Only 113 kilometers away from Barretos, Os Independentes decided to throw me yet another party. This time it was to celebrate my arrival in Mirassol.
“Filipe we have brought the best country singers in Brazil today to perform here for you,” Bodinho who is in charge of the shows at the rodeo told me.
Hosted by Keyla Polizello, Brazil´s best barrel racer, we had an amazing afternoon full of music, food and beer – something which has become commonplace since entering the state of Sao Paulo. After doing many interviews with different television programs I finally got the opportunity to talk to Keyla.
“I’m so proud of what you have done Filipe… as a horse lover, your trip is so amazing,” she said.
I have always wanted to meet Keyla. She is an extremely talented Barrel Racer who won Barretos, the largest rodeo in Latin America, at the age of seven! There is a video on YouTube that makes the hairs on my arm stand on end every time I watch it. As she races home from the last barrel on this huge horse, more than 60,000 people give her a standing ovation.
“I will never forget that moment… I wasn’t even old enough to really know what that victory meant,” she said.
I can’t thank Keyla, her family, Os Independentes, and all of the country artists who came out that day, enough for their love. The next morning, joined by my friend Milton Liso’s comitiva, we headed towards Sao Jose do Rio Preto. With over twenty cowboys on mules and burros, we rode into this large city and stopped traffic.
“Rio Preto, please help me welcome Filipe Leite, the horseman of the Americas, to our city!” The car in front of us belted out over loud speakers.
As we rode into the heart of the city, the Mayor welcomed us and handed me a special document congratulating me for my feat. Journalists yelled out questions while photographers snapped away. It was quite overwhelming. I never expected the journey to take on this kind of status. People handed me children and asked to take photos non-stop. There were so many requests it was hard to mount Bruiser again to continue on.
“My friend you are going to need a body guard by the time you arrive in Barretos, you are getting too famous!” Milton said.
From the Mayor´s office we rode another eight kilometers to a farm just outside of the city. Under a huge mango tree we drank beers and barbequed while Nhonha kept everyone laughing. With a roping arena right next to our party I took the opportunity to play with some local cowboys.I am now sitting only a four days ride from the dream that is Barretos… I can hardly believe it.
