Living like George.

Apr 27

An event like the Tour Divide is “Almost” an all consuming endeavor. It is something we think about, WORRY about, plan for, talk about, and over analyze for multiple hours a day. It is an obsession that fills every minute not demanded by another of life’s duties or loves.

It is because of this that our families and friends are as big a part of the trip as we are. They understand the obsession and support the time it takes to make the Race a reality.

That said, life and the events of life move forward unabated. Some parts of life we would rather not experience. Such was the case last week, with the funeral of a fantastic person that I was honored to attend.

George Medina was one of Lola’s best and closest childhood friends, and remained so throughout their lives. More a brother than a friend.

I had the absolute honor of meeting George 30ish years ago, and was lucky enough to spend some time mountain biking with him, Lola and George’s friends and family. Mostly these rides were our annual pilgrimage to the South Boundary Trail during the Taos Fiesta weekends. He was ALWAYS ready for anything, always had a smile on his face, and more uniquely, always put a smile on the faces around him. We had hoped to spend much more time with George after retirement, when we have more time to spend in Taos. Sadly, we’ll never get the chance.

At any funeral there are tears and fond memories of those we have lost. This one was especially tough. It was tough not just because of George’s passing, but because of how George lived his life. He lived to the absolute fullest. The stories of his wild adventures and his willingness to live life on his terms were inspiring. I think George would have been the perfect TD participant. He might not even have trained or been equipped “properly”, but he would have jumped in, full steam! Such was how he lived and, perhaps, should served as an example of how we all should. Don’t be afraid, don’t worry, just live life to the fullest.

A few quick George quotes:

Drive fast take chances

Never trust a fart

Living the dream

Love and Lecture both start with “L” and end with “E”

Another wonderful day in the life of George Medina

Go big or go home

Wherever you go, be all there

Ride it like you stole it

Brakes? I don’t need no stinking brakes

Looks like a classic case of failure to negotiate

A Taoseno does not want what he has until someone else wants it, then he cannot live without it