Mickey's News and Views

Hey You Kids,

I have been traveling a lot but I was sitting here at home and thinking, "Hey, it's time to do an update and let everyone know just what's been going on in September. Well, here goes. September started off with a bang. I spent the Labor Day weekend in Sellersburg, Indiana as part of the Fuzzy Zoeller Celebrity Wolf Challenge. This is always a very special event. For me the highlight this year was the opportunity to hang out with John Daly. He is the nicest guy. What you see is what you get. And, he is the best with the kids. The last day of the celebrity weekend is a Wolf Challenge with only the pros and the celebrities. I ended up playing the wolf with Richard Karn, you know, Al of "Home Improvement". We had a blast. The game went back and forth and I ended up beating him on the last hole. Rick had a long 30 foot putt and he rolled it by the hole another 15 feet. He missed the come backer and I was in the driver's seat with about a 10 foot putt. I walked over to my ball, I leaned over to Rick and said, "You don't really think I am going to miss this putt, do you?" He just smiled. Well, I buried my putt to win the match. It was great. My thanks go out to Fuzzy Zoeller and his staff at Covered Bridge Golf Club for the incredible job they do on the Wolf Challenge. Thanks also to John Daly for being the great guy that he is. I look forward to seeing everyone next year.

On the 6th of September, I was invited by Branscombe Richmond of "Renegade" and Indian Motorcycle spokesman, to attend a very special event it Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills, California. It was a private showing of Indian Motorcycles going to auction. There were a number of celebrities in attendance including Branscombe, Tony Dow, Dan Hagerty, Sam Jones and others. It was very cool. Branscombe has been trying to get my butt on an Indian for over a year. Well, here's what happened next.

The next day, September 7th, I drove up to Gilroy, California to the Indian Factory. On Friday, I toured the entire Indian Motorcycle factory. Everyone there were the best. All of the employees made me feel like part of the family. And that's just what I am. I am now the newest member of the Indian family. I met with Ray Sotelo, the founder of Indian Motorcycles, and he asked me to ride an Indian for them. I agreed. Indian Motorcycles was founded in 1901. The first American motorcycle. The original company went out of business in 1953. However, Indian is back and they are here to stay. It's great to have an all American motorcycle back in business. As Branscombe Richmond is the main spokesman and rides a Chief, I thought it only right that I ride the other model of Indian, the Scout. On Sunday, the 10th, Branscombe and I did a concert along with The Nelsons for the Indian Motorcycle Company picnic. It was great and I am proud to be riding an Indian Motorcycle. I will pick up my new Scout in Palm Springs, California the weekend of October 21 - 22 at Palm Springs Bike Week. Branscombe, the Nelsons and I will be doing a concert there on Saturday, October 21st. Come see us!

The following weekend, the 16th and 17th, was something very special. I attended the "V-con" at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Los Angeles. Emily Barth of Make-It-So Productions organized and pulled off a wonderful weekend for all the fans of "V". A number of the stars of the show were in attendance including Jane Badler, Marc Singer, David Packer, June Chadwick, Marin May, Andrew Prine and others as well as the show's creator, Kenneth Johnson. I showed my out-take reel along with some of my home video on the set but Ken Johnson show a lot of video from the set along with interviews of the stars. That was great. Each of the actors had an hour or so to get on stage and talk to the fans in a formal setting and then at autograph tables where we really got to meet and chat one on one. Saturday night there was a private reception for VIP guests and celebrities. There were vendors selling photos and memorabilia that was a smash. All in all the weekend was a brilliant success. We had fans from all over the world. Jane Badler even came in from Australia. Now, that's a commitment. My friend, Gary Marshall came with his digital video camera and we shot a lot of video as well as interviews with the stars. We are in the editing process as we speak and will have the video available soon. You will be able to find it on Emily's site, Make-It-So Productions and right here at mickeyjones.com. Keep an eye peeled for the video. It is going to be very cool with a lot of surprises.

On September 24th I hosted my own motorcycle ride for charity. We all met at Sloppy Joe's at the Irvine Spectrum Center at 8:00 AM to ride for kids. The kids in particular are the kids at Children's Hospital of Orange County. CHOC We had over 900 motorcycles and the day was spectacular. Sandie Moore organized the event and for a first time event, it was very successful. Next year will be even bigger and better. A big thank you goes out to all the folks at CHOC, Sandie Moore, Sloppy Joe's and every single participant. And to all the kids.

At the end of the month, Phyllis and I took our first real vacation in several years. We went to Tombstone, Arizona. I love Tombstone but Phyllis had never been. I don't think she was all that excited about it but on the way home she told me what a great time she had. I know that was because she met Ben Traywick and his wife Mary. You see, Ben Traywick is the official (and the best) historian of Tombstone. Ben and Mary gave us the official "Ben Traywick Walking Tour" of Tombstone. We covered it all, the Bird Cage Theatre, the OK Corral, the Oriental, Campbell and Hatch where Morgan was shot in the back while playing pool, everything. Ben also took me about 80 miles out of town to the grave of Johnny Ringo. You have to really want to see his gravesite to make this trip but it was worth it. We also went to Bisbee and Douglas while we were in southeast Arizona. On the way home we visited my friend Dennis Evans in Prescott. Dennis was there to greet me on the Kyle Petty Ride Across America. Dennis recovering from prostate cancer surgery. Say a prayer for Dennis. We have been friends for 40 years. Get well Dennis.

On the way home we went to Williams, Arizona and rode the train up to the Grand Canyon. A couple of my buddies from the movie business are working on the train. That was a hoot to see them again. Phyllis fulfilled a long time wish. She sat on the porch of the El Tovar Hotel and had tea overlooking the rim of the canyon. After seeing the "BIG DITCH" we headed for home.

There are some photos to follow. Soon we will post photos from the bike ride and from the V-con. Come back and check them out. October looks like a busy month. See you soon. Till next time, all my best and God Bless!

Mickey