So here I am, finally back with another installment of the Flint Chronicles. I know it's been awhile, but when summer finally hit up here in Northcentral Montana, I just didn't feel like sitting inside on my computer. Speaking of summer...
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity on June 11 to fly to Colorado to help on a commercial for PBR Stuff.
I was on the 6:40 am flight out of Great Falls, which meant I had to leave my house at about 4:45. A very wet and cold storm had moved into the area in the night, and some snow was even predicted. I was relieved to see when I left my house that it was a false alarm on the snow thing.
Well, no false alarm when I got about half-way to the airport. Suddenly there was six inches of wet slush on the road and it sucked me right into the ditch. So, how many people can say that they missed a flight because they ran off the road in a snow storm...ON JUNE 11!!
I sure wish Al Gore would have been riding with me. We could have had quite the discussion. Then again, if I was travelling with Al Gore he could have flown me in his jet. For all of you not keeping score at home: Al Gore, Global Warming, Snow in June.
Just helping some of you with the humor.
Anyway, now it is 80 degrees and more beautiful than you can imagine, so all is well.
It was nice hanging out with Tater and Larry the Cable Guy in Orlando a couple weeks ago. Tater has, of course, always been one of the most popular bull riders on tour, and he still is even after retirement. Larry the Cable Guy is just a very genuine nice guy.
Orlando was another great event and it was good to see guys like Cord and Willingham rise to the top. Of course I was pulling for Cord and Lostroh to go 1-2 just because they're Team Enterprise guys, but Willingham has always been a great winner and good for business.
I was heartbroken over Paulo getting injured again on his first bull back. We've been friends since he came over and always danced even when he didn't speak a lick of English. Paulo has made not only the PBR Finals, but he also qualified for the National Finals Rodeo while I was working that. I hope he heals well and that we see him soon.
Going to the Big D, and I do mean Dallas, this week. You suppose it'll be hot and humid there? The Dallas event always seems to have a great atmosphere. Well, it is Texas. One guarantee at the event in Dallas...The bulls will be as good as anyone has ever seen. Oh ya, who is that guy that's coming back this week? Just McWho?
It's about time the World Champ makes an appearance. He is great for our sport and I can't wait to see him get on a bull. I am a big Justin McBride fan. He is a ground breaker in this industry when you think about his fan base and how recognizable he is. I'll be honest, I hope he wins big this weekend.
I'm going to have a film crew following me around Dallas this weekend. I am one of the topics of a documentary about the PBR being done this summer, and I look forward to filling them in on what goes into a weekend on the road.
This past weekend, for the second year in a row, my little horse ranch hosted an equine training course for a group of U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers. It is spearheaded by my father-in-law Jim Grasky, a former green beret and retired border patrolman, and teaches the soldiers skills in riding and packing that are helpful in places like the Middle East.
My ranch provides them with an enclosed arena area to learn the basics, then open spaces with hills and water crossings to test their skills at the end of the day. Then in the evening all 12 of them parachuted into our little airport as a treat to the community of Choteau, Montana.
We make certain people in our society heroes by what we see them do on TV or read about in the papers. Spending a long day with these soldiers makes you realize that they are the real heroes. I admire and respect athletes, but I idolize soldiers. The Army sponsored the PBR for years, and now the Air Force and Border Patrol are both sponsors. I salute them all for keeping us safe. Has anyone noticed we haven't had a major terror attack within our borders since 9/11? Somebody is looking out for us.
We'll see you in Dallas. And by the way, Happy Father's Day to all the dads!
Flint.
It was nice seeing your blog again. Thanks for taking time from the outdoors to communicate with us fans. I was thinking about you when it was snowing in Montana in June. You should have a field day when you are in the arena and we are complaining how hot it is. Have fun in Dallas and see you in Nashville.
Thanks for for honoring our military. I have allot of contact with them where I work and always make it a point to thank them for their service to our country and protecting us.
Thanks for keeping us laughing, singing and dancing weird at the PBR events. I love what you do with the fans during commercial breaks. As long as it's not with me!
See you in Las Vegas in November! Until then Happy Travels. I think the roads are pretty clear up north for at least a few months.
Orlando was both wonderful and heartbreaking at the same time. I never thought I'd feel so upset for someone I don't know personally, but Paulo's accident and diagnosis made me heartsick. I loved watching you two dance together. It's going to be sad not knowing if we'll ever see that again. On the flip side, seeing Cord and Sean do so well was great.
