“It is a refuge, a place of retreat, a long stretch of quiet and peace…a wilderness area where we can commune with God and nature, a place not yet marred by the roar of wheels and the sound of horns.” Justice William O. Douglas from his Washington Post editorial, January 1954.

My fascination with the C&O goes way back to when I was 16 and first heard about the new C&O Canal National Historical Park. How romantic it seemed to be able to get on a bike and ride over 180 miles away. Just away. To truly get outta town! Why has that always seemed so compelling?

  Well, over the years I became one of those millions of people who explored only the first 22 or so miles of the Canal. Some even make it out to White’s Ferry, if they are daring. For me, answering the call of the wild would wait over 30 years. Oh, I made plans. Like for the summer of 1996. Unfortunately, that January the frozen Potomac could hold back no more and would flood and mangle our beloved Canal. The trip would wait once again.

  In 2004, I finally ponied up, saddled up and hit the trail with my buddy, Kevin. Off we would go on our three-day tour. We were excited and elated and, of course, immediately rained upon for two days straight. On the third day, the skies took a breather and made up for this small favor by returning with a hearty hail storm. A serious beaning in the middle of October! I’ll never forget scrambling down a treacherous embankment trying to find some shelter. It turned out that shelter was an awesome tunnel under the Canal that had THE coolest echoes. This was the beginning of the famous C&O serendipity.

  Powerbars and ibuprofen proved indispensable on that last day. We pulled into Cumberland that last afternoon soaked, muddy and sore and very, very happy. The Canal had worked its magic once again. It will stand as the best ride of my life. I treasure a wealth of memories whose subtle presence often signals that its time for me to get back out and ride.

  I know a little bit about shooting video, so inevitably it would occur to me how I should share my favorite ride with family and friends. What better way than a Christmas video? I did a few test rides and shot footage with a still camera and the idea seemed plausible. Now, I must fess up. Although, yes, I DID ride the whole Canal whilst shooting “On The Canal,” it was impossible to pull off a finished product in one “sitting.” I returned many times by both bike and car for over a month. Another month editing, another polishing and buffing and learning all the things I did not know. To share the cycling experience, I invented ways to shoot back at myself utilizing a helmet cam module. This led to my “simulated steadicam” and my poor-man’s jib arm. The C&O serendipity returned as I was almost divinely directed to historical photos and footage that I could work into the production. Every person I asked to shoot or interview was happy to do so and have since become good friends. At some point it occurred to me to submit a copy to Arlington Independent Media. They are the very same, very cool organization that had fostered my interest in video production many, many years ago. It was a chance to give something back. The serendipity continued as seven cable access channels around the area all aired my little Holiday present throughout 2006. Good luck was bestowed upon the production during 2006 as it won one local, one National and one international video award. The good fortune would again shine upon the project when Maryland Public Television asked permission to broadcast “On The Canal.” Its air date on June 28, 2006 would potentially reach millions of viewers in the DC area.

 Nine days following my highest high, harsh balance would return when my Father passed away on July 7, 2006. He was 91 years old and had lived a wonderful, storybook life. Literally a rocket scientist, his contributions to America’s security and history made him a true National hero. His warmth, wit and guidance would make him mine. He got to see my production and I think he liked it.

 Well, overwhelmingly positive response to “On The Canal” has convinced me to produce this DVD for sale. Another round of teaching myself new things has led up to this moment. I hope you like the finished product and perhaps this year the Canal’s serendipity will get you out there riding all 184.5 miles.

Thank you, John  

p.s. I was reading Jack Kerouac’s “On The Road” when I started this journey.