversation. I introduced myself
(I am the art teacher at the AlWood Community Schools), told him about
reading the article in the newspaper and that I wanted to treat him to
lunch. I couldn't join him because I was on the way to the other school
but we talked for a few minutes and I wrote abit in his journal. What a
pleasure it was to talk with Joe. What a terrific guy and the love he
has for those students that are tracking him! He is having quite an
adventure and will continue to have one. He is going to inspire so many
students. I am grateful that I could be a part of his adventure. I
normally do not approach total strangers like that, but Joe was so
friendly, one could not help but talk to him. Thank you for what you are
doing. It is terrific!
Chris Fiedler
AlWood School; Art Teacher
Hi Joe,
It was a great pleasure to
meet up with you in Alpha, Illinois as you were heading towards
Galesburg. I hope that the road was kind to you and the weather was
good. With the weather today (May 11th), you should have a great tail
wind. I hope it isn*t blowing you off the road.
Thanks for doing this
adventure for the kids. I hope it inspires everyone to go out and
explore the world around them like you are doing. I know that I will be
doing some exploring on my own because of you. Take care and have more
fun out there on the road.
Chris Fiedler
that Art Teacher in Alpha,
Illinois
5/11
Hi!
I am Chris
Fiedler who was lucky enough to meet up with Joe in Alpha, Illinois. The
students down there are so lucky to have Joe traveling on his bike and
seeing the USA. Oh, the adventures he is having and the sights that he
is seeing! I hope this inspires students there to go out and explore the
world. It is so incredibly beautiful out there and there is so much to
learn about.
Yes, I did
treat Joe to lunch and lucky was that when I found him pedaling by as I
was heading off to the High School. He ate at the local diner with some
of the other local folks. He charmed three ladies heading in for lunch.
He was quite surprised as I was to find out that they were 86 years
young.
When Joe
reaches his destination, I hope all of you have a great time welcoming
him. He told me of a bike rally. That is soooo nice. We lost a 3rd grade
student to a semi-bike accident the night of our open house in September
of 2005. If he had on a helmet, I think he would still be with us. A
local hospital is sponsoring a bike rodeo at our elementary school. They
gave every student a bike helmet and to this day, every student wears
their helmets.
Well, time
for me to close. Enjoy the day and have fun watching Joe*s trip. Take
care.
Chris Fiedler
AlWood
Elementary School
Alpha, Il
5/11
Julie and I
met Joe while at Arlington Cemetery in Arlington, VA.
We spent almost an hour talking with him about his adventures.
Julie and I live in the St. Louis, MO area and are planning on
traveling to Springfield, IL in May when Joe visits there.
Julie and I love visiting the State of Kentucky because of its
natural beauty and friendly people.
We especially love to visit the Lexington - Louisville area to
see all the beautiful horse farms.
Good luck
with your special classroom project.
We are glad to be a part of it!!
Wayne and
Julie St. Louis, MO
4/10
(editor’s note: Wayne and Julie did meet Joe a month later in Springfield, IL and took him to all the Lincoln sites. Thanks, you all.)
Hello, I met
Joe last year when he rode through Jackson Hole Wyoming and he stopped
in our Real Estate office in Teton Village.
I have been checking the _Where_s Joe? Site ever since.
It was a delight to meet him and follow his travels throughout
our great U.S. My best to
him, Sharon
Sharon M.
Smitherman Sales Associate
Real Estate of Jackson Hole, WY
4/18
I met Joe and
gave him directions on Saturday, 4/22/06.
He was in Homer, Michigan at 1:30 PM.
He stopped in the Stagecoach restaurant for directions to Battle
Creek which is about 30 miles from Homer.
We visited for about half an hour and Joe shared many of his
photos with me. It was a
fun visit and Joe was in great shape and wanted you to know he was still
pedaling.
Henry Orman
Homer, MI
4/24
Hi,
Joe was in Nappanee, Indiana on
Thursday, April 27, 2006.
My name is Becky Maust and I had the pleasure of waiting on Joe while he
had the Thresher's Dinner in the Restaurant Barn at Amish Acres.
It was a pleasure to wait on him and hear about his travels.
Thanks,
Becky Maust
Nappanee, IN
4/29
We know Joe (and a lot of his stories)!!! We're actually driving 100
miles or so just to see him and were hoping that you might know the name
of the place he is staying in the Springfield-area. Joe told us
that he was going to be visiting the new Lincoln Presidential Library
and Museum, but that's all we have to go on. And we're hoping that
Saturday is the day he is actually going to be in Springfield...
Wayne and Julie
5/11
I am Hugh Boyt and I am a Deputy Sheriff with the Kankakee County
Sheriff's Departmentin
Kanakakee, Illinois. Kankakee is approx. 30-35 miles south of Chicago. I
met Mr. Joe Bowen today, Wednesday May 3, 2006 at approx. 11:30 am while
I was on a traffic stop on State Route 17 west.
As I was walking back to my police car I saw Mr. Bowen riding his
bicycle loaded down and obvious he was riding cross country. I asked him
where he was going and he pulled over to where I was and we began
talking. He was such a polite gentleman and we discussed his journey and
what his purpose was in riding his bicycle.
