My life has been for the most part, one of constantly trying to go past where I felt comfortable, the Hot Wheels Double Loop Dare being a great example of pushing my limits as an extreme athlete. Along that journey you meet people that have that same gene that is “dialed in” to why we do what we do; although some would argue that we demonstrate the “one screw loose” gene to try to keep challenging us to go faster, farther, higher and do that next new thing that no one has done before. There is something about living life to the fullest that ultimately, you meet people that are doing the same. I am lucky…because the one thing that I have enjoyed above all else on my personal journey, have been the people that I have met and now able to call my friends.
My Life at Speed has always been about people that really follow their dreams and push their personal limits.
My buddy Glen Plake, is one of my best friends and really exemplifies living life to the max. He is the “original” extreme athlete, that is known for his famous mohawk and skiing some of the most difficult terrains out there. Featured numerous times in Warren Miller’s ski films, he is the real deal. I have also been lucky enough to spend time with Glen and his amazing wife Kimberly in Baja. They have managed to create a life the revolves around their passions, and for that I have always been impressed. He is without a doubt, one of the most down to earth, nice guys that I have had the pleasure of hanging out with, on many adventures. He is also known for his big grin and a kind heart. When I won at Pikes Peak on the Ducati Hypermotard, he left me a voicemail congratulating me on my win; and I will never forget how great it was that he had called, totally made my day. He once gave me the best advice,
“All you have to do is smile and you can make somebody else feel good…it is the easiest thing to do…just smile.” – Glen Plake
I also rode a wheelie with Glen on the back of a very roached out motorcycle that ultimately ended with both of us on the ground, foot peg stuck in my leg, in the middle of Mexico. But that story is for another day!
Just last week, Glen was in Nepal climbing the 26,760 ft Mt. Manaslu when an avalanche hit. Glen survived but eight others lost their lives. Although the entire team were athletes, extremely prepared and a great “family”….sometimes the unexpected happens. None of them could prepare for what Mother Nature had in store that day. (story and video below)
I have not talked with Glen yet, but I am willing to bet that he will keep living the life he has chosen and he will honor his friends with the next adventure. It is who we are….and why we live. “In Life, if you don’t risk anything, you risk everything”….that statement somehow defines us.
Godspeed to the other climbers. Glen I am looking forward to giving you the biggest bear hug next time I see you.
– Greg
‘I was swept 300 meters and came out still in my sleeping bag’: U.S. freeskier’s narrow escape after he was hit by wall of snow in his tent in Nepal avalanche that killed nine
- Disaster happened on Mount Manaslu in the Himalayas of northern Nepal
- Californian Glen Plake survived with black eyes and missing teeth
- Injured were airlifted to safety by helicopter, but many still missing
The avalanche hit at about 4 a.m. Sunday while more than two dozen climbers were sleeping in tents at Camp 3 on Mount Manaslu in northern Nepal.
At least nine climbers were killed and six are believed still missing. Many of the 10 survivors were injured and were flown to hospitals by rescue helicopters.
‘It was a major, major accident. There are up to 14 people missing. There were 25 tents at Camp 3 [6800m] and all of them were destroyed, 12 tents at Camp 2 [6300m] were banged up and moved around,’ Plake told EpicTV.
He was camping with Rémy Lécluse and Greg Costa before the avalanche struck, attempting to become the first team to ski the world’s eighth highest peak without oxygen.
‘Greg and I were in a tent together, Rémy was in another. It was 4:45a and I was in my sleeping bag with my headlamp on reading my devotional when we heard a roar,’ Plake said.
‘Greg looked at me and said, “That was a big gust of wind,” then a second later, “No, that was an avalanche.” Then it hit us.’
He said he was swept 300 meters down the mountain and came to a stop still inside his sleeping bag, inside the tent, still with his headlamp on.
