7/9 ~ Thanks & Themes

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20TH Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #36: 
Biking along the Mississippi, after crossing it (aka LaCrosse WI); was a hot, but comfortable cruise into Minnesota, which would become the 7th state I bicycled across, from end to end.  I wrote about it in my journals, and described the ride in my book, AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM STORY, but Carl and I did not get pictures during that portion of the trip.  I can remember the temperature hitting 100f+, and stopping to ask home owners, along the route, for water from their hoses.   They frequently obliged with iced tea or lemonade.  What I will share, are some keepsakes from the bike trip.   (Each picture has more details.)

Jim Petretta For those who missed, but wish to hear the interview from Sunday, it is at the following website, starting at the 3hr8min mark. http://yourlisten.com/.../hr20150705jimpetrettaandmeghanm...

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Picture #074

The year was 1985, and I was being asked to move my family from Portage, IN to Indianapolis. Until our home was ready, I stayed in a brand new Super-8, on the Western Outer Loop I-465, I think. It was the best accommodations for the price, I had ever received; therefore I became a frequent guest, everywhere I traveled, with my restaurant region scattered from Michigan to Kentucky. So, I had no problem, ten years later, asking for help with my mission. But, I never expected the grand way Super-8 stepped up to the plate. For me, and my cause, it was a huge home run! Though I still camped 2 out of every 3 nights, on average, Super-8 provided me with rooms in every location I bicycled through, in which they were established. Some states, like Wisconsin, I was honored to be their guest almost every single night. Times, situations, and people have changed, and with the current business climate, I doubt any corporation would help, without NGO tax credits. But these folks batted a thousand, for me and Carl Lebman; and I don't mind letting you know how fond I am of them. And once this article appeared in their News Letter, my welcome was pretty much assured, everywhere. Still, what are the odds that I'd meet a family, part of Super-8, that were also a big part of my own story? Nobody saw that coming! How lucky I am to be friends with Deone Geary and John Geary. You brought life back to me, when I was ailing, and give my story added credibility. Thank you. (Picture and Article courtesy of Super-8, July, 1995)

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Picture #075

In October of 1994, while still in the training and planning stages of USAIDS 5,000; I picked up a guitar, for the first time since leaving the Army (in 1980), and with some wobbly, raw fingertips, I chopped up some chords, and plotted down this anthem for my journey. A few of my volunteers used to sing it with me. I hope you like the lyrics. (Picture of the original word processor typed lyrics, 1994)

7/7 ~ Little John

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Tour)
Post #35: 
Because of hills, head winds and rain, the trip to LaCrosse was a toughie! I was physically worn to a point of total exhaustion. A whirlpool and 5:30 pm bedtime was helpful, as was the visiting doctor, whom Carl Lebman called to come check me out. After conversing with my own physician, he gave me a Nupogen injection, to boost white blood. I would be feeling well enough by morning to meet with reporters at the parking lot of Super-8. (Each picture has more details.)

Lawrence Van Heusen And he wrote a book! Hero.
Sue Fleming i read it and it really touched my heart. what amazing memories. . .
Deone Geary It certainly doesn't seem like 20 years ago. Wow, we were all so young; especially little John. Individuals with HIV + AIDS were told to keep it a secret back then; an impossibility in a smaller town. Once a person's diagnosis went public, they were feared + treated like a leper. Jim Petretta, you humanized the disease. Each town you visited saw your friendly face; not a possibly catchy disease carrying the death sentence. You educated the public + you brought attention to AIDS. Thank you!
Jim Petretta Thank you, Deone; I am truly humbled.

~~~

Picture #073

This is 7 yr. John Geary, back in 1995. Coincidentally, his mom, Deone Geary, worked at the awesome LaCrosse, WI Super-8, and greeted us at the front desk. John was named after his grandfather, Deone's dad. That part of the story follows the next photo. I believe John and Carl Lebman were the only two persons, other than me, to sit on the Dream Machine. I showed John all the contraptions, my mountain bike was customized with, everything, so I thought: power grips for the pedals, to push and pull; bar-end grips for pulling up hills, and riding upright; luxury saddle; head, tail and emergency lights; tow bar for pulling the trailer; odometer and speedometer; and a very expensive security alarm system. But John noticed something it didn't have--something he asked his mom to take him to the store to buy--something to keep me safe! It was a blue, Fisher-Price Squeak Horn, purchased with his own allowance money. You shouldn't be surprised that this child would one day become an Eagle Scout. (Picture from July 9, 1995)
— with Little John Geary

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Picture #072

At first glance, you might think this memorial was for Little Johan, but in fact, he had given me a school picture, and it was in my picture album, pasted above the memorial of his grandfather, John, who entered eternal rest about a year earlier. And, it was AIDS that took his life. Deone Geary's father had a hip replacement surgery in Iowa, in the early 90s. Imagine getting a letter in the mail, advising him to be tested for HIV, because the blood he received during surgery was found to be contaminated. Deone tells me the AZT and DDI drugs he took (the same drugs I mentioned earlier, that I refused, due to repulsive side effects); ravaged big John's system, until there was nothing left. Deone says it was a horrible, painful death. After all that, I stir up the story again, a year later, but this time, she allows her son to be part of my story, in a way, to honor her dad. I hope we did that, Deone! See more notes about Little John, next photo. (Bike picture courtesy of La Crosse Tribune, July 8, 1995; Little John's picture from 1995; Memorial flyer from 1994)
— with Little John Geary

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Picture #072b

"Worldly Gentleman", lol! I'll let the article speak for itself. Instead, I want to share a bit more about my friends in La Crosse, WI. Deone Geary is now retired but still cares for her mom. Little John Geary is now a handsome 27 yo man, who is described by others, more in terms of "goodness" than anything else. Like I did at his age, he is still working and saving, to pay for his own higher education. (Note: I was 34, before getting my BS, so I understand, fully.) He works full time, but has a permanent injury from an accident on the job (using his abilities, not playing disabled). Is there any wonder why he achieved the rare status of Eagle Scout? We are all very proud you, Little John! Say hello to your girlfriend and Squeek, the cat. And if you didn't hear it, when I told your story on Homoradio on Sunday, they pulled out a horn, and kept honking it in your honor, lol. (Article is from July 8, 1995)

7/5 ~ Richland Center WI

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #34: 
Here is an article from Richland Observer. I passed through there, on my way to Lacrosse. From this point, all the way through Minnesota, into N. Dakota, there weren't too many stops or pictures or stories worthy of your time. I will, instead, over the next 3 posts, tell you about "The Crossing", (aka LaCrosse, Wisconsin). (Each picture has more details.)

Jean Hopkins Such dedication!

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Picture #071

This article came out, well after I passed through Richland Center. We stopped for rest and an interview, but there were no contacts for us of any local AIDS Agencies. Perhaps, that was because the Madison AIDS Network covered the entire region, if not the while state. At least, that was my understanding, at the time. (Article courtesy of The Richland Observer, July 13, 1995)