I gave him some tips with his directions and wished him a safe
journey. Such an incredible man!
As he was about to leave he asked me to send this e-mail and to let his
family know he was doing fine.
He appeared to me as looking very fit, healthy and his spirits
seemed very high. His next
stop was Streator, Illinois where he was going to a Hotel for the night.
I hope someday to meet Mr. Joe Bowen because first impressions tell alot
about a person. Good Luck! Joe
Hugh Boyt Kankakee, Illinois
5/3
Dear Joe,
I was reading the
article about you in our local new paper the Rock Island Argus;
And saw that you are very interested in Abe Lincoln's history. I
know this may come late in the year for you; but I thought you would be
interested in knowing that on October 18 in Princeton, IL at there Civil
War Reenactment there will be two very intelligent and very
knowledgeable gentleman who will be putting on a Douglas vs. Lincoln
debate. They do not get together every year to do this. It's a once in a
few years thing they do because of their schedules. The first time my
husband and I heard them debating it just froze us in our tracks; along
with the rest of the people there. They also look so... Much like
Douglas and Lincoln that it just sets you back in time. I think you
would really enjoy the sights and the knowledgeable un-script debate.
Sincerely,
Katy Goossens
Orion, IL
5/10
(editors note: this email came with really cool Civil War themed wallpaper.)
Joe,
I really enjoyed the article about your ride in the Moline Daily
Dispatch. What kind of bicycle are you riding and how did you pick your
route? Good luck, what a great adventure!
Jim
Moline, IL
5/10
Hello Joe. I see you are on
another journey. Bill & I are pulling out on our motorcycles and headed
for MAINE. I sure hope we cross paths, again. (I'm the lady with
the black & yellow Harley. We met in South Dakota)
just jogging your memory.
Just checking in to say hello!!!!
God be with you, always!!!
Peggy
Remember the One who loves you, and
then be different because of it.
Peggy Paul
Houston, TX
5/10
Good luck, Joe! I'm a newspaper editor in Moline, Ill., and a native Kentuckian. Joe stopped here overnight on May 9, and one of my reporters did a feature on him. Unfortunately, I was working nights and didn't get a chance to say "hi" to him. Best wishes, and best of luck on the road! -- Rebecca Moline, IL 5/10
Joe, Annette and I met you
this afternoon in Dyersville, Iowa.
We stopped and had our picture taken with you in front of the
farm house near the Field of Dreams.
It was so good of you to take the time to share your story with
us and we wish you a safe trip back to Kentucky
Roger Overman and Annette Hoover Dyersville, Iowa
5/9
Joe, It was a pleasure meeting you and taking your picture. Good Luck
on the RIDE.
Jim Dunnigan
Dixon, IL 5/7
Joe in front of Pres. Ronald Reagan's boyhood home. Picture taken and sent in by Jim Dunnigan. Thanks, Jim!
Just wanted you to
know I was checking up on you !!!!!! XXXOOO
Judy (John, Alex &
Jon)
Louisville, Taylorsville, KY
4/28
I've sent this (following email) a few times before but for some
reason it has failed to make it to the 'Comments From Folks Along the
Way' section. So here it is again, way late to be added, but I
wanted someone to know we met a wonderful man & there was a comment from
Gatlinburg TN. My Son and I enjoy reading comments about the RIDE from
Joe and comments from all his friends (new & old) along the way. The
best of luck to Joe and his family.
Jennifer (Dillon) Mosley & son; Austin Branham
Gatlinburg, TN
3/23
I sent the following E-mail on; March 16, 2006 and I just wanted to
make sure you received it, so I'm resending it.
I just wanted to let everyone
know that I got the pleasure of meeting Joe yesterday (3/15/06), as he
was passing through Gatlinburg, TN. on his way towards NC and then on
towards 'Home Sweet Home' - in the Beautiful state of Kentucky.
He is a truly AMAZING Man. My 11 year
old son was captivated by Mr. Bowen and
listened to his every word (play station 2 couldn't
have pulled him away), I too very much enjoyed the company of Mr. Bowen.
The worst part of his short stop was his leaving, we could have kept him
and enjoyed his company for quite some time. We feel very lucky to have
had the opportunity to meet such a wonderful person. My son said "Mom,
this has to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, for me to meet someone
like him."
Thank you Mr. Bowen for stopping by our new home in Gatlinburg, TN.
You are welcome here anytime. 3/16/06
Mr. Bowen made my son's day, he has been telling everyone (teachers,
Grandparents, neighbors...) about Mr. Bowen and their meeting. We would
love to be in Williamson when you pass thru, I know Austin would be
extremely excited. Formally from Kentucky - South Williamson & Pikeville
(Kentucky will always be home)
Jennifer Dillon-Mosley & son; Austin K. Branham, Sam Mosley
Gatlinburg, TN 4/28
(editor’s note- Jennifer and Sam, Sorry for the delay. I just received your email. I have no idea where they hide these things in cyberspace nor why they choose to send them when they do. Thanks for writing again. Oh, and by the way, we had already heard about your son, Austin, because Joe bragged about him for over a week. And no doubt, will again.)
