 John Martin's Blog |
Dennis Spencer
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
 John Martin's Blog
7/2/2009 9:53:42 PM
Hey Johnny Boy! You sure got a pretty mouth! Ha! Makes me laugh every time I relive it. Thanks to Lorenzo, Geoff, and especially you for making this journey so incredibly fun. I'd ride across any continent with you guys! I hope you had a great time with your family, your wife and kids are beautiful! You're a lucky man John Martin! Glad to know you!
|
|
Mary Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/27/2009 8:23:27 AM
Way to go Jay! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!! Can't wait to give you a huge hug and fatten you up some. Love you, Mary Kate
|
|
Anna Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/27/2009 2:34:43 AM
You're so close - Go, Uncle Jay, Go!!!!
One last joke for you:
A motorist was driving in the country when he came upon a priest and a rabbi standing on the shoulder of the road, fishing. Next to them was a sign that read "Turn Around. The End Is Near."
The motorist didn't like to be preached to, so he rolled down the window and yelled, "Mind your own business, you religious nuts!"
A few seconds later the two fishermen heard tires screech, then a splash.
The rabbi turned to the priest and said, "I told you we should've just written, 'Bridge Out.' "
Love you, Uncle Jay! Good luck & God Bless!
Anna
|
|
Nora Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/26/2009 7:12:05 PM
Hi Jay,
So Happy you all are on this last stretch. Spoke to Karin earlier today, right after you did actually. I am sure the kids can't wait to kowabunga with you.
I hope weather held out okay for you today. Vitamin water has a fruit punch one that has 120 mg of potassium. whereas gatorade only has 30 mg. So if you are dehydrated
and your legs are weak that would be the better bet. Love you man. Enjoyed the pics today. God speed. Love you The Nones
|
|
Robert Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/26/2009 7:02:35 PM
Hello Uncle, keep the pedal moving and stay strong, good luck your nephew Rob.
|
|
Frank Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/26/2009 6:32:00 PM
Jay, Ironically I am at the National PKD Convention in Chicago as you cross the finish line in Annapolis. I am so proud of you and what you have done. If I have half the strength and courage you have shown on training and doing this ride, the transplant will be a "cake walk" for me. I cannot thank you enough for what you have done. Enjoy the rush of crossing the finish line. I'll be there with you in spirit! Love you, Frank
|
|
Mary Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/26/2009 6:26:31 PM
How very blessed I am to have you for my brother. I will be waiting for that phone call to tell me you and your teamates are safe at the finish line. Ride safely tonight Jay. God Bless...much love, MK
|
|
Dennis Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/26/2009 5:23:04 PM
Well my dearrrreast----
I'm so excited about yer progress and the soon-to-be-day of triumph in Annapolis, that I'm about to have an orgasm. But I am afraid an orgasm will get me in big trouble---yee know how I feel about a MORTAL SIN!! I haven't had one yet, but I'm afraid it's gettin close. Be Safe for the last miles. Oh me God.....Be Jaysus,I think it's happning!!! Ahhhhh Ahhhhhhh Oooooh Meee Gawd!!!!---- Satan, stay away from me! I think I'm safe because I have 317 perpetual indulgences under me belt (so to speak, dear Lord!)
Praise God!
Molly Garvey
|
|
Jocelyn Munroe
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/26/2009 3:04:17 PM
Spoke to Liverator John Martin by phone, 2:54 pm PST/5:54 pm EST. He was someplace in West Virgina, Lorenzo was out on the road in front of the car, and the end seems so near but so far! He wanted to get one last blog entry in before things start getting crazy (ier) for the Liverators as they get to the finish. Here are his words:
"When the race started I dedicated it to my brother-in-law Frank Condella. My goal was to deal with whatever came my way with the same grace Frank has dealt with his disease: PKD. I hope that I have represented him well. I asked all of you to keep the mission of Team Donate Life going by talking to others about becoming an organ donor. Thank you for joining me on my journey and making it special. 500 miles to go, Annapolis or bust!
