I had an exciting week this week. It started right after Anaheim 2 when I got invited to go to Big Bear, California to go snowboarding with some of the Troy Lee, Honda team. I love to snowboard and there was no way I was missing this opportunity. I went with Chris Blose, Sean Borkenhagen, their mechanics, and Team Manager, David Pingree.  These guys are just as talented on snow as they are on motorcycles. I had a blast but I’m still sore from falling. haha Thanks to the Troy Lee team for letting me join you guys.

I flew into Houston on Friday afternoon. I was so excited because this was my first time actually stopping in Texas. I’ve always heard that the Texans were the nicest, most polite people and I couldn’t wait to meet them. I took the airport “super shuttle” van to my hotel and I couldn’t believe who was in the same van. Josh Summey and some of the MDK Jagermeister KTM team were in the van and I got to meet them.

This was my first Monster Energy® Supercross without my family being there with me. I was worried about eating dinner that night when I met Kenny Bartram and the rest of the KTM freestyle guys. They invited me to dinner and we had a blast. We ate at a Mexican food restaurant called Papasito’s. It took about three hours to get our food but it was worth the wait. Those guys were so fun to hang out with. During dinner, I noticed Villopoto and Windham eating dinner with their families.

I woke up Saturday morning ready for race day. The weather was going to be a little cold and I couldn’t wait to see the track lay out. It was the first race for the East Coast Lites and I couldn’t wait to see the new faces. I arrived at Reliant Stadium and met with my buddy, Ashley Phillips (Co-Announcer). We were checking out the track and it was once again, very technical. It had an S shaped hole shot and I was thinking there was going to be a lot of action that night. The dirt looked awesome with the reddish color but it smelled a little funny.

During the riders meeting, I met the future Amanda Sipes. Ryan and Amanda are recently engaged and they have the cutest plans for their wedding. They make a beautiful couple. Congratulations!!!!

I made my way to press box and got to see how Monster Energy® Supercross works behind the scenes. I learned how the videos are played and what songs are picked. The famous announcer, Erv Braun gave me some headphones and started to interview me. I was so excited because I was actually fulfilling one of my lifetime dreams. I love announcing and was a little nervous at first. I heard my voice over the loud speakers and actually started shaking from the excitement. I calmed down and felt like a natural. I can’t wait to do that again. Thanks Ashley and Erv.

I watched some of the practices but I spent most of my time in the pits. I couldn’t believe how many people were there. I think I signed more autographs and took more pictures than the previous three races. The Texas fans were great!!! I don’t think I’ve ever been called “Ma’am” so much. I do have to admit, the Texas kids are some of the most polite kids I’ve ever met.

The night show came so fast. The East Coast Lites class started and I was on my feet. Reliant Stadium had so much energy and I could feel the rumble in the stadium. I knew that Christophe Pourcel was back from a potentially career ending injury and I had to see him ride. He broke his back and was paralyzed for 8 months. It was a miracle that he was even able to walk let alone ride a bike again. Pourcel got the hole shot and I was so excited that he won. He is an inspiration to us all to never give up. AMAZING!!!!!

The supercross main event was vibrant. Alessi once again got the hole shot and Villopoto finally got a good start. Villopoto quickly passed Alessi and led the race for the first 4 laps. Stewart passed him and checked out. Reed again got a bad start and amazingly came from 10th place all the way up to 2nd. I was excited for Villopoto that he finally made the podium taking third place overall. The points chase is getting close and racing has never been this exciting. I can’t wait for San Francisco next week. See ya there and don’t be a stranger, come say hi.