Last night, Megan and I went with some friends to the National Western Stock Show. I experienced my first ever bull riding at the Denver PBR Chute Out.
We arrived full from dinner at the Colosseum and walked the perimeter of the inside of the building – the exhibits and booths of stuff for sale (everything from cowboy boots and leather gear to snow cones, jewelery and bed linens – we were all a little confused by that last one.)
Amber, Justin, Brian, Krista and Megan
We settled into our seats and I was surprised by the relative smallness of the venue – I’d expected something more like a NBA arena – and the reality of the space is more like B college setting.
There were cowboy hats and boots everywhere, and a significant amount of dust hanging in the air – and it smelled like the dairy farms around the corner from where I used to live in Westport, MA. We used to call the area cow shit corner, if that gives you any idea of the odor.
The show started off with the National Anthem and a prayer – this is a Christian sport.
When we were done thinking the Lord for letting us ride bulls, the fireworks began.
Just as I was looking around for the exits, Megan leaned over to me and asked if indoor fireworks made me think about The Station fire.
Professional Bull Riding is pretty awesome – and the guys who ride are tiny. I mean like jockey tiny. I was surprised… I was certain they’d be big burly fellows. With blasting 80′s music throughout the evening, it was nothing short of wicked awesome.
Having two of the most giant men we know with us made me feel a little bit better about being a big dyke in a sea of Palin supporters – and I was thrilled to get to hang out with Brian and Krista, who are fantastic and hysterical. The big man and Amber escorted us safely to and from the event in the giant group-home-van-like SUV that really is built for a giant.
Boot-shaped coozies from the Coors girls
Next on my list of things I want to see: the gay rodeo and the Mexican Rodeo Extravaganza.
It’s more than I could’ve hoped for when I decided to move to Colorado.
[...] I started my training over the weekend – 2.5 miles took me nearly 40 minutes. Last night was training day #2 and the results were the same, but it was a lot harder. Might have something to do with my body being pissed about the way I treated it the night before. [...]
I LOVE PBR. L took me here a while back – and you have no idea how many faux cowboys live in New England until you attend the PBR in Providence, RI.
You should totally add the College National Finals Rodeo – they're in Wyoming now, but I had the chance to see them in Montana a few times when I was a kid. Amazing. I'll be your rodeo buddy any time.
Dude. It was AWESOME.
I'm so jealous you went to this!! I love bull-riding and I've always wanted to see it live instead of late at night on a random ESPN channel. Sounds like you had an awesome time!