Love John/Jay"
|
|
Jocelyn Munroe
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/26/2009 7:35:04 AM
Liverators rider John Martin called in about 6:00 am PST/9:00 am EST:
“We went through Indiana yesterday. It was one of those really good days when you have a tailwind and the temperature is under a hundred. Everybody had a great day, we did 240 miles. Scenery was just beautiful, reminded me very much of New England. But check off Kansas and Missouri as two states I’ll never go back to,” he said.
As we talked his squad was racing to catch up with the others for a transition. “We’re somewhere in Ohio and game planning how to attack the hills in West Virginia.” John said the riders will leave the RV and ride ahead to weave into the rotation and give the others a break.
As luck would have it, John and his squad had nice dry weather, but “We transitioned with [the other squad] in Ohio and as we started to leave the thunder and lightning began.
We handed it off to our teammates and they got doused.”
“We’re starting to pass the solos,” said John, an awe-inspiring experience he said.
The rigors of the Race caught up with John a bit early yesterday.
“I almost got dehydrated,” he said. His teammates pulled him off the rotation for a while to get him rehydrated and back in cycling mode. It was a new experience for Martin, but he laughed as he recalled how the team figured out how to treat him.
“Geoff McIntosh [out on the bike] was calling out instructions” into the car window. “If you bonk you’re done! If you bonk you’re done! So eat!” So Martin ate and also took electrolyte tablets, washing them down with Gu juice, to get back into the swing of things.
“I want to thank my teammates,” said Martin. “I missed the first four pulls.” But he’s fine now.
“We all had such a relaxing fun day,” after that, said Martin.
He had a few special messages for his friends and family watching him race: “With the prayers of Molly Garvey I know I’ll make it back.”
And “I’m looking forward to cowabunga with Jack and Kellen.”
Hang in there John, you are doing a fantastic job!
|
|
Eileen Forgue
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/25/2009 6:29:14 PM
Hi Jay,
Can't you hear Molly Garvey chuckling away right now!!! God Bless. We love you. God Speed to you and Karin and the boys in route. You survived the nuns you can survive the Appalachians!! Love, Eileen
Love, Eileen :)
|
|
Karin, Jack, Kellen Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/25/2009 6:27:09 PM
Kellen here. Dear daddy, we started our adventure. Even if you win or lose, be proud. Well, I like you very much. Have a good time. Love Kellen
Jack here. Hello daddy. It is a good time we are having in New Jersey. Daddy we are going to beat you to the finish line. We have scooby snacks for you. I finished camp today and it was great. I am really tired. We want you to blog to us. Try your best and I love you no matter what. Love Jack
Karin here. Remember these are unedited. They are having a good time doing these blogs. We are only 3 hours or so outside of Annapolis. We will be there Friday ahead of you. No matter what time you come in, we will try to be there. You are SOOOOOO! close to finishing. Enjoy it all because it will be over before you know it!! Take care. Love me.
|
|
Dennis Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/25/2009 5:49:35 PM
My dearrrrest!
What the fick is happening? While yee are givin it yer best shot, it seems everyone is dyin? Farrah and the Jackson -boy bit the dust today. WELL, all I can say is that I am glad you are well. A boy from East Springfield means a lot more to me soul than all these Hollywood types. Bye Farrah. And Micheal, I remember the good old days when sex was safe and you were Black. At least my "Headly" is doing well! Keep on riding, and BE SAFE!!
love, Molly Garvey
|
|
Bruce Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/25/2009 3:46:38 PM
jay,
I understand you are having hot & wild weather.
Bruce
|
|
Jocelyn Munroe
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/25/2009 10:44:56 AM
Spoke by phone to John Martin of the Liverators about 8:45 am PST/11:45 am EST
“We’ll be on in about an hour. You know that feeling, when you feel kind of nauseous? It's from two days of going through the heat." The reality of the Race is sinking in. "The race really starts at the Mississippi. Missouri killed me, we were going through the Ozarks, the thunderstorm and lightning just came out of nowhere – you knew something was brewing – usually you always have time – but this thing – it was so intense," said Martin.
They all took their turns riding through the incredibly rough weather.