Joe I last
saw pedaling his bicycle out of Homer, Michigan about 2:00 PM on
Saturday, 4/22/06. He had stopped at the Stagecoach restaurant to
inquire about his route to Battle Creek. We visited for about half
an hour and he headed north toward Battle Creek and a threatening sky.
I hope he missed the thunderstorms. He wanted everyone to know
"Joe is still pedaling.
Henry Orman Homer,
MI 4/22
This was
my first trip to our Nation's Capital and on April 4th Wayne and I
decided to take in Arlington Cemetery. We had tried the day
before, but the weather did not cooperate, the weather on this day was
beautiful. Our walk was detoured by a funeral in progress and so we
took a different road. As we walked down that other street, we
came upon a man on a bicycle. That man was Joe Bowen and he asked
our help in searching for the gravesite of his neighbor’s son. I
found the grave and Wayne and I took Joe's picture while he held the
picture of John David Morton. We also asked that he take our
picture beside the grave of one of our many heroes. I guess I have
been lucky and not been touched personally by the war, until this day.
The emotions that Joe showed to us will forever live in my heart as will
the memory of that day and of John David.
Wayne and
I stood talking with Joe for over an hour and I must say that I was
intrigued by our new friend. Later that day we found that Joe was
also staying at the same hotel we were. I don't believe that our
meeting was by chance, too many events led to us being in that exact
spot at the same time as Joe. Wayne and I met him the morning that
he left to continue his journey to Gettysburg (I'm sure he was behind
schedule after that).
Meeting
Joe was the highlight of my trip and I have told everyone to visit his
web site. He is truly an inspiration to me and I look forward to
seeing him again. Wayne and I plan on meeting him in Springfield,
IL in May and spending a few hours with him. Joe Bowen will
forever be in my prayers and in my heart.
Julie
Barker Wayne Loehring
4/13
I wish we could have visited with you and Barb before you left
again. Have a good ride and I enjoy reading your stories from the road.
Elizabeth
4/8
I read about
Joe in the local newspaper and I'm now a fan.
Go Joe Go!!
Carolyn
Bowen
11/02/05
(editor’s note: Sorry about the delay, Carolyn. I post the messages when I receive them.)
I learned
about Joe’s ride in Kentucky Living and will share his story with my
kids.
Scott Cooke
3/21
We have a link to Joe’s page on the Spencer County Kentucky Library’s homepage so that Spencer County can keep up with Joe. He spoke at the local historical society meeting on January 23, 2006. Lisa 1/24
What a wonderful journey for Joe!
I'm enjoying reading about his adventures on the web and in print.
Paula Drury
Swan Taylorsville KY
4/15
Good luck Joe.
Here's wishing Joe a safe trip in the spring....
Bonnie
Hodge Viola, AR USA
12/31/05
(editor’s note: Bonnie, sorry about the delay in posting your message. I just received it.)
Hi Students,
I am a kindergarten
teacher in Harrisville, West Virginia, (near Parkersburg).
A good friend of mine met Joe in Jackson Co., WV last evening.
She was having dinner at a restaurant with her daughter at the
same time Joe was there.
They struck up a conversation and learned that they both were deeply
interested in cancer research.
She works with the American Cancer Society and so do I, as I am a
cancer survivor. Isn't it neat
that they were able to build a quick friendship!!
I understand that Joe may have lost his first wife to cancer. She
said her daughter remarked in the car after dinner that she so wished
Joe could be her "grandfather!"
I haven't had a chance to
meet Joe but I'm glad he is helping you to learn about our country.
My students and I just finished reading "Flat Stanley" and we are
mailing our paper "Stanleys" across the United States this week.
If your class would like to host a "Stanley" for a couple of
weeks, just email me your address.
We'd love to learn more about your state! Sincerely,
Mrs. Kathy
White
Kindergarten
teacher Harrisville Elementary Harrisville, WV
3/28
Hello,
Just
wanted to say I met Joe earlier today at Boo's Colonial, where he was
having some lunch in Weston, WV on his way to Elkins.
My
name is John Clise and I'm a reporter for The Weston Democrat and radio
station WHAW 980 AM.
Joe
was a fantastic interview. He was ready to talk about his adventures and
more than ready to talk about his home in Eastern Kentucky.
Meeting him was great and I hope to make it down to his neck of the
woods over the summer. Maybe in time to attend the upcoming festival.
We'll have a story in the paper next Wednesday and you can check out his
story for the radio station at
www.whawradio.com. in the next day
or so. Let us know what you think.
Take care and thanks,
John Clise
Weston, WV
3/30
Truly
an inspiration to me. I
enjoyed meeting Joe last night at the Kentucky Fried Chicken in Ripley,
WV. His stories are
incredible as well as the man on his journey.
I will continue to keep Joe in my prayers and share his story and
website with others. Thanks
so much for the opportunity to share his adventure.
Judy M.
