Before I headed over to Aspen, Colorado for XGAMES, I had the opportunity to stop in Las Vegas for the Shot Show. Many of you know I am a bit of a collector of guns and this was a fun experience.
I signed autographs in the Project ChildSafe booth. We then walked around the show with the Governor of Wyoming Matt Mead. He helped get a very special introduction to Donald Trump Jr.
In case you have been vacationing or sworn off social media for the new year, there have been some changes happening over the past month in my life. The biggest and most notable is that I have now partnered with Yamaha (Yamaha Motor Corp, USA) for different marketing opportunities within motorcycling and motorsports. I know it was a pretty big shock for many and they might think it’s just for a paycheck, but that definitely wasn’t the case. I am beyond grateful for everything I was able to accomplish at Kawasaki and nothing will ever change that. When it came down to it, Yamaha provided me some pretty cool opportunities to do things that I have been interested in for years.
A lot of people don’t realize that this isn’t my first stint with Yamaha. I rode them before I switched over to Team Green. Mitch (Pro Circuit) was even one of my sponsors. I hope that all my fans can see I love motorcycles and motorsports and a lot has changed since I stopped racing. Our family grew – quickly (hi Gage and Brax), we’ve moved a few times, but one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for racing and being a part of it all.
Again, if you’ve been away from the social media for some New Years resolution, I’ve decided to race Snowbikes at XGAMES in Aspen on January 27. I went up to Minneapolis for a few days to test it out. Let’s just say it was a lot of fun, but probably the hardest thing I’ve ever done on a dirt bike. It took me a little time to get used to differences from a standard dirt bike, but by the end of the test I was feeling really confident that we can go out and have a good time at XGAMES.
Let’s stop for a second to see what I’m getting into. This is from the first-ever Snowbike race at XGAMES in 2017.
Even if you watch only the first few minutes of the race, you’ll see all the lead changes with people falling. So it’s pretty much a survival race as much as one of skill. If you’re not coming to Aspen next weekend, don’t miss it when it comes on TV. The race is supposed to be at 5:15 pm ET on January 27. Check the TV Schedule HERE.
Last I figured I would just show you how awesome my kids rock on their little scooters. They literally get up in the morning and want to do laps. But the practice is paying off as you can see.
I have to give it up to my wife Kristen who has been killing it as a mom, especially when I’ve been testing and getting ready for XGAMES. You rock babe.
Website Launches on Heels of Participation in Mint 400 Race
Poulsbo, Wash. (March 11, 2016) – Ryan Villopoto, 10-time motocross and supercross champion, has re-launched RV2.com with a brand new look and feel, featuring the latest news and blogs from the distinguished racer. The launch comes on the heels of his participation in the Mint 400 this weekend.
As Villopoto dives into his first full season of retirement, he plans to keep his long-time fans up-to-date on all that he’s involved in with frequent blog posts, which can be found on his site. In addition to his blog, the site connects fans to all his social media sites in one place.
“Retirement is a funny thing because I’ve stayed very busy, but been able to do things that I’ve never done in my life like snowboard,” said Villopoto. “Fans are able to come to the site and catch up on all we have going, whether it’s a blog post or seeing images from our latest snowboard day at Crystal Mountain. I wanted to make sure I was still connecting with fans even though I’m not at the races every weekend.”
Like many retired two-wheel racers before him, Villopoto has taken advantage of jumping into four-wheel racing. After getting a taste of off-road truck competition at the Baja 1000, Villopoto will join Team Brenthel this weekend at the Mint 400. The race is set to take off from Primm, Nevada on Saturday morning.
Ryan’s Truck from Baja 1000
“It’s been great to work with a professional and experienced team like Brenthel Industries,” said Villopoto. “I got a taste of driving last year at the Baja 1000 thanks to the guys at Brenthel and Monster Energy and I want to keep getting better with each time I take over the wheel. I’m really looking forward to learning more this weekend and hopefully putting in a good result.”
To hear more about Villopoto’s trip to the Mint 400, be sure to check out the redesigned www.RV2.com, with a new blog post scheduled following his time in Nevada.
Follow Ryan Villopoto on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter via @RyanVillopoto.