“Dennis Spencer was going at about 35mph riding, comfortable, strong” when he was hit by the winds coming ahead of the storm and “he literally stood up and said ‘oh my god I can’t believe this,’” said Martin. “It probably took him about two minutes just to transition. Then Lorenzo [Rossaro] goes out all bundled up and [after his first five] he goes, ‘give me five more, give me five more!’ He kept yelling 5 more!” said Martin laughing. “We took him out after about 10 miles. Then I went out in the thunder and lightning storm and I got drenched.”
However it’s not all grueling rides. Martin said he appreciates the way the RAAM route planners puts the riders through the most beautiful parts of the country. “Going through the rest of Missouri was great, going through the corn fields, the wheat fields,” he said with enjoyment.
|
|
Eileen Forgue
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/25/2009 8:24:43 AM
Hi Jay,
Hang in there!! Remember it's Linden Street not Everett. I'll meet you at the bus line. Love Eileen
|
|
Nora Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/25/2009 6:48:44 AM
Hi Jay,
So glad things are going so well. I wish I was going to be at the finish line.
We camped at Lake of the Ozarks on our cross country trip! Sounds like the lightening storm was dicey..... Even if you do not come in first you certainly are a winner in my book. Bruce and boys showed up at Happy Hampton yesterday. Kowabunga in the funaramma! Mom good. Graduation was good. See you soon. Love Nora
|
|
Anna Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/24/2009 6:46:45 PM
Dear Uncle Jay,
Had a party with Jack and Kellen today. Kellen was very disappointed in my pitching ability but encouraged me to keep trying so I could practice and then get on the softball team in Georgia (?!). Jack showed me the vole skeleton he got at camp. I had a swordfight and a ticklefight with both of them, which I think I lost.
I got your message - it was great to hear your voice! I'm so sorry I missed you. Tell the boys from Princeton to make Old Nassau proud, and I'm rooting for them, too.
Another funny story for you (one I can appreciate after working at the balloon launcher at Shawsheen during Jobe's field day today):
My wife and I were watching the gorillas at the zoo when several of them charged at the enclosure fence, scattering the crowd, except for one elderly man. Later, my wife asked him how he had kept his composure. "I used to drive a school bus," he explained.
Keep riding, Uncle Jay! You're almost there!
Love,
Anna
|
|
Mary Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/24/2009 5:38:07 PM
Hi Jay,
Thinking about you and glad to read that you had a good ride yesterday/last night. Hope it is another good run today/tonight. Saw Karin, Jack and Kellen today. Kellen says he is going to New York, not tomorrow. He doesn't know who he is seeing in New York though:). Had a mean sword fight with both of them. Anna braved the cold and went outside. I wimped out and stayed inside. Karin is a trouper and very organized for the trip to MD! Can't wait to celebrate with all of you in PY. Stay well and Godspeed....love you , MK
|
|
Dennis Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/24/2009 4:40:42 PM
Well Deaarrr,
My life has taken an unexpected turn. I never told yee this but 2 days ago I got a call from Ed McMahon. He heard about the ride and wantd to see if he could use you in an ad one of his shaky insurance policies. Well I aid to him " Fick the hell off you half-baked old has-been! I hope you lose your house again, too." I hung up on him, despite the fact that he sounded verrrry upset. He kept callin back.I just kept saying: "Hereeeeeeee's Johnny Go fick off!Herrreeeee's Johnny -Go fick off!" Well I read in the paper today he's dead. Do yee think I killed him? I've got to see the priest in the morning.I don't want any mortal sins on me soul....
a shaken Molly Garvey
|
|
Jocelyn Munroe
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/24/2009 3:31:18 PM
Got this message from John Martin [TDL Liverators] about 2:15 PM PST (5:15 EST):
“We just went over the Ozarks - it was beautiful. I just rode in my first thunder and lightning storm, and was going downhill like 30-something-miles-per-hour and fearing for my life. But other than that it’s been a wonderful day. It started out very hot, something like 100 degrees so the thunderstorm was actually very welcome.”
John is a fun guy, always cheerful, always has a story.