Watson, American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division Community
Income Manager Rt. 1 Box 52 Harrisville, WV 3/28
Hi Joe
Just wanted to pass along what a wonderful experience some of my
students received in listening to you speak in our school yesterday
(3/28/06). They were
motivated and the message was delivered in a sincere and heartfelt
manner. Thanks again!
Best of Luck!
Jim Mahan, Principal, Ripley Middle School, Ripley, West
Virginia
4/14
I met Joe
last night about 13.5 miles outside of Washington, D.C. He was on the
C&O Canal National Park towpath. We chatted for a few minutes before Joe
had to hurry off in order to beat a line of rolling thunderstorms. The
metro area was under a tornado watch at the time. He was planning to
stay in Rosslyn, Virginia, which is just across the Francis Scott Key
Bridge from Georgetown. Joe was looking fit as a fiddle. I sure hope he
beat the downpour!
Kim Kassing
of Falls Church, Virginia
4/4
Hi Joe,
Just a note
to let you know that Pearl and I are keeping up with you.
Good luck on your trip and ride, Joe, ride.
Jerry and
Pearl Morton
Stanton, KY
4/3
hey joe:
Mike jones and cindy freed here from pine creek PA. Met you yesterday at
waterville. You had 15 miles to go headed for slate run. Hope you had a
good nights rest and a good hot meal. Will be following your progress.
Hope that you are enjoying our rails to trails. Know you will especially
enjoy riding through the Grand Canyon. Keep your eyes to the sky for the
bald eagles.
HAPPY BIKING
Pine Creek, PA
4/12
April 4, 2006
Meeting Joe
Bowen was a chance encounter. Julie and I had wanted to visit
Arlington Cemetery the day before, but the weather was rainy and cold so
we changed our plans and toured Arlington the next day, April 4th.
Joe was on
his bike and had stopped in a particular section of Arlington looking
for a specific veteran's headstone. He asked Julie and I if we
would mind helping him look for this headstone and we were willing to
assist. It was then that Joe told us the story of Sergeant First
Class John David Morton. John David was a Soldier from eastern
Kentucky (Cane Creek) who was killed in Dec, 2005, while serving
with the US Army in Afghanistan. Joe told us that he had promised
John David's parents that he would find their son's gravesite whenever
he visited Arlington. April 4th was that day.
Julie and I
were humbled by this event. The war in Afghanistan had just become
personal for us. Joe showed us a picture of John David and told us
about the memorial service he had attended in John David's home town.
What a fine young man! A family man. A Soldier.
A Hero. Julie and I will never forget this day. What an honor it
was for us to be asked to help Joe find John David Morton's final
resting place.
Our chance
meeting with Joe at Arlington was the highlight of our trip to the
Washington DC area. We wish Joe all the best in his bike travels
and we are planning on meeting up with Joe in May whenever he visits the
Springfield, IL area.
Wayne Loehring
Julie
Barker
4/13
It was
an honor for Congressman Rogers to see Joe here in Washington.
Joe's site looks great! His trip is a fun, neat way to learn about
American history. Thank you for all you are doing to help educate
our students in Eastern Kentucky.
Leslie
Cupp Communications Director, Office of U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers
2406 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
202-225-4601
http://halrogers.house.gov/
Just met Joe on the C&O Canal in Potomac , Maryland .Only spent a few
minutes talking but what a fascinating story--Best of luck to him
on the rest of his journey!!!
Suzy and Evie
Potomac, MD 4/6
It was great taking to you today on the Canal---Hope you made it to Frederick and on to Gettysburg----enjoy the C&O. zarina, MD 4/7
hello joe i just thought i would see how you are doing this is jamie from middlefork 4/7
Hello
- Mr. Joe Bowen met with Congressman Rogers in Washington, DC on
Tuesday, April 4. Joe asked me to pass on the attached photos and
I am doing so. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Leslie
Leslie Cupp
Communications Director
Office of U.S. Congressman Hal Rogers 2406 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 202-225-4601
http://halrogers.house.gov/
4/4
Hello,
Yesterday afternoon it was my great privilege and pleasure to ride 28
miles alongside your friend Joe Bowen, getting to know and respect him,
and hearing of his great exploit in riding his bicycle all over this
country of ours.
It was a beautifully sunny Sunday afternoon, the first day of daylight
savings time and therefore the most gradual afternoon we've had since
early last fall. Joe told me of his adventures and of the people
he's met and state capitols he's visited.
He asked me what I did, and when I told him he requested I write and
tell "the kids."
I am a Circuit Judge in the three easternmost counties of West Virginia.
That means I'm a trial judge in cases of all kinds, criminal and civil.
I've been a judge here for about 14 years so far. Although I
rotate my "seat" over the county seats of the three counties, for
several years I heard cases in the historic courthouse where
abolitionist John Brown was tired after his failed raid on Harper's
Ferry in his attempt to free the slaves. While presiding over
court in that famous courthouse, and for several years afterwards,
I served as a regular tour guide, telling its story to curious tourist
from many parts of the world.
Many think that it was John Brown's raid which provided the final spark
that ignited our country's Civil War. Brown hoped that his life
and actions would serve as a beacon for others to inspire and bring
about the end of slavery in America. The details of his actions
still reverberate in history.
