Miles: 65.8 - Total Miles - 500.5 - Total Ascent - 20,557 ft.FINALLY!!! I saw the first bit of light at the end of the Pennsylvania tunnel. It may have only been a simple sign, but what a victory it felt like to know that I had made it into Ohio. As I prepare myself for many more ups and downs in the coming weeks, I am ecstatic to report that Pennsylvania is a thing of the past!
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From the kind lady and her daughter on the streets of Stroudsburg, to the helpful bike shop employee in East Stroudsburg, to Mary Stutzman's thoughtful directions, to the vets at VFW Post 5010, to the guy I interviewed in Bloomsburg, to the kids at Three Brothers Pizza, to Annette and the ladies at the Mt. Union gas station, to Judy of Kittanning, and to Officer "Schmucketellie" for making me take the scenic route... thank you all for the great experiences in the beautiful state of Pennsylvania!
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As a buckeye native, it brings back memories to see the street/city names here in Ohio. Perhaps the most welcome sight so far, was my Grandpa Roberts sitting on the front bench as I rode up to my hotel here in Boardman, just south of Youngstown, OH. Tomorrow will be my rest day so I can spend time with my Grandpa.
13 comments:
Hey Chip! Congrats on entering the third state of your impressive trek!! Sorry 'bout the delay in posting on your website, I have anxiously checked your progress daily. Thank you for allowing Jeanette, me and NJ friends share in the beginnings of such an inspiring journey. May God continue to bless you and your family.
I'm proud to call you my friend.
Kris
Another state down, that is outstanding. Lisa told me the news that someone else recognizes that you truely are a hero and I want to congratulate you on that. I know you don't believe you are that special (besides the special ed thing) you really are a hero to all the people this scholarship will help. So keep on keeping on and we will see you back here in Idaho.
A hearty congratulations on completing the journey through another great state! Officer Schmuckawhatever must be thoroughly chagrined - "Curses! My evil plan failed..." All the best to you as you move forward. By the way, I couldn't help but notice that a town named Liberal is on the itinerary. I just want you to know that the irony warmed my heart! Godspeed, Chip!!!
Ok, you've been out riding for a week now and my legs hurt just thinking about it. You and Tracy keep saying that it's us who keep inspiring you to push and do more, but I think you've got it backwards. It's you who inspire us. Just take it 10 minutes at a time. No wait, '10 minutes? 10 seconds!' Love you, Chip!!!!
Hi Chip! What a welcome sight to ride up to your hotel and see your Grandpa! My mom and I were talking on the phone when we read it. We both got choked up. Can't believe you've already gone 500 miles! You amaze me! It's becoming an addiction to get on the computer and see what happened the day before. Like said in previous comments...it's like a really good novel and you're just waiting to find out what happens next! Thanks for keeping us all updated so frequently. Have a good rest today and enjoy your time with your Grandpa! I can tell he is so proud of you just by his comments he has left, as are all of us!
Nikki
How in the world are you able to keep up this blog with everything else you're doing? You're amazing! It looks like you're having some unforgettable experiences. Keep it up!
It seems inevitable that at least once through out my day I think here I am just doing laundry/making dinner/running errands/watching t.v. (you can fill in the blank) and there Chip is, out there, somewhere far away just riding his bike. I was so happy to read that you get to spend the day with your Grandpa. I hope the day is wonderful and you get the well deserved rest you need.
Chip, On this Patriots' Day you have reason to be proud my friend. You are making a difference. The money you raise will help many people--most of which you will never meet. But more than that, look on the right side of your blog page at all the people who have made a donation. Look at the people who have commented. You have planted a seed in all our hearts. You may raise $ 100,000. You may raise $ 10,000,000, but the money is only a small part of what this ride will accomplish.
Consider this wise saying I once heard and often repeat, "it is easy to count the seeds in an apple, but how many apples from a single seed?"
Semper Fi,
Dave
Hi Chip! I just talked to Grandpa and missed getting to talk to you. Sorry, but I guess you had gone to your room and he was waiting for you in the lobby. I am so glad you two got to have dinner last night and breakfast this A.M. I'm impressed that my dear old Dad stayed all night in the hotel! He said you two have gotten a chance to reminisce about the "good old days"! He's enjoying his time with you so much. That's wonderful. Take care. Love to you.
Hi Chip, I believe Lt. Col. Tom Wall is watching down on you and very proud for your endeavor what you represent. On this day of remembrance, I forwarded this to Tom's closest friends/family with a cc of your e-mail to me. He touched so many and he obviously left a remarkable impact on you. God Bless Our Marines! All my best, Marybeth
Hi dad! Your blog looks great! I can't believe you felt grasshopper guts on your knee! I miss you so much! I am looking forward to seeing you again! I hope ypu are having tons of fun!!! I am so glad you made it to Ohio! It must of felt so good! What bridge was it that you crossed on your bike? I love and miss you sooooooo much! Be safe and I wish you the best of luck!!!! Love always, Aubrey
"Dear Daddy,
Mrs. Yates told the class that you are going to be on the news on Sunday! I can't wait. I miss you. I also wanted to mention that it's September 11th. Can you believe that? It's sad. Well, I hope you will be safe! Bye! I love you!"
Hannah
Kris,
Thank you!
Brian,
Thanks, and thanks for Lisa's time and hard work!
Elliott,
Tears...I was actually cracking up out loud!
Ellen,
Everyone's known for something...
Niki,
Thanks for reading...and for your support.
Jacob,
Yes, although some are about as unforgettable as throwing up on the side of Mt. Whitney!
Jody,
Love you!
Dave,
Your wisdom and perspective brings great comfort.
Aunt Annie,
Yes, we had a great time!
Marybeth,
The legacy of LtCol. Tom Wall will live forever. He was a direct inspiration to everthing that I am involved in.
Aubrey,
It was the East Kittanning Bridge. I love you too, miss you. You are my favorite 10 year old.
Hannah,
They don't come any cuter than you! I love you too.
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