As we move into 2013, I want to start by wishing everyone a fantastic year, I hope that it is filled with many good memories. When I stop to reflect on 2012, there are so many exciting times that I would like to mention:

1. The launch of our MotoGP Bobble Heads, the first of its kind which have been received incredibly well worldwide.

2. The success of our 2012 Australian Nitro Circus Tour.

3. Our new official memorabilia agreements with Cal Crutchlow and skate phenom Ryan Sheckler.

4. The continuation of our official memorabilia agreements with all of the regular MotoGP riders, as well as superstars Chad Reed & Travis Pastrana.

5. The release of some very exclusive pieces like the Chain Piece of a Champion series with Rossi and Hayden, the first of its kind in our industry.

6. Our involvement with Pole Position travel and having our products on display in their VIP suites at many MotoGP’s worldwide.

7. Our first full time staff member in the UK and our involvement in several new MotoGP’s across Europe.

8. Our record breaking Phillip Island GP and continued relationship with Dual World Champion Casey Stoner and 2012 World Champion Jorge Lorenzo.

These are just some highlights that come to mind when I stop to reflect on the year. The success of all of these simply would not of been possible without your loyal support, and for that I sincerely thank you.

I look forward to 2013 and continuing to offer the highest quality licensed Motor Racing memorabilia in the world. We have many exciting new products planned & events that are new on the racing calendar this year. Autographed Collectables jumped on the Facebook wagon in 2010 and this year we will continue to update our customers through this social media platform, posting exclusive signing information and interviews as well as some epic signing photos from past 15 years. If you're not following us, then you are missing out.

I know we are all looking forward to the upcoming MotoGP and Supercross season which is currently under way in the USA. I hope that all riders can remain fit and healthy!

Well that’s enough from me, I look forward to seeing you all during the year and keeping you updated, until then enjoy the racing!

Miguel

Back to Business: January 17^th 2012 

All holidays (or vacations as Americans like to call it) must come to an end. As it did for me when I landed back in New York’s JFK airport on the 17^th after a long 30 hours travelling from the south of India. The 10 days traveling with my partner Andrea Rose was one of the most memorable and fascinating trips to date, but now it was back to business and in particular the New York Motorcycle show which I had to prepare for. Well prepare I actually did back in December, stock had been sent from LA and all we had to do was set up, although that can be time consuming and stressful when it’s in NY as you have to work through the red tape that convention centers bring. Our standard 3 hour set up for a 10x10 (3mx3m) turned into 9 hours, and we still had an hour to go … I honestly hit the wall at 6pm and had to call it a night.

Geoff who works events for us part time is a long time friend from Australia who now lives in Seattle with his wife and two daughters. We were excited for the weekend as we hadn’t been to NY since 2007 and were looking forward to meeting the locals and eating some PIZZA. Apart from a little snow on the Saturday, the winter weather was kind to us. Unfortunately the bike show crowds were more into their Harley Davidson’s and riding group patches rather than MotoGP and dirt bike memorabilia, but we still managed to make some new customers and great leads for the year, ohh and also ate some great Pizza and street GYROS.

Another event finished with, now it’s time to get back in the office to catch up on some real work. Next event, Chicago Motorcycle show, Feb 10 – 12^th at the Rosemont Convention Center. I will check back with you all then.

Until next time,

Miguel

Time for Vacation: January 7^th 2012 

2011 was a great year for Autographed Collectables, many changes were made within the business not to mention with myself moving from Sydney, Australia to permanently manage our North American operation from our office in Anaheim, California. I have always enjoyed taking some time off at the end of the year, to get away from it all and unwind, this year was no exception.

After some deliberation, my partner Andrea and I decided on India, Living Social had a deal that we just couldn’t pass up. The adventure began in Delhi on the 7^th of January when we arrived and joined an organized tour group with another 13 budding travelers; we didn’t know what we would be in for, but it turned out to be one of the most memorable and fascinating trips either of us had ever taken.

We spent the next 6 days exploring what is referred to as the Golden Triangle; Delhi, Agra, home of the Taj Mahal & Jaipur known for its brilliant textiles and art. Each city presented its own beauty, history, culture and culinary delights. From Palaces to Forts and Elephant rides, I cannot speak highly enough of our time in India, the people are ever so friendly and welcoming, the country is rich in history and the food is absolutely delicious. The street chaos and driving styles are like nothing I have ever experienced; New York, Shanghai or Rome do not even come close. It’s something you just have to experience, and a ride in a tuk-tuk, I think even Valentino Rossi and Michael Schumacher would be impressed. We knew it would be a very busy tour, so Andrea and I had planned to take a few days off when it concluded to really relax and unwind in a city on the south west coast called Goa. For those of you who have ever taken an organized tour, you will know that it is non-stop, so the last few days were just what we needed.

I love taking photos whilst travelling, (I’m the guy with the SLR camera around his neck snapping away at everything) so I have attached a photo from our travels. Time flies when you are having fun …. and before we knew it, it was time to start the long haul back to the USA, New York for me and the International Motorcycle Show whilst Andrea continued on to LA. We leave with so many wonderful memories and the desire to return to India in the future.

I work too hard during the year (haha), so this is probably one of the only holiday (vacation) reports you will read about, until next time,

Take care, Miguel

The BLOG starts here – January 8^th 2012 

I've been meaning to write the Autographed Collectables blog for quite some time now, so here's the start to one of my New Year’s resolutions, January 8th 2012 and my first official post. Gabriel our former sales and marketing director did a great job in 2009/2010 keeping our customers updated, but I never turned it into what it was meant to be, my thoughts and tales on everything and anything during my great time on the road and whilst working in the office, which is now in Anaheim, California.

Many of my customers from all over the world ask me what it's like traveling the world and meeting the athletes that I get to work with, I hope that I can provide you all with some insight as to what that's like .... and no it's not all fun and games, I can assure you.

I wrote a little about how I started Autographed Collectables which you can find on the “about” page of our website; www.signedandauthentic.com or by clicking on the following link; http://www.air23.com.au/about

I'm going to keep this post short,  but want to assure you that I am very excited to be writing this first post and to be introducing our company blog in 2012 which will feature some exclusive photos and stories.

Until next time,

Miguel ...... who is on vacation in India

The annual DealerExpo was this past weekend in Indianapolis, IN. It is an event that allows us to showcase our collectables and explore new avenues through which we can distribute our products. The three day event is attended by OEMs and motorcycle dealership owners from across the country. We saw several familiar faces and were happy to make new friends. Make sure to check out out dealer locator page to find new dealers that will be offering our products to their customers throughout 2011. We can promise you that there will be more places to find Autographed Collectables!

  Based on what I could tell, this was the actual bike Lorenzo rode during the Indianapolis GP.