In a very different way I think Joe wishes for his life and actions to
serve as inspiration to others. I know he thinks about "the kids"
who are following his adventure and hopes they gain something
positive from the example of his long ride of discovery.
As I last saw Joe yesterday evening he was pedaling off towards Harper's
Ferry and his evening's rest and probable day off the bicycle, as rain
is expected today and Joe said he'd probably use the day to explore
Harper's Ferry National Historic Park. From there I believe he
plans to cross the Potomac River (the Potomac and the Shenandoah
converge at Harper's Ferry) and to ride the famous tow path of the C & O
Canal theremaining
70 some miles into the heart of Washington DC.
Joe is a hardy soul and just a positive and energetic person. I
feel blessed to have met him. I wish him a safe ride and the best
of luck as he continues his quest.
David H. Sanders
Circuit Judge for
the 23rd Judicial Circuit of West Virginia comprised of Jefferson,
Berkeley and Morgan counties
100 West King Street,
Martinsburg WV 25401
4/3
Dear Joe,
We absolutely loved having you as our keynote speaker for the 44th
Annual KJHS Convention. I know you had to work your travel schedule
around our event and I really appreciate your flexibility. So many
teachers and students have passed along wonderful compliments about your
visit.
It was so very nice to meet you and your lovely wife. Best wishes and
much luck on the rest of your journey! Please keep us posted.
Sincerely,
Annie W. Voelkert, KJHS State Coordinator
3/31
Joe,
We are
enjoying hearing our teacher read your stories from the road.
We can’t wait ‘til you come back to Red River. Have a safe trip!
Mrs. Elam’s Class Red River Valley Elementary, Hazel Green, KY
3/30
I wanted to share
with you my great joy in the wonderful experience for my students.
My name is Jim Mahan and I am the principal of Ripley Middle School in
Ripley, West Virginia. I received word that Mr. Joe Bowen was
lodged in our area. I was also told he would be willing to stop by
and speak with our kids. That opportunity became a reality and the
kids and teachers were blown away with his genuine heart, motivating
style, and warmth. He truly is a wonderful ambassador for your
organization. My spirits, as well as the spirits of my kids, were
uplifted through this engagement. Thank you once again.
Jim Mahan, Principal
Ripley Middle School, Ripley, WV 3/29
Hello Joe,
This is Brian McCommon from The Parkersburg News. We met today at
Ripley Middle School. I just wanted to let you know that the little
article that Christina will write will come out next week. Once it is
out, I will send you a couple of copies. It was great to meet you!
Respectfully,
Brian McCommon The
Parkersburg News - Jackson County
3/28
Hi Joe!
You look
wonderful….I'm enjoying reading about you on the web and in print!
I just read a wonderful story about you in the Kentucky Living magazine.
I hope all is well for you.
Paula,
Taylorsville, KY
3/15
Hello. Our extended family moved to Powell County about 4 years
ago. We have been reading about your trip with great admiration.
What a testimony to the positive power of the human spirit!
My Dad and I just got our bikes "tuned" up and wanted to do some
rides. We are both a bit spoiled, having moved here from Mississippi
(rails to trails everywhere!) and northern Virginia (bike trails
everywhere). We were surprised to learn that there are no bike
trails in the Boone National Forest, that includes Natural Bridge, Cave Run, and the
Gorge. Thanks again, and best of luck on the last 4,000 miles,
Jane Huffman Hayes (daughter) and Dave Huffman (father)
Powell County, KY
3/15
I
am a recent college graduate who just completed my student teaching in
Menifee County, Kentucky. During my rotation in a 4th grade
classroom, I was asked by my supervising teacher, Rebecca Roach, to
create a unit of study for social studies. Mrs. Roach suggested
that I become familiar with Joe Bowen's journey across America and
integrate it into my unit.
At the time Mr.
Bowen was traveling through Arizona and so I felt it would be a great
way to begin a study on the Southwest Region of the U.S. The unit
began in the computer lab and allowed students to form their own inquiry
based questions about Joe's travel through the southwest. It
provided the perfect opportunity to provide a mini-lesson on internet
safety and finding reliable sources for information on the web. By
the end of the 3 week unit, students had completed several projects all
based on the southwest region. Students created travel brochures,
wrote poetry, cooked southwest cuisine for their classmates, sang
regional songs, and built shelters that resembled the homes of the
Navajo. We also had a guest speaker who had visited the southwest
and shared her photographs and stories. To integrate language
arts, the students began keeping a journal which was similar to the one
kept by Joe and a natural integration for science followed with a unit
study on geology.
Joe's adventure was
the perfect kick off for our unit of study. There were so many
possibilities using Joe's information to create lessons that I felt I
had found a gold mine. What was even more wonderful was that
Joe provided a wonderful example of what can be done with a little bit
of imagination and some hard work. Thanks Joe!!!
