14 06 MXP Magazine

Page 36

MOTOCROSS IS UNDOUBTEDLY THE BEST SPORT ON EARTH, AND TO EVERY ONE OF US WHO FOLLOWS IT PASSIONATELY AND FAITHFULLY, I AM SURE THE RATIONALE AS TO HOW AND WHY VARIES. I DO BELIEVE, HOWEVER, IF SURVEYED, ONE OF THE COMMON DENOMINATORS AMONGST ANSWERS WOULD BE AS MUCH ABOUT THE GREAT, COLOURFUL, UNIQUE, ONE OF A KIND INDIVIDUALS THAT MAKE UP THE SPORT THAN WHAT HAPPENS ON THE TRACK. BAYFIELD, ONTARIO’S NATHAN BLES IS ONE OF THIS COUNTRY’S BRIGHTEST LIGHTS WHO IS ALL OF THE ABOVE AND THEN SOME.

as support from MPH. Nathan is an individual who I believe, given the right opportunity, can improve immensely on his personal best of a 5th overall at the top level. With his top level finish of two seasons ago on his GDR Honda 250 as well as this past season’s best of a 5th overall in the big bike class at Ulverton, I know that Nathan knows he can compete with the top 5 in the 450 class. Given his 4th in moto one at Ulverton coupled with some great battling up front with the series’ heaviest of hitters, I look to Bles to come out

I didn’t know Nathan on a personal level until this past season, and I am sure that I am preaching to the choir to those who know him when I say he is

swinging in 2015. Nathan is a very talented, versatile rider who

‘the real deal.’ Yes, the kind of guy you are proud to call a friend and the kind

crossed over last season to do some off-road racing.

of guy you would like to have on your race team, I’m sure. If I had my own team

The folks on that side of the sport were pretty blown

and a budget for a 450 rider with a ton of upswing, the great riding skills he

away as to his ability and results. Nathan parlayed

has, coupled with his personality and people skills, this would be a no brainer.

that experience and skillset into an opportunity to

Nathan is now 22 years-old and will wear the big #10 next season as a result of his efforts in the eastern portion of the 2014 Rockstar Energy Drink MX Nationals presented by Motovan on his KTM. Nathan has been a Pro racer now for four years and has had a couple of goes with GDR connections as well

represent Canada in Argentina last month at the 6 Day ISDE. When I chatted with Nathan after the event, as usual, he impressed me with his positive outlook and take on something that did not go that well for him. He cited that making the best out of a

“NATHAN IS A VERY TALENTED, VERSATILE RIDER WHO CROSSED OVER LAST SEASON TO DO SOME OFF-ROAD RACING. THE FOLKS ON THAT SIDE OF THE SPORT WERE PRETTY BLOWN AWAY AS TO HIS ABILITY AND RESULTS. “

bad situation and getting something positive from the experience was of most value to him. “I learned so much from my experience and cannot wait to go back to next year’s 6 Day.” Great words to hear. On day 3, Nathan’s bike had some issues and he was forced to push it a couple of miles in the sand in temperatures of 41+ degrees. Nathan eventually abandoned the motorcycle and was in a fight for survival as he walked another two miles to a highway where he was located by passersby. Hospitalization for his condition would force him to the sidelines. Nathan Bles is a warrior, a competitor, a talented rider, and more importantly a first class human being. I’m not sure exactly when news of which tent Nathan will be under for the upcoming outdoor national season will be released, but I am sure of this: When the gate drops at round one, Canadian race fans will have one of their own to cheer for, whose results I personally would not dare to put a ceiling on! I would also encourage anyone out there that does not know Nathan to make an effort to get out to a race and make his acquaintance as guys like him are one of the big reasons motocross is the great sport that it is.

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