From: Patsy Govert
To: John Martin
Sent: Friday, March 07, 2003 4:44 PM
Subject: RE: Thanks from John Martin!
Hang in there, John. You'll get the hang of those toe clips eventually. After awhile it becomes second nature. You can take off with one foot in and flip the other one up and slide your second foot in while moving and hardly think about it.
From: Wesley Sims
To: John Martin, Janet Brewer, Joe Chason, Connie Kraft
Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2003 9:28 PM
Subject: MANDATORY INFORMATION-THIS IS LONG BUT PLEASE READ!
Weekend directions area at the bottom.
hope everyone';s training is doing well ... yes, I'm riding a stationary here in HongKong. No way you're going to get me on a bike around here. Guaranteed dead within the hour.
...Wes
From: Christine Proctor
To: John Martin
Sent: Wednesday, March 19, 2003 10:16 PM
Subject: Re: Thanks from John Martin!
John, work hard. Biking is a religion. Believe in yourself and you will do just fine. Remember looking good is more important than actually knowing what you are doing. You have to learn to balance the bike at stops if you want to exceed in the sport. Don't be a Fred.
From: Christine Proctor
To: John Martin
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2003 10:33 PM
Subject: Re: Thanks from John Martin!
Hey John,
David failed to sign his name on the message/"advice"? he sent your way > yesterday. I was reading it over his shoulder and realized that he was just trying to share some of his experience as a past biker with you. Then I thought, since he was replying to the e-mail you sent to Chandak (me), you might think I had sent you that. I know nothing about the sport of biking!
Anyway, keep us informed. You're doing great!
Christine
P.S. When shall we send our donation and to where?
From: Wesley Sims
To: John Martin, Janet Brewer, Joe Chason, Connie Kraft
Sent: Friday, March 21, 2003 12:10 PM
Subject: TRAINING THIS WEEKEND-IMPORTANT-DIRECTIONS-PLEASE READ!
still peddling here in Hong Kong ... not dead yet
From: Jeff Hewitt
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, March 24, 2003 9:44 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Tour de Friends Training Progress
John:
It's amazing to see your progress, from bike fear to doing such long rides and finishing at the head of the pack. And to imagine you're going to ride 100s of miles...
Coincidentally I got out my bike for the first time in a year or so and took a beautiful ride. Rode from my new neighborhood to the Greenway off Anderson Drive. I learned that my neighborhood is really beautiful. I'm feeling some of that biking soreness. Since I sprained my ankle in January I haven't done any vigorous exercise. It was fun. I didn't do any 30 miles, but probably five or 10. It was fun to go fast.
A couple of things that I was thinking of for you: They have plastic-covered map or directions holders that sit on the front handlebars. That way, you have directions available without stopping. Sounds like it would be helpful on the rides you're taking. I know for me too, a map would be more helpful that written directions. Also, it sounds like you have toe straps. The next step, should you want to go there is shoes with cleats that clip in to the pedals. Theoretically, they allow you to bike more efficiently--not just pushing but also pulling your pedals. I'd think this would be really valuable on 100 mile rides. They take a little getting used to but then become second nature. Finally, I wonder if some kind of neck exercises would help strengthen your neck.
Good luck. Sounds like you're doing great.
Jeff
From: Mary Soto
To: John Martin
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2003 1:38 PM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Tour de Friends Training Progress
Hi John! Thanks for the update. I was thinking about why your biceps may have been hurting. Perhaps you are keeping yourself tense while you are riding, and gripping the handle bars too tightly. Try some deep breathing and focused relaxation of different areas of your body while sitting in a chair or laying down, especially being aware of where your shoulders are in
relation to your neck (that's my nemesis - but now I have become aware of it and take a moment to breathe and let them relax when I get keyed up working at the computer). So maybe the next time you ride your bike, take an inventory of how tightly you are gripping the handlebars......either from nervousness or just plain excitement and exhilaration over the whole
project ....and take a moment to breathe and loosen your grip.
I am so proud of you! You are pacing yourself and working your way up to the actual road trip. You are going to achieve it with flying colors, and I am honored and blessed to be your friend and to support you in this effort.
As we discussed last night at Sharon's, I will give you a check for $69...in this way you know you have met your goal! Congratulations!
Love,
......Mary
From: John Martin
To: Ken Krulik
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 3:27 PM
Subject: Re: IMPORTANT! Directions and minor changes to this weekends' training...
Ken, thanks for the update. I heard a rumor that you are STRAIGHT! Is it TRUE??? (Not that there's anything WRONG with being straight. I'm one of those who do believe that one is born that way -- that it is not a choice.) ;-)
-John Martin-
From: Ken Krulik
To: John Martin
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2003 4:55 PM
Subject: Re: IMPORTANT! Directions and minor changes to this weekends' training...