Jodi Blackburn
Rebecca Roach-
Supervising Teacher Botts
Elementary, Botts, KY
3/8
Hello Joe, my
neighbor noticed your story in the Warren Rural Elect. mag. wanted me to
read it, said he used to work
construction with you, I think around Louisville, his name is Earl
Lindsey, do you remember Earl? Good luck on the
ride, you make all of old retiree's want to get out and do something.
lol
Kenny
3/6
Hi Joe,
You are quite a
guy! (spoken from the perspective of a wife of a fellow
adventurer!) I married a man who wanted to travel. Little
did I know, that it would involve a trip across the country and it would
be on a bicycle! When we left Seattle in 1990, we were young,
healthy and 29 years old. 4705 miles and 3 months later, we
arrived in Bar Harbour, ME. Luckily, we were young, healthy and
still married! Two weeks later, we left for a 1 year, 30 country
backpacking tour which only seemed to whet our appetite for a married
life of travel, which now includes our 2 girls, ages 10 and 13.
Being a journalism major, David even wrote a book. Over the years,
David's father got involved in biking. This summer, my
father-in-law is joining the Adventure Cyclist anniversary tour across
the country. I have sent him a copy of your article in the
Kentucky magazine and I KNOW he will be following your progress this
spring. So will I! Good luck, Godspeed and stay safe.
Our family will be thinking about you as the four of us ride in BRAG
this June (Bike Ride Across Georgia). I've sent your web page to my
child's teacher. Hopefully, they will be involved as well!
Take good care. Fondly,
Susan Wooten
Murray, KY
3 / 4
Hi Joe
Just a quick Hello to say well done. You may / may not remember the
Australian family who met you the day before you left on this fantastic
journey in the street and at the Chamber of Commerce building.
We have been following your fantastic feat. Wishing you well. Take
care always.
Best Regards David, Catherine, Nicolas and Nathan
Australia
3/3
Hi Joe,
This
is Karen (Brewer) Gardner, I ran across the website with the info about
your second bike trip. I e-mailed before but have not heard from
you. It has been many, many years since we have seen each other, guess
it was running into you at Morehead the last time I saw you, that was
just a few years ago.
I
live in Pensacola, Florida now. Am married to a navy retiree and
have two children and one granddaughter who is the joy of my life.
I think it is wonderful you are repeating your bike trip. I cannot
imagine such an undertaking at our age so I really admire your
dedication and fortitude. I really miss the hills of Kentucky and
love coming back home when I get the chance. Mom (Irene Brewer) is
still living there with my sister. She is the one who told me you
were cycling again.
Have
a great last part of the trip this spring. I would love to get my
granddaughter hooked into your school program, they live in Orlando so
do not know if this is possible or not. Let me know.
May
God be with you and the wind always at your back. Happy riding.
Karen
Pensacola, FL
2/27
Dear Joe,
Thank you for coming out to our school. I hope you had a good time
with us. Was it hard to walk on those sticks? Did you have fun riding
your bike down the hallway? We are going to be following the rest of
your journey on these laptops. Sincerely,
Taylor Spencer
Rogers, KY
2/16
Dear Joe Bowen.
Thank you for coming to our school, Rogers ELEMENTARY. I wish you
could tell us more of your storys. It was fun meeting you. I miss you
very much. See you later. Comeback and see us.
?
Rogers, KY
2/16
Thank you for coming to our school Joe Bowen.
Thank you for telling us stories. Have a good journey. We
will be emailing you more. Thank you,
Brandon Reynolds and Joe Williams
Rogers Elementary
Rogers, KY
2/16
Hi Joe Bowen,
Thank you for coming to Rogers Elementary School. Thanks for telling
about the trips you took on your bike. My favorite story was when you
told us about you on your horse and you thought you seen a grizzly bear
but it was your dog.
Kennedy Patrick
Rogers, KY
2/16
Dear Mr. Bowen,
Thank you so much for taking the time to come to Rogers
Elementary to visit with out students and tell about your adventures
bicycling across America.
Our students enjoyed your visit tremendously and talked about it for
several days afterwards.
Our school was awarded an HP Technology for Teaching grant for
the year 2004-2005. At the
end of this grant period, we had an opportunity to apply in the next
round of competition which was for a Technology for Leadership grant for
the year 2005-2006. Our
team was the only team chosen to receive this extension from the state
of Kentucky. The other 15
teams were from all parts of the United States and Canada.
Our project was to follow your journey bicycling across America.
Our plan was for our students to research and study the different
states that you will be traveling through, their climates, the animals
that live there, and their habitats. Our
students will be corresponding with you via e-mail as well as
corresponding with a partner school in Canada.
In September 2005, our school traveled to Orlando, Florida to
talk about our proposed project with the other recipients of this HP
grant.As we were
introducing our plan, several of the other 15 teams and our HP leaders
had already heard about your travels.
You had actually gone through the hometown of one our HP leaders
from California. The few
that had not heard about your project went to their laptops and pulled
up your web page to see where you were at that time.
The HP leaders were and still are excited about our grant
proposal.
Our HP technology equipment is now up and running and we will be
corresponding with you and learning more about the states you have
visited and will be visiting in the future.
