I'm sure glad I'm staying busy because if you haven't seen already, I love every media, sponsor and charity opportunity I get. I can only hope I stay more busy for the foreseeable future. Here's what's been going on:
On September 18th I went to New York for a Right To Play gala at Gotham Hall (Batman's hood). I wasn't much aware of Right To Play before this event but it's an amazing organization headed by that speed skater you know and love, Johann Olav Koss! Check it out @ Right To Play: Right To Play International
At the Right To Play event I introduced myself to Bob Costas and Dick Ebersol- way pumped on them. We spoke for a minute about BMX and how much better they would like to see it be in London. At least they knew what BMX was so this is good.
Stayed in New York for a couple of days and headed over to the Nike Town and caught the Little Mermaid musical and I loved it!
On September 22nd at the Waldorf Astoria in New York I took part in a Sports Legends Dinner. I met Jerry Rice, Andre Agassi, Helio Castroneves and Gary Hall Jr. I even got to walk on the red carpet. Don't worry nobody stopped me. I ran the red carpet...
September 23rd I flew directly to Las Vegas for the big Interbike show. Did a few autograph signings and hung out with the Hyper Bicycle folks who really have some great things in the works for me, I hope they pan out. I met guys from ESPN and Toys R Us and that's pretty exciting. The NORA Cup awards (Number One Rider Awards) were held at the Hard Rock on the 23rd. Unfortunately, I didn't win for the Racing category, but I was nominated. Beijing Silver Medalist Mike Day took the honors and he deserves it. And for all of you old school BMXers, Cru Jones from the movie RAD was in attendance at Interbike. This was a huge deal to me. Oh yeah, and the 1980 American Gold Medalist Speed Skater Eric Heiden was there too. We talked for a bit and I mentioned about hanging with his close competitor Johann Olav Koss the week earlier. Eric is a rad guy.
September 30th I was on the live TV show View From The Bay in San Francisco. Spencer and Janelle were amazing hosts and I hope to someday go back. The live audience was sweet too.
October 1st I spoke at a the Rotary Club of Napa. I spoke for a half-hour which was probably my longest speech so far and it seemed to go quite well.
October 2nd I was in San Diego, CA for a little GE dinner and BMX demo. Good people.
October 6th, Kyle Bennett, Mike Day and myself headed to the White House see 'ol "W". We got to tour the White House a bit and to see the Prez from a distance Ha ha. A nice surprise was to see all my besties from the USOC who were also there.
October 7th we headed to Nice, France for the last World Cup event of the year. This is always my favorite race to go to, as you can imagine, because of it being on the French Riviera!!!! I placed 2nd in the race and this wrapped up for me the Overall 2008 BMX Supercross Series Title. Pretty happy about this as in 2006 I won this title, 2007 I placed 2nd overall and then I won again this year. Apart from the Olympics, this is the most prestigious title- to me at least.
October 14th I got to attend a lunch for the Junior Seau Foundation in San Diego where they were honoring the Chargers' Luis Castillo. Seriously, Junior and Luis and great people, it only took me an hour to figure that out.
October 15th I went to a Bass Pro Shop opening in Manteca, CA. Craziness! The store was amazing, I signed autographs for a few hours with a bunch of other celebs, which included the Billiard player Jeanette Lee. You know, "The Black Widow?" And yes, she's sexy and she talked to me. Jimmy Houston (host of Jimmy Houston Outdoors) was also there. That cat is a hoot and good solid guy to spend time with.
Whew, that's it for now, more to come in a couple weeks. Having some computer troubles so not able to load any pics at this time.
Donny
