Life has a tendency to throw things people don’t expect, and how people respond to these unexpected adversities often determines one’s character.
Jeremy P. McGhee is a living example of responding positively to misfortune.
McGhee, a San Diego native, was paralyzed in a motorcycle accident in 2001. Post-accident, he made a mental choice.
“The hardest part was dealing with my own mind,” McGhee said. “Living life in a wheelchair is hard and the struggle gets old. Every morning I need to make the conscious decision to embrace life.”
McGhee is now a professional para-athlete who’s primary sport is mountain biking. He took a sport that requires the use of one’s legs and adopted a bike that’s propulsion system uses his arms. He also surfs, climbs, skis and snowboards. He is known for climbing, then skiing, Bloody Couloir on Mammoth Mountain outside of Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
He designs mountain bikes for adaptive riders through his company PolyGEARious. He is also an advocate for all adaptive athletes.
McGhee began his journey advocating for adaptive riders in Sedona.
“As cool as my bike is, it is limited,” he said. “I’ve run into trouble out on the trail and don’t know where I can ride when I travel.”
“I called up TrailForks, the main mountain bike trail information app, and asked if they wanted to document trail information for adaptive riders,” McGhee said. “That’s how it all got started. Sedona was actually one of the first places I visited with my bike and was birth place of the project.”
McGhee, among many, is fond of mountain biking in Sedona. “Riding in Sedona provides amazing views and is very challenging.” McGhee said. “It makes me a better rider.”
In addition, he’s a motivational speaker who has been featured on TED Talk.
“Life is short. Almost dying will show anyone that,” he said. “Doing the things I do, even the smallest tasks sometimes, takes such determination that if applied to athletics or life goals, can take anyone to the next level.”
When asked what advice he would give to anyone looking to beat the odds, he replied, “Take the small steps every day to get there. Do the work.”
More on Jeremy’s adventures and life can be found at jeremymcghee. com.
Tristan Decker can be reached at 282-7795 or by email to editor@larsonnewspapers.com
