Race Report
Leather is not what you would call a breathable material. The suit motorcycle racers wear as protection is made of leather and does NOT fit loosely. Then, they put on leather gloves, a helmet, and heavy boots. Contrary to what you might think the racers get quite a workout while riding; they have to use their arms and legs to push and pull the motorcycle through the turns as they need. Blake will be all sweaty on a cool day. But this weekend, at the Herrin Compound in Dublin, Georgia, the heat index pushed the temperature for Saturday and Sunday up to 104 degrees. Did that slow Blake down? Nope, not at all. To me just more proof of his passion.
Practice Day
Saturday was just a practice day and Blake was on the track a lot. He rode his KTM65 for only one session; trying to save his tires for race day. He rode his Honda 100 quite a bit, working on rushing the corners. When he was be conscious of what he was doing, he got better drives and faster lap times but you could see when he’d get distracted and revert. It’s something to keep working on. The tires on his Honda Grom were finished after practicing on them all day.
That evening Kim Herrin invited everyone into her home once again to watch races and have dinner. After Blake was finished she called him to the kitchen and surprised him with a cake and everyone sang “Happy Birthday” to him. He blew out his candles just to have them re-light, he kept blowing and finally got them all out. Those tricky candles!
Race Day
Sunday’s weather report promised the same heat. “Trainer Trina” with AXcess Racing LLC has taught Blake the effects of hydration on performance. Lots of water, foods to refuel the body, fans and wet towels to stay cool were all ways Mike and Blake prepared for the day. I didn’t go to this race because Ross and Abby (Blake’s siblings) were returning from a missions trip on Saturday AND Saturday was Abby’s 13th birthday. So, the boys did a great job.