Page 40 - ISSUE51

ALEX MARTIN
250 MX / 5TH
IMAGE / KILPATRICK WORDS / MATTINGLY DESIGN / MPG
>> A rider-mechanic bond is one of the most imperative combinations an ath- lete can have this game. The companionship, trust, and ability to speak their mind to one another, are in such dyer-need that every specific instance on the bike depends on it. Looking no further than Alex Martin’s relationship, it’s ap- parent that both he and his wrench are on the same page. Always smiling and chit-chatting with one another, the duo wanted to attack the High Point circuit as they do every other round; with all out effort. Adjusting the rebound settings all throughout practice, he finally seemed content as they made their way back under the awning, prior to moto number one. Once both man and machine were refueled, they rolled through the pits in tandem, ready to obliterate the field. He bolted off the line, hanging off the rear fender as the field dove into the first bend. However it would result in an uncharacteristic 25th place posi- tion. Bouncing off the rollers, the suspension making through the plushest of strokes, he was fighting amongst the top in the sport. Scrubbing over the finish line, his eyes were all upon his partner in crime, the pitboard reading “DIG”, and he took it to heart. Battling with likes of Savatgy, Hampshire, and every- one in between, he would hit the G-Out’s with his plantar flexor’s fully flexed, hoping to keep the toes out of the most dangerous of ruts; he would bring home the seventh place ride. The second moto had a different set of plans; he would storm off the line, quickly glancing to his side, and cutting over, taking the inside and pulling the holeshot as he would slam on the binder’s down the hill. He would push, setting blistering fast laptimes as the sun began to crest, he and his KTM gelling. All seemed to be well, until a faint bark became a roar, and his brother was along side. He would be over taken in the left hander be- fore the big Lucas Oil jump, his brother sneaking around the inside. He would trail, but follow, the pace seeming just a tad too high; he would eventually fall to fifth, coming away with fifth overall.
40 GRITMOTO • JUNE 18, 2017