I Already Voted!

Yes, the title of my blog this week has to do with voting. As our country counts down to one of the biggest and most important Presidential elections in our history, I think PBR fans, staff, and riders should be reminded that Election Day falls between the two weekends of the World Finals.

That means that many of us need to vote absentee, and my ballot is sealed and ready to be mailed. I am a big advocate of voting, and it is a great privilege that we are given as Americans.

It was great being in Ohio the past couple weeks because a guy on the street registered me like 8 times. Relax, just kidding. I'm not going to tell anybody how to vote because I don't really think this is the place. It would be more fitting to reveal my political affiliation here, however, than in the arena during a show.

Do celebrities and people in the spotlight really think they have more expertise than the average American? There are many celebrities out there that do help me decide which way to vote, though. THE OPPOSITE OF HOW THEY ARE VOTING!!

Anyway, I try to stay updated and informed on the political scene, and I have some pretty strong feelings which are based on my core values and beliefs both socially and economically. My mind will not be changed by an emotional response to a blog on a web site, so I will leave it at that.

Get out and vote!

Columbus once again did not fail in providing us with great fans. I am reminded every year why I enjoy that event so much once I step in the arena and feed off the enthusiasm in the arena.

O-H-I-O!! Where else can you go that everyone is so anxious to correctly spell their state's name?

I thought Zach Brown saved the night by riding his bull in the championship round even though he had the event won. Zach has kind of been up and down like the stock market this year, but he is sure on the upswing at the right time of year.

After watching his career in both rodeo and the PBR, he is the kind of guy that could win a pile of money in Vegas if he gets on a roll.

I read some of the comments to other blogs when I get a chance and the Justin McBride topic always seems to incite lots of opinions. I know that many of you think that the PBR is out to make him its biggest star, but he IS the defending world champ.

I also feel like there is a different feel at the live events compared to TV.

In my entire career I have never seen a rider greeted with more enthusiasm and excitement than McBride. Have I ever seen him awarded more points than what I thought the ride was worth? Never. I can understand some people thinking that watching on TV, because it just looks different at ground level.

I have heard conversations in our locker room about how hard a particular bull was to ride, but he almost made it look too easy. Whew, I really went in a round about way to say that his ride in the long round on Saturday night was awesome. No argument on that 90-plus point score.

By the way, from a guy that's been around him and his family...Great guy.

So who am I pulling for in the world title race? MARCHI!!

That guy is so good and has earned it. He will be a great champ and a good role model to be the face of the PBR.

We're headed to the Mohegan Sun this week, and I always get jacked up for this event. If you live back east and you are kicking around the idea of maybe going to this event, believe me, it is well worth it. It is one of the most beautiful facilities I have ever been to, and the crowds are always a blast. Plus, this is the final stop to determine who gets into the World Finals and who doesn't.

Great restaurants in that place, too. It's the little things that make me happy.

I will then fly from Connecticut to Indianapolis because I am speaking Tuesday night at the delegates' dinner of the National FFA Convention. FFA is a great organization of young people and I rarely turn down an opportunity to speak in front of a group of them.

I have always said the world would be a better place if it was run by people who were in things like FFA. Thanks to Wrangler for giving me the opportunity to share a message with those kids.

Well, thanks, once again, to all you fans who come to the live events and really see what our shows are all about. But keep watching us every week on Versus and stay passionate about our sport.

It is cool to see opinions about riders expressed with such emotion on our comment board, because it hasn't been that long ago that nobody could name any of the most famous cowboys. Dang, this beats a real job!

Laugh Always, Flint.