“Yesterday when we were in Kansas, a little girl asked for my autograph at one of the time stops – it was at a 7-11 type of store. She asked me if I was a racer and I said ‘oh yes’ [so] she handed me a pad and a pencil and I signed my name and where I was from. She said to her mother, ‘You know just in case he wins I want his autograph.’ Her mother turned to her and said, ‘I don’t think he’s going to win, dear.’ That made me laugh for the rest of the day.”
The camaraderie and rivalry among the riders is coming through strong:
“We’re having a lot of fun. Geoff told me that he told you that I stepped it up for a media car or race official and that is SO UNTRUE. I was just GOING FAST.”
You rock John!
|
|
Terese Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/24/2009 2:03:57 PM
Hi Uncle Jay~ Just wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you. I hope that your ride is going well! Love you.
|
|
Frank Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 8:16:35 PM
Glad you are in the flatlands. I see you will be passing near St. Louis. I told Mary and Larry Morini to look out for you. Too bad you won't have time to stop by to see them - Mary's a great cook. And they could take you to Ted Drewes (famously good frozen custard). Sorry to talk so much about food! But I hope you're getting some good nourishment and some sleep in between rides. Love you, brother.
|
|
Mary Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 7:24:44 PM
Hope that today is a good day/night for you. I know that you are riding as I write this. Just returned from Rob's graduation..which was very nice. He is happy to be done! Still raining here. Make sure you bring some sunshine to Penn Yan. Ride safely baby brother. Much love, Mary Kate
|
|
Karin, Jack, Kellen Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 3:44:04 PM
Jack here. Dear Daddy when are you going to be back. Hopefully you are having a good time while you are biking and seeing really really great stuff - like history. Maybe you can see dinosaur digs as you go by. Or you could see a mountain goat or a mountain lion. But I am just here petting Harry. Tell us everything you are seeing when you get back and take pictures. Hopefully your team is in the lead. Three more days to Kowabunga!! Love Jack
Kellen here. Dear daddy. I love you so much!! I hope you do not get attacked by a mountain lion. Please bike faster to win. I really love you and I hope you win. Love Kellen.
Karin here. I feel like you are on the Forest Gump section of the race now. When I picture you in the flat midwest, I just think of Forest Gump. All is well here. Get some rest. Love me.
|
|
Jocelyn Munroe
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 1:37:45 PM
John Martin (Liverators) about 9:30 am PST– “We’re heading to Kansas, finally. Hope we catch a tail wind. We’re done with the climbs. Our group did the 10,000 foot peaks, 287 miles of climbing. [!]. My cool experience of the day was passing over the Rio Grande,” on a really narrow bridge he said.
|
|
Robert Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 12:46:13 PM
Hello, hope all is going well, hope your legs are still kicking when you return. The local teams are all doing okay except DiceK, he's out with shoulder repair but i don't want to take up all your time for sport analayzis. Take care Uncle Jay, Robert B. PS- Ride hard and try to stay on the bike haha.
|
|
John Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 12:36:33 PM
Uncle J, I know what it is like to be sleep deprived. But keep at it and you'll be in M.D. in no time. Talk to you later. Love, John
|
|
Nora Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 12:26:20 PM
Mom here at Nora's as Rob graduates tonight. Jay I AM KEEPING UP WITH YOUR VOYAGE AND THINK OF YOU EVERY DAY. i AM UP AT hAPPY hAMPTON AND AS i WALK THE BEACH i THINK OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS lOVE Mom.
Nones here, I can recall going over the Hoosier Pass in Colorado in a vehicle hard to believe you are climbing all those hills. What a workout. I bet you woke up wondering where the hell you were. Blythe doe not even show up on the U.S.A. Map....