In July, we will be going to San Diego, California and showcasing
the work we have done with your travels. We certainly will have
exciting, as well as educational, information to share as this national
conference.
Once again thank you
for coming to our school and allowing our students to meet you in
person. They have
been studying about your adventures and will continue to follow your
journey. Thanks for your
patience and for answering the questions that our students had.
You made them feel special.
Sincerely,
Rogers Elementary Staff
Rogers, KY
1/31
Mr Joe Bowen,
You may
or not recall who I am. Just to refresh your memory, I was one of the
students who introduced myself when you talked to the first group. I'm
the one who organized the 108 chairs in our small auditorium for you.
Whether you remember me or not, I will never forget you. Joe you are my
new hero and idol who I will always look up to. When I first met you I
was so intrigued of your life story. I almost couldn't believe all the
things you did. When listening to your stories it kind of reminded of
this movie "Big Fish". The movie is basically about this father who
tells his son stories of his whole life that the son thought was
impossible. I felt like a five year old listening to my grandfather
telling me a bedtime stories. But was even more amazing that every you
have experienced has happened. That is so AWESOME!
Mr. Joe
Bowen, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you
for coming to my school and opening so many doors of imagination in my
life. I felt listening to you I could do anything and achieve what I
want. You are an incredible, caring, strong, and loving man who cares so
much for the world and the society that lives in it. You're like
superman! Instead of flying you ride your bike and walk on stilts, which
is really COOL!! Joe I want to say congratulations on every thing you
have accomplished in life. Keep riding your bike and keep sharing your
stories. Until next time...! Love always,
Alex
Aponte
Louisville, KY
1/30
Hey Joe, I
am the guy that was in the first time you talked and came up to shake
your hand. I thought that you were very inspiring and you have squeezed
so much into one lifetime that I can never match even half of what you
have done. I also think that it is cool that you are still doing it,
riding your bike, and visiting the people that you saw the first time
around. It was cool and I enjoyed it. Thank you.
Shane Gall
Louisville, KY
1/30
Dear Mr.
Bowen,
My name is
Tiffany Bailey and I just wanted to say that although I didn't get to
come to hear you speak I commend you for what you did. That takes great
courage and determination! I want to tell you I hope you continue on
your journey and may God bless you and keep you in good health. Once
again thanks! Sincerely,
Tiffany Bailey
Louisville, KY
1/30
Hi Mr.
Bowen! I wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed your speech
yesterday. You are very inspirational. You let me know that
anything is possible. In addition, that people look up to people who try
to do different things than normal. You let me know that I can do
anything that I set my mind to! I hope that you succeed on your journey
that you are taken now and that you conquer the unconquerable. Thank you
very much.
Brittany
Bridgewater
Louisville, KY
1/30
Dear Joe, Thank you
for coming to Butler and speaking before my class. Your experiences are
once in a lifetime. Your are a funny person and has had fun. Thanks
again for coming and maybe we should go water skiing behind a plane.
(email was unsigned)
Louisville, KY
1/30
Hey
Mr. Bowen.
I just
wanted to let you know that with you coming to visit our school and talk
to us about your experience was very appreciated.. I did have to leave
it early so I didn't get the last 30 minutes of your little speech
thing. But its pretty awesome how you accomplish everything you did.
Like its people like you out there they make it believable to be able to
accomplish anything. I know you've been told this over and over again
and I know that or already know.. but what you have done was
astonishing.. Its actually kinda unbelievable if you think about it..
but just wanted to show you some appreciation! Thank you and I’ve been
sharing with everyone the things you have accomplished and will always
remember the experience you gave me and my classmates yesterday
Michelle
Louisville, KY
1/30
Hay Joe I just
wanted to say that it was cool what you did and all that. I just wanted
to tell you that the coolest thing about it was you got to meet Elvis
Presley. You came to my school today, Beattyville Elementary January
27th 2006 i thought you were the coolest and i just wanted to say
thanks.
Wildkid
Beattyville, KY
1/27
Hey Joe,
How are you...I’m in Mrs. Bailys class right now and we’re all having
class and just guess who we’re talking about...........YOU.
He,He!!! Well I enjoyed listening to you yesterday during 3rd
period. I think you're a real / nice/ goodhearted person forreal. Mrs
Baily told us that your not coming back next year so thanks for letting
us meet you. I love the fact that you don't have a weekly routine where
you wake up go to work, come home, clean and go to bed. Kinda like your
living your life as though it’s your last. I want to do that when I’m
older but not only that you mentioned to me that you had children too.
So you lived your life and raised your kids and yet you still want to go
water skiing.you are full of energy .....my mom and dad and grandma
aren’t that full of life. Just your presence in the room, I felt a
good vibe. You’re just a joy to be around. But im going to go and get to
work bc were starting a lesson so take care.Love always!
PS WRITE BAK...OR COME BAK B4 THE SKOO YR'S UP AND TELL US WHAT
YOU'VE DONE SINCE THEN....
ASHLEE
Louisville, KY
1/25
Joe, i will have fun. i will try 2 do something as incredible as
u someday!!!! i dont know how u do it....i am still trying 2 figure that
out, stilt walking across america....I CAN'T BELIVE IT!!!!!!ok.....well
talk 2 u later....bye!! sincerely
Donovan Clements!!!!
