Monday, May 5, 2008

Smooth Sailing

Hi Students,

Well things should be getting a lot easier from here on end. There is a bike path that runs from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington, D. C. (google Chesapeake and Ohio Canal). I picked up this bike trail in Cumberland, Maryland which is about 200 miles from Washington, D.C. which means no more mountains, no more trucks and cars, and you can't get lost! I should arrive in D.C. - with a little bit of luck - on Thursday. This bike trail is listed as one of the best rides in the country and I have to heartily agree. On this path you pass a number of Civil War battle fields and you ride through the Cumberland Gap and the Shenandoah Valley along side the Potomac River. There is a spot there where George Washington is supposed to have thrown a silver dollar across the Potomac River but I think this story is probably a myth because I spent an hour or two looking for THAT SILVER DOLLAR and I couldn't find it so I'm guessing this story is probably not true.

Boy, will it be great to get off this bike and start heading back home. I am enjoying all of your comments.

Until we meet again,
Mr. Ryan

P.S. Congratulations to all the First Communicants.

32 comments:

PJ & ME said...

Hi Jim.

Glad to hear the path has leveled off and you are in the home stretch. Enjoy the beauty along the way.

You better finish up your trip quickly and get back home -- Ozzie and the White Sox haven't won since you left!!!!


Pat and Mary Ellen

Unknown said...

GO UNCLE JIM. We'll vote for ya'. I assume this web site (MR RYAN GOES TO WASHINGTON) means you are running for president?!? Congrats on the big trip. Now that I am in Missoula you should come bike the Continental Divide with me.

Best wishes,
The Feeneys

Amy said...

Uncle Jim, You are truly and inspiration! I love checking in daily and reading your progress!!! Keep it up! Love, Amy

Anonymous said...

Good morning Jim,

I'm so very glad to hear that you are on a path, and no longer driving with traffic. Now you just need stay focused, strong and safe.

RIDE - JIMMY - RIDE.....

Love,
Nonie

Anonymous said...

Jim et al,
I do hope your blog is incorrect and you are going to reach DC today - Tuesday. It has been wonderful to track your trip and cheer you on from the sidelines.

I look forward to hearing all about it when you return to the Windy City.

Keep on pedaling Casey - for surely you can now chant "I know I can, I know I can, I know I can!"

Rosemary

Anonymous said...

Hey Jim:

I wish I would have known about this ride, I could have joined you. of course I wouldn't have gotten past St Roberts. Good ridin. Tom

Anonymous said...

Go Grampa!

Bring it home. Can't wait to see you back in Chicago.

Patrick, Jack, and Riley

Anonymous said...

Jim,
Today's blog was GREAT news. I'm glad you're enjoying the bicycle path, scenic sights, and the anticipation of getting there very soon. Keep up the great work.

Anonymous said...

Almost at the finish line. A couple more good rides and you'll be in D.C. in no time.

Tom

Anonymous said...

Hey,Jim! I just talked to Ray and he said that you made it!! Hooray for you! Can't wait to hear the stories...

Les

doobabe1954 said...

Way to go Jim!! Can't wait to hear all the stories!
Love,
Mom and Margie

Anonymous said...

Jim,
It's great to hear that you can see the end in sight. It's hard to believe that we sent you on your way only a week ago. I can't wait to hear all about your adventures and see your pictures. Stay safe.
Sheelagh

Anonymous said...

Hey Mr. Ryan,

Becareful in Washington - lobbyists are all over, like farm dogs, and that can't be a good thing.

Patrick

Anonymous said...

Jim,

CONGRATULATIONS on the successful journey!

Enjoy the relaxing ride home.

Rosemary

Anonymous said...

hi9 Mr.Ryan i see on the map at S.R.B. that your on the border of West Verginia and Maryland.Wish you luck annd make sure you be careful with dogs!

Anonymous said...

Hi Mr. Ryan
how are you doing? Have a good trip in Washington D.C. Thank you for raising money for our school.

Anonymous said...

Phew! I mean CONGRATULATIONS!!
Very, very happy you have arrived in D.C. safe and sound.
Take a breath, and enjoy the ride home with Dan and Ray.
Looking very forward to a lot of great stories.

See you soon,
Nonie

Anonymous said...

hi Mr.Ryan,
You've gone a long way sence you've left. Have a good trip and see you when you get back.


alanna,abbey

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Ryan,
We hope you make it there safely.We would like to see you again.
Sincerely,
Lukas,Sean,And Freddie

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim,
I hope you are having fun going to Washington DC.Was it hard biking over the mountains. from missy and trevor

Anonymous said...

Good job Mr. Jim Ryan! Go,Go,Go! You have gone really far. I can't believe you're in West Virginia already in only 1 week! I hope you have good weather!

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr. Jim Ryan!!!
I hope you're OK.You must be exhausted.How is the bike ride?It must be tiring eh?We all miss you!!!
Sincerely,
4th grader

Anonymous said...

Hello Mr. Jim Ryan!!!
I hope you're OK.You must be exhausted.How is the bike ride?It must be tiring eh?We all miss you!!!
Sincerely,
4th grader

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr.Ryan,
I can't believe you are already
are so close.I bet if I tried I'd
be dead.

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Ryan,
I barely know you but we are very proud of you! You are one of the most bravest person we know!If we did what you did we would just be in Indiana!We hpe you don't have anymore trouble riding your bike! Happy Trails!!!!!!
From,
Maggie and Evie in 4th Grade

Anonymous said...

Dear Mr. Ryan, my dad wants to know if your feet hurt from biking. sorry you didn't find the silver dollar! have fun!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Dad! I heard that you made it. Enjoy the ride home.
See you soon.
Love Anne

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on making the trip. Great job. We enjoyed reading the updates. I am sure you will have a few stories to share with us upon your return.

-Pat and Kathy

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Jim. We are happy for your amazing achievement.

Brian and Lynda, Kara, Eric and Jenna

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Uncle Jim!!!!!!!

So glad you made it and am so Proud you!!! You are an inspirations to me and to all I am sure!!!

Can't wait to see you and hear all about it, and don't worrie, I kept Aunt Mary company while you were gone for a night. See you soon

Love yah
Dawn

Anonymous said...

Dear Jim,
Just got home from May Crowning. As always it was nicely done and a great tribute to Mary. Of course, the eighth graders liked being the center of attention and now it's on to all the other festivities that make eighth grade so memorable. I hope things are going your way on that bicycle path of yours. It poured several times today here so I hope you were spared the torrential rains on your journey. Looking forward to your next blog.
Happy trails, my friend.

Unknown said...

Congratulations Uncle Jim!!
What an inspiration you are!