You are doing a great thing Jay we are soooo proud of you. I also log on to read
Dennis blog. Gotta love it. I read a few to Mom........
|
|
Nora Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 12:20:56 PM
Mom here at Nora's as Rob graduates tonight. Jay I AM KEEPING UP WITH YOUR VOYAGE AND THINK OF YOU EVERY DAY. i AM UP AT hAPPY hAMPTON AND AS i WALK THE BEACH i THINK OF YOU IN MY PRAYERS lOVE Mom.
|
|
Dennis Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 9:48:42 AM
WellDeeeaaarrr,
It touched me old heaarrrt that yee called me yesterday. It's a good thing you did because you'd be gettin a smack in yer pie-whole and a kick in yer stink-shute if you came home without a hello. You sounded well and happy. Remember what I told you" "Watch out for armadillos crossing the road!" I've got a little of the wee- people in me and I had a premonition. Ca-teedral called me. They want to do an interview of you in the Chronicle. They have a new feaaaturrre each issue: "We had such low expectations: They proved us Wrong". I am very tired as I spent the entire day Downtown. After Mass at St Francis Chapel, I went to City Hall. I put the squeeze on some of the old Irish Guard there and I'm happy to tell yee that Marshall Roy Field is now called "John Linus Martin Recreation Area". I knew you'd be proud I insisted that your middle name be included, in honor of your great Auntie Sister!!
Molly Garvey
|
|
Karin, Jack, Kellen Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/23/2009 5:15:18 AM
dear Daddy I love you. Have a good day bike riding. Love Kellen
Jack is at camp. The climbs seem to be behind you for now. I read Geoff's blog, he seems to be back on it. All is thankfully quiet here. The PMC is going to feel like a day in the park. Be well. Love Karin
|
|
Anna Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/22/2009 7:38:25 PM
Dear Uncle Jay,
I have another one for you, this one more road-related:
There were only two cars at the end of my exit ramp, but no one was moving. Clearly the first driver was too timid to blend into the flow of traffic. Opportunity after opportunity passed her by, and cars piled up on the ramp. Finally, the driver moved, spurred by an exasperated motorist at the end of the line, who yelled, "The sign says yield, not surrender!"
Never surrender, Uncle Jay! We love you!
Also, I'm starting to read your blog in part just to look at Uncle Dennis' responses. Oh dear.
Love and Hugs,
Anna
|
|
Mary Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/22/2009 7:13:53 PM
Sooooo good to talk to you today. Wonderful to hear you sounding strong and content. Catherine will be jealous that you got to ride through Navajo Nation! Hope today/tonight is another good ride and if it isn't, it is still one behind you! I wish you had a camera on your helmet so we could all see what you are seeing...then again I might need dramamine for the downhills! Godspeed..love MK
|
|
Karin, Jack, Kellen Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/22/2009 4:11:55 PM
Daddy it is Kellen here. Daddy, well we are going to go to New York and go fishing. We might catch a fish and if we don't I will be sad. Daddy ride like the wind, ride like the wind, RIDE LIKE THE WIND!!!!!!! Daddy ride faster if you want to win the race. If you do not win the race I will be sad. I will be happy if you win. I will be fine. See you at the finish line. And we will beat you to the finish line.
Jack here. I will have a good time when I am there and when I see you. Especially when I see you. Because I have missed you for a long, long time. So when you have got to the finish line and are off your bike, I will say KOWABUNGA!!!!!!!!! After that I will be the happiest person in the world. Love Jack
Kellen had to say one more thing. I want to do KOWABUNGA too!!!!! Love Kellen
Your wife here. It is all down hill from Eagle Nest NM. So just coast the rest of the way to West Virginia. I can piture Will Farrell doing a spoof on this ride. Maybe you could right a screen play for him. Something you can think about as you ride through the midwest. The boys are getting a big kick out of the blog thing. I only edit a bit. Take it easy and be safe. Love Karin
|
|
Jocelyn Munroe
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/22/2009 11:37:19 AM
John Martin just called in from Pagosa Spings, where his half of Team Liverators is waiting for the other half so they can transition.
“We’re in Colorado – Geoff and I were laughing yesterday – we were in Arizona – now we have to get across the country in 6 days. Lots of climbing – a grind”, says Martin. But the journey is filled with unexpected events and beauty.
John was riding at night through Colorado and saw “One of the longest shooting stars I’ve ever seen in my life. Oh my god this is so cool,” he thought to himself. “Then I rounded a corner and almost hit a cow. So one right after the other - two really cool experiences.”
