Not having a true dirt bike right now I just packed my riding gear, knowing they would have some new 2010 Yamaha models as loaners for me to ride.
MM and I roll up to Pala and get in the gate free and go back to the DC compound area set aside for us. The group was a mix of industry and athletes and it was cool to see how both types interacted very well with each other.
Hey, I just watched you on MTV2 30 minutes ago!
We got a little swag bag, free lunch, Red Bulls or Monsters. After walking around and chatting with folks it was time to suit up and ride. MM introduced me to the guy who manages DC's bmx and rally car teams and we had a great time chasing each other around the mini track. For hours.
I was never on track with Jolene but I did sit two chairs from her at lunch. I talked for a brief second with Jeremy McGrath and Ricky Carmichael as well. I got to ride on track with McGrath as well. All the pros were very cool and very friendly. It was nice to see them relaxed and away from high pressure things. Today was all about fun.
DC had more of their sponsored riders there and a bunch of up and coming kids who were fast and fearless!! Watching them hit the freestyle ramp after the adults abandoned it was amazing. Kids have got juevos larger than most.
The reverse cylinder 2010 YZ450F is pretty cool looking, but more motorcycle than I need. Or can even handle. Heck, I had to be helped off and on of the YZ250F or there would have been an accident. I am just doomed to be a mini rider I guess. I think a Honda CRF150R would be perfect for my dirt needs. I wish they would of had a new YZ85 there... I would have really liked to try that.
Pala is a great track. It seems to rut super easily though. I am going to go there more often, that is for sure!
In talking with the DC guys I also ended up getting a free pair of shoes to try out. To see if what they give their BMX riders would work with guys on mountain bikes who run platform pedals. Sweet!
So after riding motorcycles for 3 hours nonstop it was time for a little rest and some dinner. Then it was off to the next sponsored event, a charity poker tournament at the casino. Yikes! All I can say is that I made it past the first round, and was almost through the second round and into the final when I lost on a low propability river. I was all in and they other guy was trying to bluff me. His pair of 6's turned into three of a kind with that last card. Dang it!
Poker face?
3,000 in chips!
MM
This Jaws slot machine was cool, but ate my $20 faster than Jaws ate Quinn
Most of the pros were there playing with us, some famous Asian girl who is a poker pro was there. The couple that just won the Amazing Race were there playing as well. Considering I had only played Texas Hold 'em once before in my life, I count this as a victory. And I kinda want to play again. But with friends. Mitch are you reading this?!?!?!
I left the house at noon, got home at midnight and in between I rode motorcycles, ate food, got free stuff, met cool new people, helped a charity and played poker in a casino for the very first time. Thanks for inviting me MM!!
Any day riding is better than any day of work!
Jolene is one tough chick! Looks like a fun day!
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