~~~ 

Picture #071b

And, here is the rest of the story, lol. (Article courtesy of The Richland Observer, July 13, 1995)

7/3 ~ Friends & Madison WI

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #33: 
It was a pleasant, though very warm, ride through Northern Illinois, into Wisconsin, along the shoreline.  Before heading deep into WI, we camped in Sturtevant, at a location now closed, but as usual, we met some great folks.  (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #070

Steven McMahan and Joseph Rabe were fellow campers, who joined us for one of Carl Lebman's great campfires; and stories of the road. To reciprocate, they had gone to a local grocery store, overnight, to purchase breakfast fixings, (eggs, bacon, grits & pan-fried biscuits), because they wanted me to have a healthy start to the day. What you cannot see is that Steven, the cook, was blind, and had one good arm and leg. Joseph was his closest friend, who obviously was dedicating his life in assisting Steven. We never had a sense that they were gay, but their bond seemed more like a marriage. We could tell they didn't have much, except faith and good attitudes. I suspected they were homeless, and working the camp to pay for their stay. Joseph did tell me that Steven went through his pockets to find enough money to make us breakfast; because he "needed" to help others. They wouldn't even accept a tee shirt for their kindness. We had no way of keeping in touch with these fellows, but I remember carrying them in my heart, the rest of my ride, along with so many people who touched my soul. It was one of the tougher goodbyes, knowing our paths may never cross again. (Picture taken by Carl on July 2, 1995)
with Steven McMahan, Sturtevant and Joseph Rabe, Sturtevant

~~~

Picture #068

Our 2nd WI stop was Madison. We were getting ready to celebrate July 4th, thus my wearing of the flag. The Madison AIDS Network actually supported most of Wisconsin with direct services, education, testing, outreach and client advocacy. We challenged corporations to mileage sponsorship, both on TV and in local papers, across the state. *Article and picture courtesy of Capital Times, July 3, 1995)

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Picture #069

 
This is the rest of the Capital Times article. Also, from my scrapbook, I have a note from the local Chinese take-out place, called Golden Wok, in Whitewater. Well wishers did a lot to keep me going, when the road felt too long on many days. (Article courtesy of Capital Times, July 3, 1995)

7/1 ~ Children's Place

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #32:
Our final day in Chicago was dedicated to children, and this amazing place called The Children's Place. (Special Note ~ June and August were relatively busy months; however July 1995 involved much more bicycling, and many fewer photos. For that reason, I will greet you with story updates every other day, this month.) (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #066

Having worked at Benedict House in Buffalo, and visiting two other AIDS refuge homes (Bailey House and David's House), we knew what to expect for adults. But imagine an AIDS refuge home for children and babies. It was like nothing we expected. Everything at The Children's Place Association, (no longer in operation), from educational to bathroom facilities were designed to meet the needs of little people. Dan Dever, Executive Director, shows us how a toddler's sink and toilet are installed. And unlike Chicago Women's AIDS Project; we were given a very thorough tour, and actually had a chance to meet a number of the children, providing we did not take pics of them or print full names. While I got re-charged by hanging out with the Elementary age kids on a bus, returning from a day tour to Taste of Chicago, Carl Lebman had a chance to hold and love little Ronisha, clinging for life. And being a twin, his heart was heavy, meeting the newborn twins, awaiting their HIV status. We did our best to share their story at the time, but media was not on our side. (Picture from June 30,1995)
— with Dan Dever, Exec. Director

Sue Fleming MY HEART WOULD HAVE BROKEN. PRECIOUS LITTLE ONES.

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Picture #067

Dan said I earned a Staff Tank Top, because the kids on the bus loved talking with me, and getting to hear about bicycling across the country.  (Picture from June 30, 1995)
— with Dan Dever, Exec. Director

6/30 ~ Charging Chicago

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Tour)
Post #31: 
It was 'big fish in small waters' all the way through Indiana, but just the opposite was true, charging into Chicago. (Each picture has more details.)

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Picture #064

I saw a post card with this near identical view; however this picture was taken by Carl Lebman from our courtesy suite at the Stouffer Renaissance in Chicago. We had big plans, that went bust! All news was on The President, as Bill Clinton also arrived, that very same day. There would be no visit to Oprah Winfrey Show; no TV spot with Chicago Children's Hospital (per prior invitation), and not a single bite in any form of media--nothing! So, we spent the evening of June 28th, drying out (from a wet ride), and trying to see if we could lend some publicity, to one of a dozen or more AIDS Agencies in the city. (Picture from June 28, 1995)

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Picture #065

Lucky for us, we had an opportunity to visit Chicago Women's AIDS Project (CWAP); and were told several stories, not unlike the lost girls of Lorain, Ohio, Richard Priebe told us about, a couple weeks earlier. Some of their women were also in hiding from abusive situations; therefore we were prevented from meeting even a single client. So, our visit there turned out to be just CWAP on a flyer. We still had one more day to fill. Look forward to that post, tomorrow. (Flyer from June 29, 1995)

6/29 ~ Leaving Indiana

1995 USAIDS 5,000
(20th Anniversary Pictorial Ride)
Post #30:
Saying goodbye, even for a short while, was not easy in 1995. Granted, I'd long learned to 'focus on the future', and I never once gave up hope; yet I knew the very real possibility that something might go wrong, either on the bike trip, or with my ever-declining health. After all, AZT had a crippling effect on me, with back pain and foggy-head; while DDI tore up my digestive system. So, until something better came along, my drugs of choice CCB (Coffee, cigarettes and bicycling, lol). (Each picture has more details.)