The event at your ranch sounds wonderful. It's nice that could host something like that. God bless our soldiers.
A documentary? Yay! I can't wait to see it. I'm glad to hear you're part of it.
Have fun in Dallas, have a great summer and I hope you had a great Father's Day.
Sometimes, your humor may be a most effective way to transmit truth, than the endless debates over whether man is contributing to weather cycles and climate change.
The veteran cowboys resisted the protective vests worn by everyone today, as today's macho cowboys resist using helmets and other protective gear. Why is it that professional who drive fast stock cars protect themselves from the most dangerous accidents, by wearing helmets, fire-proof clothing, Hans devices to constrain head movements, etc., but bull riders are resistant to using some kind of protection to prevent or reduce the injuries associated with falling on one's head (causing concussions and broken necks)? I watch the events religiously, and I make no judgements for or against riders who wear or don't wear protective devices. I just have more trepidation about those who won't protect themselves.
At least, Justin McBride has had the funds to spend the amount of time mandated by physicians to actually fully recover from his surgery. I fear that other riders feel that by the very nature of the sport, they must return before they are fully ready in order to earn some more money. Youthfulness doesn't allow them to see the later consequences and loss of the ability to produce more income.
Other professional sports hire the players and declare how they will handle injuries and when they will return to play again. I don't yet have a creative idea how bull riding could be handled financially to see cowboys through the time of being without work, and leading them to sound decisions about returning.
And yes I too can't wait to see "Justin McWho" ride this weekend. Nothin like a lil bit of McBride to excite the crowd and toughen the competition. :)
I'm Looking forward to the new PBR Documentary. 'Course I Iook forward to any coverage or information on the PBR. So like you always do, make us proud!
And I'm sending my prayers and best wishes to Paulo Crimbo and his family. There aren't any words to say to make the situation better, but hopefully they'll feel our prayers!!
Until Next time......
I am looking forward to Dallas. It is a great city for the PBR for the riders and the bulls we will see.
What about Chris Shivers? Can't you say the same things about him?
You dont know me, but I am a current HUGE PBR and FLint Fan. I got into it last year and have loved it since. I have to tell you, I do love the cowboys and the bulls.. but FLINT you are so funny and so kind and soo cute! I think you play a HUGE roll in the event and I hope to meet you some day and say thanks... God bless yoU!
Seven years without another terrorist attack...has anyone noticed?
We'll be seeing you in Vegas.
Richard and JoAnn
I have always been a fan of your's. Maybe it is because we are both from the same state...maybe it is because we are both from Northcentral Montana! I live in the small town of Valier, really close to Choteau. My math teacher, Mrs. O'Neal, talks about you once in a while during class. I think that it is so cool that you were a math teacher around in this area and you are now working with the PBR, my favorite sport, just ahead of football. Just a little bit about me... I am a senior in Valier High School, going to Rocky Mountain College in Billings for the physician assistant program. I am really hoping to be part of the PBR Sports Medicine team, for that has been my dream since I was little. Guess you will probably have some time off, since the next event isn't for a few weeks. I hope to see you around in Choteau for the Fourth of July rodeo! Flint, YOU ROCK!
Off subject, but how about a video of you. I have gotten tired of the u-tube clips, how about a DVD for your billions of fans??? Why havent the pbr boys in charge ever thought of marketing the lord of the clowns???
What ever happened to Tuff, is there bad feelings between the pbr and hedemann???
til we meet again Mr. Flint uli and vila
Another thing that strikes me is that from what I've seen the cowboys seem to me to be more genuine for lack of a better word. I guess this is from all the good stories you hear and quite obvious lack of stories about drug abuse, cheating, strikes, .... The list can go on.
If you do read this I was wondering if anyone out there would know of a good place in the Oklahoma City area to do therapy riding for children. My niece was referred to a program and was then kicked out. She has a form of autism that you wouldn't even know she had a problem unless you were told. She just seems like a very excitable girl who is very smart. She is just about to turn 7. Well some of the other people at the center told the manager the would all quit if another one of those theraputic riders came in. They made sure to point out that there program brings in more money of course. According to my wife (2nd hand to me), the other parents were making rude comments to the little girl as she was being turned away from riding horses.
My sister-in-law wants to find somewhere else to take her but is skeptical about having the girls heart broken again.
If anyone can recommend someplace near Oklahoma City please let me know at rschaefer_1@hotmail.com.
Thanks for the clean entertaining fun and support for your countries and communities.