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Comments From Folks Along the WayThe Final 4,000 milesJanuary through June, 2006 |
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Comments from Folks- the First 10,000 miles
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Please sign the "Student's Guest Book" hosted by Stanton Elementary, Stanton, KY. It's the top link on the "Where's Joe" Page. The students are using it as a geography lesson. Also, send them your comments and we will share them on this page. We will edit with discretion and won't post street addresses, telephone numbers or e-mail addresses (unless it is to your advantage.) If you have trouble with the automatic link, e-mail Sarah directly at: swasson@powell.k12.ky.us You can also e-mail comments you would like to share on this page to: Comments@AppalachianHeritageAlliance.org Thanks for your Comments!(If you have sent a comment and it is not posted it is because it is lost in cyberspace. Please, please, please re-send it. This trip is about people, and that's all of us along the way.) (editor’s note: The following 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?) 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. 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, Lexington KY 40588-0597 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. 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 i can 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, JOE GRIES
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, (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!
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/TechFest2006 http://www.ascdayton.org/TechFest2007 And the
pictures on my website at: 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. 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-
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
Dear
students, I had the
opportunity to meet Joe last night right here in Beardstown,
Illinois. He said to
please let you know that he is doing fine and hopes that it does not
rain. I met Joe at the Star
Cafe in Beardstown, Illinois. He
is a terrific and wonderful person. I am sorry that I could not send
this out last night but my internet server was down.
If you see Joe, please tell him we said,” Hello! It was an
honor to meet him and a pleasure to talk with him.
Don't ever give up your dreams and stay in school! 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 Department
in 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. Remember the One who loves you, and
then be different because of it. 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."
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 26362 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 t |
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