Martin is adjusting to the rigors of the race. “I feel really strong, I found my niche, I’m a nighttime rider. Although this morning I went – ‘oh I’m tired’.” But he’s looking forward to another long haul on the road, going over Wolf Creek Pass. “We’re all going to be together doing that.”
It will be another day of grueling, grinding pulls and short rests in the van. “At the end of a pull, you just get to feeling - I don’t want any more GU, don’t give me any more protein bars,” nothing tastes good any more.
But he’s feeling pretty good. “We did 240 miles yesterday between the 4 of us and that was a lot of climbing included. I woke up this morning I had absolutely no idea where I was [just that] I’m in Colorado. Hey, I get to ride my bike in Colorado on a Monday morning.”
And his spirits are good too: “Thank everybody, it’s been great reading the blogs. Enjoying all the messages, Karin [John’s wife] has been keeping me updated. It was great to hear from Molly Garvey.”
Martin gave an update on Geoff McIntosh who took that bad spill. “Geoff [McIntosh] is good. We rode him hard early, he wanted to ride, he felt like he hadn’t contributed enough.”
And finally, John had a message for his boys, Kellen and Jack. He’s seeing a lot of cool tings he wants you to see. But first he has to finish. “There’s only one way back,” he says, demonstrating his commitment to the journey.
Thanks John!!
|
|
Dennis Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/22/2009 9:00:53 AM
My Deeear Jay--
I had to take a day away from prayin today, because my knees are to sore to kneel down any more. I did get Cardinal O'Malley to say a Mass for yee today and he said the Holy Father in Rome would do it tomorrow. Yer mother and I are sittin here having our third martini. She scares me a little when she's feelin good. I said to her, "Kat-leen, isn't it so exciting about Jay!" And you know what she said? "Who's Jay? Do I know him?" I'm thinking of calling the Registry of Motor vehicles on her.
|
|
Terese Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/22/2009 8:36:20 AM
Hi Uncle Jay!! It sounds like you are having an incredible experience. I can't wait to hear all about it and see pics at the lake so soon! Thanks for all of your hard work. Love you!
|
|
Nora Buttrick
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/22/2009 7:03:49 AM
Hi Jay, Glad you are seeing the country. Can't wait to see your pics.
Hope all is well. Can't beat Dennis blog notes. Love you Nones
|
|
Doug Newbold
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 6:16:30 PM
John
I read about Geoff's accident, hope is doing OK. How are you doing? Happy Father's day. You, Geoff and the rest of your team are a great inspiration - I rode 10 miles in the rain today and thought of you guys out there - great stuff.
Doug
|
|
Dennis Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 5:46:43 PM
Well Deeeaaaarrr---Me fingers are so sore from working the Rosary Beads for your safety. All I ask the Lord above is that you don't get a terrible hemorrhoid from sitting on that tiny seat! I am Federal Expressing some Baby Powder to you as well!
I was talking to Mrs. O'Shea. She remembers you as the cure little boy on the bike in her neiighborhood. This is what she told several of her neighbors. "Do you remember the litle martin Boy? So cute on his Columbia Sting-Ray bike doing wheelies at the playground. WELL! He's taken leave of his senses and is on some dreadful excursion. He must still think he' young. Well, he shouhld be home praying for a happy death!
Tours in Our Lord
Molly Garvey
|
|
Mary Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 4:23:20 PM
Happy Father's Day! I know that you are missing your boys. Thanks again so much to you for doing this and to Karin for being the one behind the scenes. You are teaching your boys a great life lesson about caring for others. I know that Jack and Kellen will be so proud of you.
|
|
Eileen Forgue
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 2:53:09 PM
Hi Jay,
I am so proud of my big little brother. One rotation at a time!! And a shout out to Karin and the boys - thank you for sacrificing your time with hubby and Dad!! See you in Annapolis! Go get em'
|
|
Karin, Jack, Kellen Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 2:06:51 PM
Father's day was not the same without you. Mom made us go to the grocery store and walk the dog. We think you were having more fun! Some day we want to see the things you are seeing on your journey. Are you having the time of your life? Hopefully yes. We can't wait for you to tell us all the things on about your journey. We did not have baseball today because of the rain and we cannot bike either. I have my first day of camp tomorrow and got new water shoes (Jack). We are making pizza now. Five days to go. Love Kellen and Jack
|
|
Catherine Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 1:51:35 PM
Hi Uncle Jay!! Happy Father's Day! Good luck, I know you will be incredible even on those insane hills! I can't wait to see you in July and hear all about it, I'll be thinking about you all through your trip! I love you!