Too funny John, I needed the laugh after stressful day. Yes, it's true, I'm straight and obviously very secure at ease hanging out "in the community." One of my older brothers is gay so I've been accustomed for a long time to being in and around the lifestyle. I honestly don't even think twice about it. When you think about it we're all affected by HIV/AIDS and because of my brother (thankfully he's healthy) and friends I've lost, I'm as involved as I am.
Hope all is well with you and that you'll be at the show Friday or at least training over the weekend.
See you then,
Ken
From: Robert Shumaker
To: John Martin
Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2003 5:54 PM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Tour de Friends Training Update
Great reading, even after having heard before, and extremely touching last entry. I am so proud and wish that I could have made the commitment to ride with you. GO JOHNNIE, GO!
From: Richard Ziglar
To: John Martin
Sent: Saturday, April 19, 2003 9:37 PM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Tour de Friends Training Update
JUST DO IT!
Buy some tire liners... you can still get "Mr. Tuffys" but I hear the newer ones made with kevlar are better:
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/subcategory.html?Cat_ID=22&Sub_ID=5412
good luck!
--Richard
From: Mary Soto
To: John Martin
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2003 10:41 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Tour de Friends Training Update
John, thanks for the update. Your very last passage made me cry, both in sadness for those who have died from AIDS, and in relief that you are still healthy. I love you very much, and I am so glad that you have yourself checked every 6 months. You are a precious friend to me - one that I want to treasure as we both turn into old people. Please stay safe!
Love, M.
From: Jeff Hewitt
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, April 21, 2003 5:05 PM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Tour de Friends Training Update
Thanks John,
keep writing. It's inspiring.
Jeff
From: Vivian M. Covington
To: John Martin
Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2003 4:56 PM
Subject: RE: John Martin's Tour de Friends Training Update
Great journal. I love reading it. RIDE ON BRO'
V
From: Julie Proctor
To: John Martin
Sent: Friday, May 02, 2003 10:00 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Tour de Friends Training Update
Hi John,
I am sending out my check to you today. Thank you for your patience!
I have enjoyed your training journal so much. What a wonderful way to make your supporters feel a part of this adventure. And I'm soooo glad the test came back negative! :-)
Love,
Julie
From: Robert Shumaker
To: John Martin
Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2003 6:39 PM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Training Ride Journal Update
OUTSTANDING!! You are a remarkable young man. I'm sure that this is not the first time you've heard that. And yes, I'm just saying it because it's true! I must thank you for allowing me to accompany you in this endeavor and mentioning me in such a sweet way in your journal. You know how shy I am about things like that. Let me know about this upcoming weekend ride, I don't foresee any plans as of yet. Thanks again!
R.
From: Courtney Malvik
To: John Martin
Sent: 05/19/2003 12:03 PM
Subject: things that made me CRACK up while reading your email
1. happy vs. heating bills
2. abduction breadcrumbs
You are such a beautiful person.
Courtney
From: Jeff Hewitt
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, May 19, 2003 9:07 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Training Ride Journal Update
Keep up the good work, John. I have a Gore-Tex bike riding jacket you can borrow for training and/or the ride if you want. It has vents here and there and a flap that drops down in back to keep your butt dry from water kicking up off your back tire. If you want to take a short ride (1 hour or less) after work some day, let me know.
Jeff
From: Mary Soto
To: John Martin
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 10:18 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Training Ride Journal Update
Thanks for all the updates. Here are a couple of thoughts:
1. When you go on the actual ride, you will have a lot of adrenaline and excitement accompanying you, which will help you forget weather-related conditions and the other woes that have plagued you during some of your training sessions.
2. When you go on the actual ride, you will be pumped up, thinking about those who are either no longer of this earth or deteriorating rapidly from the disease that you do NOT have and are raising money to fight against. Like you've said in your journal, you are riding for those who can't.
3. Please buy the back rim for your tire before the actual ride. I don't want you to have ANY flat tires. Also, a small spray can (keychain size) of pepper spray may be of use with the animal and weird people encounters that you are worried about.
I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!
Love,
....M.
From: Jeff Hewitt
To: John Martin
Sent: Friday, May 23, 2003 10:00 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Training Ride Journal Update
John,
Let me know if you want to borrow the jacket later. Wow, 93 miles. I guess you can do it then. I get home from work around 6:15. If you wanted, you could meet me at my place and we could go from there, so we could get the earliest start possible. I live in 5 points now, not far from my old place w/Courtney. Wednesday nights are out for me, but usually others are fine. If we have any dry weather and you want to ride this weekend, let me know too.