Taylorsville, KY
1/25
Dear Mr. Bowen,
You recently visited my school (Butler High) and I wanted to say
thank you so much for taking the time!! You are truly an amazing person.
You have accomplished so much and done so many things. What stories you
must hold!! I just wanted to say thank you so much for sharing with us
and congratulate you on such a wonderful life. If I do in my lifetime
even a fraction of the things that you have done, it would be amazing.
Keep on going, and once again -- thank you! God Bless and good luck!!
Jamie Beaven
Louisville, KY
1/25
We love Joe
Bowen, We love Joe Bowen, We love Joe Bowen!
I have had
so much positive feedback about Joe's visit to BTHS that I cannot
express it all. The teachers were so appreciative that he would
take time out of his busy schedule to share his life story with our
lucky students. He is truly Kentucky's "Unbridled Spirit".
His message of letting NOTHING stand in the way of achieving goals was
of invaluable significance. I believe students cannot hear it
enough.
Students
were enthralled with his presence. They saw him as believable,
real, and enthusiastic and a good role model. His life is
interesting and it makes Joe Bowen an inspiration like no other.
Many students saw a resemblance between Joe Bowen and the beloved
"Forrest Gump" because Joe overcame obstacles, but it didn't stop him
from conquering the world in Joe Bowen fashion: biking, stilts, stories,
and discoveries.
Thanks for
the bottom of my heart, for enriching the lives of my students.
Pascal
Bailey Butler
Traditional High School
Louisville, KY
1/25
It could not have gone more perfectly. My students were
enthralled.
Pascal Bailey
Butler Traditional High School
Louisville, KY
1/24
hey Joe, my name is Donovan Clements.u spoke 2 the MWMS students
about your trip across america. i thought it was really awsome how u did
that on stilts!!!!i bet it was really tough.......ok...talk 2 u
later.....bye!!
Donovan
Taylorsville, KY
1/23
Joe, The story I wrote
about you and the other long-haul trekkers is in the current issue of
American Way and on the website. You can read it at:
http://americanwaymag.com/aw/travel/feature.asp?archive_date=1/15/2006
Thanks so much for agreeing to speak with me--and happy travels (and
I'll let you know if anything happens with any other news outlets),
Jenna Schnuer,
freelance writer
Washington, DC
1/15
Mr. Bowen,
I read the article in the Lexington Herald Leader a few weeks ago and
I absolutely loved it. About two weeks before I read that article a
friend and I talked about doing a cross-country bike ride of our own,
then I read the article about you. I don't know if you get any offers or
have thought about it but we were wondering if you might like some
company on your trip? If not I completely understand. If you would, I
would love to talk to you more about it to see how you would feel about
it. But as I have read about you on the website you are a busy man. But
if you get a chance just e-mail me back. Hope to talk to you soon.
Josh Ray
1/8
Hello
All
Don't
forget our special guest speaker for the January meeting is Joe Bowen,
who will talk about his ride across America. This should be a very
interesting program and we should all encourage others to come to hear
him speak. Everyone bring at least one other person. Keep the date
on your calendar: January 23rd, 7:00 PM at the Spencer County
Public Library meeting room. Bill, please invite the city/County fathers
to attend. Loretta, please post in the Library. Regards,
John
Lilly, Taylorsville, KY
1/8
Joe, Danny Caudell
sent this article about you, WOW!!! Am I impressed! I am very proud of
what you are doing and am also very envious of you. Keep it up. This is
exactly what our kids today need to hear and see.
Ed Sparks
1/8
Hi,
good folks, I have been trying to mail some things to Joe Bowen, the
62-year old man who recently bicycled across the United States on your
behalf. I'm sure you know who I mean. Can you please let me know
how I can mail him something - or - let him know that I am trying to
contact him. I am an old friend from his very first bicycle days
some 38 years ago. Thank you so much for your help. I do hope Joe
is okay.
Terby Barnes
Moab, UT
1/7
(editor's note: This is Joe and Terby skiing in 1967. This was the same bunch that did the skiing behind the airplane.)
Greetings: Welcome back home to the Taylorsville
area. As a Taylorsville resident, I have found it very interesting
to read of your journeys in the Spencer Magnet. I am a Media
Specialist (librarian) at Mt. Washington Middle School and would love to
have you speak to some of my male students as part of the "real men
read" program. I have a program where I bring in local folks to
read to a group of 30 or less boys who often times find it hard to think
about reading being cool. I conduct this program once a month, on a date
that is convenient for the speaker from 1:50- 2:40. I do hope this
might be something that you would be interested in. I can select
the reading material, or you can supply your own. My biggest hope
for this program is for these middle school boys to see that grown
people do read, that reading is part of everyday life and it is
perfectly acceptable to read. If you are able to work this into your
schedule it would be great. Thank you for taking time to consider
this invitation. Sincerely,
Gretchen Williams Nation, Media Specialist Mt. Washington Middle
School, Mt. Washington, KY
12/28