~~~

Picture #058

 

My son, Bon Petretta, was working this day; however my two beautiful, darling daughters were at Super-8 to bid me safe travels. Melinda (Picture Left) was heading to Camp Pendleton with her Marine hubby, Oliver, and they planned to greet me there, as my trip concluded in San Diego, at the end of August. Amanda is my youngest, and was still attending Portage High School, with academic honors, while holding down a job, too! I love being with my children! (Picture from June 28, 1995)

— with Melinda South and Amanda McCune

Sue Fleming what a wonderful picture of you and your girls

Melinda South I love the pic. We were so young!

Nancy K. Sorensen The happiness just glows from all of you. Nothing quite like being with your children!

Amanda McCune Wow that's an oldie but goody dad!

Nancy K. Sorensen You girls and Bon, are very lucky to have such a wonderful, loving dad (and mom) ....he is a very special man. I am certain that all of you have the same qualities :)

Jim Petretta You are just buttering me up for something. What is it? You think I need a 3rd dog, or do you need me to babysit that pack of yours? lol

Sue Fleming your dad is a wonderful man and i am proud to call him my friend. love him to pieces.

   

~~~

Picture #063

I remember heading to the lobby of Super-8 for Coffee, stepping over the Newspaper, delivered to each room. I had a glimpse of the cover photo, but I needed a moment to let it soak in, So THIS is what they meant by giving the story "a cover". The receptionist made a point of greeting me, "Good morning, Mr. Petretta. Your children must be very proud of you." Thanking her, I asked for another copy, because this was the first time in my life, I'd made front page of a big newspaper, with good news, and an 8x10 color photo. I came back to the room, coffee and newspapers in hand, yelling for Carl Lebman to wake up, saying "You're going to need some coffee for this one." Later that morning, I would be bicycling through Gary, my birth city, the same city where I was brutally fired for being gay. I knew my old boss would find a copy of the news on his desk, first thing; and I wondered how his coffee tasted. Yes, it was raining, but with Carl in the follow vehicle, and folks blinking their headlights and sounding their horns, all the way into Chicago, I felt invigorated and liberated. If there were tears of joy, who would know; I enjoyed bicycling through the rain. It was all good. (Picture, courtesy of Gary Post Tribune, June 27, 1995)

Nancy K. Sorensen Must have been SO freakin' happy to see that for once you were an inspiration. I will edit that to say in this particular circumstance. Well, you know what I mean [wink emoticon]

Jim Petretta Inspiration is 1/4 imagination and 3/4 perspiration!