If I don’t get one, I’ve still been fulfilled. However its still worth a shot to make this happen. To do so, please pass along the following letter to anyone and everyone you may know who could help!
******What does this inauguration mean to you?:***********
For me, the inauguration means my whole life. I’ve dedicated the last two months in the hope that Obama’s presidency can bring about a change. I wanted not only to attend the event, but also contribute to the momentous occasion and the opportunity that our nation has to achieve a sustained progressive democratic movement.
Since December 2nd, I’ve ridden my bicycle from Occidental College in Los Angeles and am currently en-route to Washington DC for the inauguration. A primary purpose of my ride has been to inspire people to be the change that Barack spoke about bringing to Washington. Along the way I’ve met Americans of every political persuasion, recent immigrants and foreign nationals who all share a combined sentiment of optimism for the future of the nation with Obama as President.
I have no ticket and will be attending the inauguration regardless, but gaining entrance would mean the world to me to see how my dream has become realized. When I left I knew I couldn’t afford to take on the endeavor without the support of others and faith in the goodwill of the American people. I have since been supported entirely by the American people. No corporation gave me or my team a financial donation, thus we have built a grassroots movement supporting the move for change in America. Please consider me when you select those who may merit a ticket.
Sincerely,
Ryan Bowen
www.bikingforobama.com
Departing December 2, 2008
Arrival: January 20, 2009
on Jan 12th, 2009 at 11:22 pm
I hope you get it man! Theres no one in this country that can say they deserve it more than you!!!!!!
on Jan 13th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Yeah! You’re getting closer to your dream, but you better say this when you get camera time again . . . Someone will recognize.
on Jan 13th, 2009 at 7:33 am
“I hope you get it man! Theres no one in this country that can say they deserve it more than you!!!!!!” Well said!
on Jan 13th, 2009 at 9:58 am
Dont worry my brother!! It will all work it self out!! Just keep it pushing!! The squeaky tire gets the oil!!!
Peace and One Love,
Sean
on Jan 13th, 2009 at 6:51 pm
We have been praing for you i’m ten years old.
It is me the girl who you toke picture outside
Fredericksburg
on Jan 14th, 2009 at 4:18 pm
I thought the whole point was to get a ticket? It seems like you built a grassroots movement for a ticket, or is that change?
on Jan 14th, 2009 at 4:25 pm
david, the movement was to inspire people to make positive change in themselves and their communities. i can only speak for myself, but i think ryan succeeded. i am inspired.
the ticket is the icing on the cake, or the goal to set the whole thing in motion – the old saying that goes, ‘the journey is more important than the destination’, but you still need a destination to set out in the first place. right?
ryan, i hope you get in, and i’ll be praying for you.
on Jan 14th, 2009 at 4:58 pm
hello Ryan man I hope you get it!!! on our group ride tonight you were the topic…..we were riding in windy 45 degree’s for Ryan…..the ride we had with you was a ride in the park you are 1 tuff DUDE………..Steve in OIB,NC
on Jan 15th, 2009 at 1:48 am
hi there. a fellow oxy student. i heard this a few months ago, but i wasn’t really sold. but reading about your journey so far and what it’s been like has inspired me. just wanted to let you know. i hope you enjoy the inauguration to its fullest!
on Jan 15th, 2009 at 7:03 am
Hey Ryan when Julian told me what you were doing I thought it was so owesome. I have been keeping up with you all the way, congradulation, I beleiving God for you to get a ticket into the inauguration. The purpose was change, and God is looking for a change in the American people. You have inspired me!
God Bless you
on Jan 16th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
I was getting inspired by this whole journey. The hard work you all put in can only be commemorated with a congratulations. I had questions just as David has right now concerning the whole trip.
To bike across country and bare the weather is a feat in itself, however, that peak in inspiration has fallen to see you ask for an inauguration ticket. I can tell you if you do not know this that you will be able to see the inauguration without a ticket from the many jumbo trons in DC (with the others who faught for or have a ticket).
I do not think Ryan is the most deserving of a ticket compared to some who have given their sweat, jobs, and lives for this movement and others like it. Ryan, it is time for you stand with the people and not in front.
I felt there was some personal gain associated with this trip at the beginning. Now, I commend you for you hard work, but still stand by my feelings.
People can contest my thoughts, feelings and position on this. I will lend an open mind to your feelings while expecting you to keep an open mind about mine. I ask that a site which promotes such language not to silence those who have a different opinion.
on Jan 16th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Also, if you want to avoid the insanity in the metro. You might want to be outside the beltway. You can hop on a commuter train and go to Union-DC which is three blocks away from the Capital. From there, you can walk to the national mall. That will be open and there will be a direct visible scene of the swearing-in.
You can find me on the steps by the Lincoln memorial if you wish to say hello.