“I want to inspire and show people what is possible to do on a bike despite being legally blind and how you can adapt and overcome life's obstacles.”
BLAKE IS ONE OF THE COOLEST PEOPLE WE’VE MET. HE HAS A LEVEL OF DETERMINATION AND RESILIENCY YOU WON’T FIND MANY PLACES. IN 2015 BLAKE LOST HIS CENTRAL VISION, MAKING HIM LEGALLY BLIND. BUT, THIS HASN’T STOPPED HIS RIDING. WITH A GUIDE, BLAKE HAS BEEN ABLE TO CONTINUE RIDING OFF DROPS, DOWN TWISTY TRAILS, & OVER OBSTACLES. YEAH, PRETTY AMAZING.
Home base: SAN MARCOS, CALIFORNIA
age: 20
Work off the bicycle?
Marketing student at California State University San Marcos
BLAKE’s RETURN TO RACING:
My vision loss prevented me from getting more into racing, but find many great accomplishments in what I have achieved throughout my vision loss. Getting to ride the trails that I grew up riding again and hitting jumps I thought I never would again is such a great feeling. I continue to ride more and more technical trails that get me so stoked. I have been able to ride the bike park in Whistler and Big Bear and I look forward to getting back into racing.
Favorite music?
Switchfoot
Favorite race or ride?
My local trails on Double Peak in San Marcos will always be a favorite of mine and the place that I have developed as a rider.
My dream career outside of cycling is…
It would be amazing to work in sports marketing in hockey.
My favorite academic subject is…
My marketing classes are my favorite in school
My earliest memory on a bike is…
When I first got my training wheels off when I was about five and tried riding along the beach in Oceanside. I remember being uncertain as to how it was possible but determined to figure it out.
why do you ride?
I want to inspire and show people what is possible to do on a bike despite being legally blind and how you can adapt and overcome life's obstacles. Mountain biking has always been such a joy, rush, excitement and an outlet to be in nature and I never wanted to stop after losing my central vision and becoming legally blind when I was 17. I have continued to find new ways to ride by using a guide and I want people to overcome any challenges they have and be able to ride.
what has the bike given you?
The bike has given me some of the greatest thrills, adrenaline rushes, and fun experiences being able to push my limits as a rider and also just to have a good time on a ride. It has always been an outlet to decompress and not have to think about life's challenges. It has given me the gift to be able to still ride despite my vision loss and to inspire others.
Role Model
In action sports, Aaron Wheelz is someone that I look up to for how determined he is and for all the insane feats he has done despite his disability. I have two decals of his logo, which is a handicap sign with a full face helmet on the head, on the front of my frame on my bike.
Advice to up and coming cyclists?
Pursue what you love in cycling and stay determined since it is a challenging road to accomplish what you want, but it is about the process of getting there. Be grateful for your ability to ride and its just about getting on a bike and riding.