Jeff
From: Vivian M. Covington
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 2:19 PM
Subject: RE: John Martin's Final Training Ride Journal Update
Dear Bro'
Best of luck to you as you prepare for and complete (I know you will) your Race for the Cure. Your last journal was quite a tear full. I'm very proud of you for both doing the ride and for living your life! I'm anxious to talk to you when you return. I know it will be a life changing event. Just keep thinking of all those people who would like to ride but can't. That's why you're doing it -- for them.
Glad to hear that "lost" Michelle is doing better.
Take care.
Vivian
From: Courtney Malvik
To: John Martin
Sent: 06/16/2003 10:47 AM
Subject: lovely
John-
Once again I loved your journal. Thank you for sharing and I am so excited for you.... Maybe I will do it next year...
Courtney
From: James Laing
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 7:51 PM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Final Training Ride Journal Update
John ...
Hopefully you received my other note also. An idea for recording a "journal" - I keep a little tiny digital recorder with me most of the time, it's about 1"x2"x1/2", very small and light. On long flat parts of the ride you probably could hold it in one hand, speaking into it??? Maybe to "geek-y" to do while riding???
I use mine in the car alot , mostly to record little reminders of things to do, things not to forget, etc.
Anyway, again, hope the ride is a great experience and free of problems for you (and your bike)!
Jim
From: [Confidential]
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 9:21 PM
Subject: RE: John Martin's Final Training Ride Journal Update
John-
I am so proud of you for getting ready to make this journey and raising money for such a great cause! I wanted to drop you a quick note of encouragement before you leave on your ride.
When I gave you a donation, I wanted to let you know that it was in honor of someone who is very special in my life. I would rather not give his name since he prefers that his status is not public, but he is my hero and braves this disease everyday. He is an ex-partner of mine. We found out while we were together that not only was he HIV positive, but they diagnosed him with full-blown AIDS. He had never been tested and probably had the virus for years before finding out. He find out his status at the last possible chance he had. He went on medications and responded well to them. Today, he is doing good, but it is a daily struggle for him. He appears normal to most, but I saw and see today what he actually goes through with this disease. I have held him at night as he cried wondering why he had this, I set up with him, wiping his head when he couldn't stomach his medications, and I fought back with him when his medical insurance company almost cancelled his coverage. He is so brave in facing this disease daily, I don't know how he does it. As a sero-discordant couple, we were together for several years and faced many challenges, but ended up not making it -- not because of the HIV, but just typical things that cause relationships to end. And even though we are not together anymore, he is still my hero for facing this disease. I admire your determination for making this ride and all those living with HIV who are determined to survive this terrible disease.
Please add my person to your list and know that I will be thinking of you during your ride and those that you are riding for.
Thanks,
[signed]
From: David Stratton
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 7:54 PM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Final Training Ride Journal Update - Clarification!
John -
You ROCK! Best of luck and well wishes - may your journey be all you hoped and more.
Love,
David
From: Kevan Miller
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 4:01 PM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Final Training Ride Journal Update
Hi John,
Good luck with the ride. I'll be thinking about you...
--kevan
From: Robert Shumaker
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 10:44 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Final Training Ride Journal Update
WOW!
A very late night for you, honey! Thank you for sharing and including me in your journal. Funny how easy it is to relate to certain portions after having "been there" for those "snippets." You are so sweet with your writings. I know your commitment, just remembering and putting down thoughts with your heart, can take time, so here is only one typo ( I hope! ) that I should bring to your attention. It actually made me laugh out loud! Entry is from May 25th.
We plans to get the word to the riders who weren't there so they wouldn't show up tomorrow in North Raleigh for the originally scheduled 40-mile ride.
Well, I hope you got some rest last night. Looking forward to this exciting week to begin, with your adventure! I am so very proud of you! I love you!
Robert
p.s.- can I give you a list of names later?
From: Jeff Hewitt
To: John Martin
Sent: Monday, June 16, 2003 9:49 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Final Training Ride Journal Update
John,
please add Stafford to the list. Thanks.
Good luck on the ride. I think it's amazing. Where do you set off from and when? Are you all set for gear? I'll be thinking of you.
Jeff
From: Don Edwards
To: John Martin
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 5:13 PM
Subject: Training Ride Journal Update
Thanks John for a wonderful read!
My thoughts will be with you during the ride. All the best and have a great time!
Hugs
Don
From: Jeff Hewitt
To: John Martin
Sent: Tuesday, June 17, 2003 10:17 AM
Subject: Re: John Martin's Final Training Ride Journal Update
Thanks John,
Unfortunately I'll be at work when the ceremony occurs. I wish I were there to see you off. Good luck. Have a great time. Your training and the ride are amazing to me. Think how far you've already come and how much further you'll go by Sunday. Riding to DC, that's crazy! A ride after you're done would be fun, though only a few miles for me.
Jeff
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