Miles: 78.8 - Total Miles: 579.3 - Total Ascent: 22,856 ft.Great day today! Got kind of a late start - didn't feel well during the night. Once I finally got going though, all was well. The two employees at the Red Roof Inn, in Boardman, were super nice. One of them, Eric, was quite inquisitive about the coast-to-coast concept.
Had a pretty good head wind (not good), but to be expected as I'm riding the recommended route...backwards. Also, I bought a knee brace for my right knee. It's been bothering me for the last couple of days. Hope it helps!
At the beginning of today's ride, I saw some kids playing out in front of Berlin Center Middle School. Wanted to video my conversation with some of the kids, but the principal said she would have to have parental consent first. So instead, I visited for about ten minutes, and answered questions from about a half dozen 8th grade girls. It was fun!
Met one of the nicest guys in the world at a pizza place on the corner of SR224 and SR44. Bob was his name. He actually came out of the restaurant just to visit with me and ask a few questions. I gave him one of my cards and invited him to follow along on the blog. Bob had some kind words of encouragement for me, and then we parted.
Met one of the nicest guys in the world at a pizza place on the corner of SR224 and SR44. Bob was his name. He actually came out of the restaurant just to visit with me and ask a few questions. I gave him one of my cards and invited him to follow along on the blog. Bob had some kind words of encouragement for me, and then we parted.
As I entered the City of Akron, I saw two Harley Davidson biker guys. Their bikes were all decked out with American and POW flags, so I decided to stop and visit with them. Bill Blondeaux and Tracy Douglas were their names. Both retired Army - super cool guys, very interested in my mission! I invited them to visit my web-site and in turn, one of them had a media contact that he called on the spot to promote the O.M.E.H. Bike Tour. He actually handed me his phone and the local TV reporter asked me a few questions prior scheduling an interview...we'll see what blossoms.
Ohio is beautiful. My wife loves red barns and there's a ton of them out here. After tonight, only one more night in Ohio - wow!
.
"I CAN!"
16 comments:
Hi honey! What great people you met today! I love that - makes me feel good when people are helping you and encouraging you. I approached an older gentleman in Burger King today that was wearing a Marines hat. He thought your mission was great - he read your card and said "Beautiful."
When my phone rings and I see the picture of you on it holding a Mountain Dew.... I squeel like a teenager. Then I talk to you and cry like.... like a Tracy. :)
Forgot to mention... thanks for posting a red barn. I LOVE, LOVE it.
Okay, I've figured out how you can raise more money...postcards! Your photography is beautiful, the red barn and the bridge from a couple days ago are great money makers. Yeah?
Well, at least I'm thinking!
(Not that I expected any less from your photography skills)
Keep on Keepin on, Chip. Following your blog makes me proud to have served my country. You are the best and keep on peddlin.
Bach
Glad that you are hitting the smaller towns where it seems that people are willing to stop and chat with you for a bit. Reminds me of when Janet and I were in Wellsville, Utah for our Aunt's funeral and the lady at the Post Office went way out of her way to help us find which building it was at. There are some mighty nice people out there, aren't there. I hope to be getting some cards from Jody soon, or at least see what they say so I can pass on some of that same info. I bet I can find some people that know you/of you that will be very intersted. Enjoy the rest of Ohio. The Red Barn is exquisite!
Faye
Hey chip long time reader first time blogger, hee hee. Well those bikers are my kind of bikes, maybe we can do a ride like that when you get back. I'm still up for a week next year to continue the saga. I have to say i'm proud to be your friend and wish you luck in your journey.
Hippy Doug
PS i agree with the picture comment very nice.
Hi Chip and Tracy, All the pictures and entries on you OMEH blog have been great, Chip. To both of you, I looked at your family blog and saw the good-by pictures. They are wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. I was praying for all of you to begin with, but seeing those pictures has made me double my efforts!! Love, Aunt Annie
Yo Chip, I agree totally with the comments regarding your photography skills and how nice it is to meet different segments of the American people. But I am surprised that no one mentioned your riding excellence! I think it is a great idea to ride your bike backwards as it developes the other muscles in your legs so they don't look lopsided. But I would caution you to be careful when riding backwards as it could be dangerous. Hang in there, we love you...............Gramps
hey dude - california talk, ya know. anyways, I've been checking your blog daily as it is very inspirational, touching, funny and it inspires so many feelings. One moment I'm laughing, the next I have tears in my eyes. I hadn't posted until now because your support system is amazing and everything I feel is echoed by each one of these people but I just had to say your grampa has me in stitches! What a card! Was I the only one laughing at his backwards comment? Puuleaze - hysterical! You're an amazing man and we're all routing for you in south county - keep on pedalin'! xoxo the petersons (jody's in-laws)
You know Kimmy - that comment about riding backwards had me laughing also! That is my dad - the kids all call him "Gramps" so that's why it says that. I am going to have to tell him to change it to "Ken." Usually his comments make me shake my head, but that was pretty funny, I have to admit. Sorry Chip - looks like you gotta put up with him the whooooole way!! :)
Hey brother,
Trackin' you the whole way. I wish I was still in Cali at the Marine Base. I have a lot of connections out there that I'm sure would love to support you throughout the ride. But, since we moved down to Cajun Country (LA) a few months ago, it's a bit more complicated. You should've taken the southern route. We would've give you some of that good ole' southern hospitality. Either way, it sounds like you've been receiving some American hospitality, which is just as good. Stay focused on the goal and keep your head up...
By the way, I'm here at our old stompin' ground until the 20th. 29 PALMS, CA.. My new job sends me out here to Cali a lot to check on the deploying units heading out to Iraq. I'm still working on trying to time it just right to come out here when you dip your front tire in the Pacific. We'll see what happens.. Take care and when things are down, LOOK UP..
Hey Chip! Glenn and I talk about your progress each day when I check your web page! How exciting this is for you and your family. Just think what memories your kids will have forever! You are a great dad!!! Look forward to visiting with you in October when you come our way. Take care and "drive" safely!! Best Regards, Ann and Glenn Hermanson
O.M.E.H. SUPPORTERS! My name is Jody, I am Chip's sister-in-law. Chip has given me a ton of O.M.E.H. Bike Tour business cards and asked that I pass them out. Obviously I can only reach so many people and could use your help. They are a great, easy way to raise awareness of the cause and will lead people straight to this website which will be awesome for Chip and O.M.E.H.
If you would like a card or know of some people you would like to give them to, please email me and so I can mail them to you.
My address is jodus@hotmail.com. Please use "O.M.E.H. CARDS" as the subject so I know it is not junk mail. Then give me your mailing address and the quantity of how many you want.
Let's get the word out there!
Tracy,
I love you, you are the bomb!
Tracy again,
There's alot of them out here.
Jody,
Great idea!
Bach,
Semper Fi!
Faye,
Indeed. Thanks for your help.
Doug,
Thank you my friend!
Aunt Annie,
Thank you for your prayers.
Ken,
Thanks!
Kimmy,
Thanks for commenting. Now he knows that at least someone thinks he's funny!
Tracy,
"Blast!"
Coonass,
Semper Fi!
Coonass again,
Gotta love the stumps!
Ann,
Thank you for your kind words. See you in October.
Jody,
Way to go! I will add that information to the blog.
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