Upholding the Legacy: The Burgos Family's Enduring Connection to Cycling

In the early 1900s, our family embarked on a journey from Spain to South America, driven by the upheavals of social, political, and civil unrest. Over the years, the Burgos family flourished, with thousands of descendants leaving their mark on various aspects of life. Among these notable figures, my grandfather, Julian Burgos Guerra, stood out as an iconic member, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to thrive in the hands of my cousin, Aldo Russo Burgos.

A Multifaceted Legacy:

Julian Burgos Guerra was a man of many talents and accomplishments. His life was a tapestry woven with threads of courage, entrepreneurship, and a deep love for cycling. By the time he departed in 1990, he had earned accolades as a decorated firefighter, a committed Mason, a successful local businessman, and a family leader who presided over the expansion of six diverse enterprises. From Oxford Bicycles to a GMC dealership, bicycle parts manufacturing, an Oxygen Botlying plant, a car garage, a farm, and even a Toyota dealership, his ventures reflected his boundless spirit and entrepreneurial acumen.

Cycling Pioneer:

However, it was Julian's role as a cycling pioneer that left an enduring mark on our family's history. In an era when cycling was still in its nascent stages, he organized cycling races, formed teams, and notably, created the first dirt velodrome in Talca, Chile. His passion for cycling extended beyond the boundaries of a conventional track, as he undertook an iconic bicycle trip from Talca to Concepcion around 1920. Covering approximately 250 kilometers through dirt trails and narrow roads, the journey became a testament to the adventurous spirit that characterized our family.

One captivating tale from that historic journey recounts their arrival in a village that had never witnessed cyclists before. Fearful of these strange contraptions, the locals closed their windows and doors, shying away from the unfamiliar visitors. Undeterred, the cyclists found refuge in the local church, where the priest, possessing some knowledge of these human-powered machines, welcomed them. This anecdote encapsulates not only the challenges of the time but also the resilience and curiosity that defined Julian and his companions.

Aldo Russo Burgos: A Torchbearer of the Legacy:

More than a century later, the spirit of Julian Burgos Guerra lives on through his descendants, particularly my cousin Aldo Russo Burgos. Clad in a Pink Floyd shirt, Aldo stands as the torchbearer of our family's cycling legacy. His dedication and passion for cycling led him to manage the "Julian Burgos Guerra" cycling team, ensuring that the flame ignited by our grandfather continues to burn brightly.

The Burgos family's journey from Spain to South America and the subsequent legacy forged by Julian Burgos Guerra exemplify a remarkable tapestry of resilience, entrepreneurship, and a profound love for cycling. As Aldo Russo Burgos continues to manage the cycling team named after our grandfather, he not only preserves a rich family history but also fosters a connection to the past that propels our family forward into the future. In the wheels of time, the Burgos family remains firmly grounded, cycling through history with a legacy that endures.