|
|
Frank Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 12:24:08 PM
Happy Father's Day, Jay. Your sons look up to you and alwasy will. And this story will never get old! God Bless.
|
|
Jocelyn Munroe
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 9:27:16 AM
From John Martin at about 8:20 am:
“We got into Blythe about 2 this morning and did a quick shower at the hotel the crew were staying at, and are getting ready to roll. We ate breakfast. I’m lying on a massage table, one of the crew members is a massage therapist. I was looking up at palm trees and blue skies and if I could block out the fact that I was in a Days Inn parking lot in a not so great area I could think I was in a spa.”
“We got stronger at the end. We saw the sign that said 79 miles to Blythe and we all said ‘Yeah!’ It’s pretty cool to go through the desert at night,” says John. It’s quiet and peaceful and when you stop, and turn off your lights, you can see the stars. He’s enjoying experiencing the things that 'you don’t see in your life normally' and is thinking about his boys "Jack and Kellen. They’re great, they were with me yesterday,” says John. “You see things – and you think that oh Jack would love this, or Kellen would love this.” He’s planning on coming back for vacation but "not on a bike".
|
|
Anna Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 8:16:22 AM
Good luck, Uncle Jay! I can't wait to hear all your amazing stories! I thought, in keeping with our tradition, I'd pass on a funny story I heard recently (reader's digest):
One crazy day in our pediatric clinic saw me hand a young patient a urine sample container and tell him to fill it up in the bathroom. A few minutes later, he returned to my nurses station with an empty cup.
"I didn't need this after all," he said. "There was a toilet in there."
|
|
Frank Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/21/2009 6:21:22 AM
You go girl! No, wait, that's what I say to my daughters. I guess, I mean to say "go get 'em busta!". So what if you wear tights constantly for days on end. You look marvelous, darling! But seriously, I joke only because thinking about what you are doing for me and others brings tears to my eyes. I love you, brother. Safe journey.
|
|
Mary Condella
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/20/2009 4:26:08 PM
Hey Jaybo,
Great to hear your voice! Thanks for doing this. We are all rooting for you. There will be a cold beer and a comfy chair on the beach waiting for you next week.
Love, MK
|
|
Dennis Martin
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/20/2009 7:36:43 AM
Hello Deeeaaarrr! We'll be watching your progress, and, please God, you will be safe!
Yours in Our Lord,
Mollie Garvey
|
|
Jocelyn Munroe
Member since
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM |
John Martin's Blog
6/19/2009 11:19:02 PM
“When you book a one-way ticket from Boston to San Diego, the reality sets in,” says John Martin, riding for TDL team Liverators. “The only way I could get home is on my bike.”
His brother-in-law, Frank Condella, was just recently discovered to have polycystic kidney disease. "He's on the list for an organ donation," says Martin, an avid cyclist in his home state of Massachusetts. "I've cycled before. [But doing RAAM] is the chance of a lifetime. I never thought anyone in my life would need an organ."
"I can't believe the timing," says Martin, a sales manager for Roche Pharmaceuticals. A spot on the TDL Liverators team opened up, just as he was becoming more aware of the need for organ donation and transplant. Because of a genetic predisposition to hypertension, he’s not eligible to be an organ donor. “I couldn't give an organ, but I can do this."
"The one thing I've become more aware of is time." He says athletes are often obsessed with their physical performance in a self-involved way. “Am I getting stronger, faster? And then you think, someone is on the clock waiting for an organ. I’m becoming more aware of time and how precious it is.” His goal for RAAM, says, Martin, is “to have one other person register to be an organ donor.”
The sacrifice is not made lightly. Martin is thinking of "my wife Karin, and two boys, Jack and Kellen,” as he gears up for the World’s Toughest Bicycle Race.
|
|