Colorado Springs, CO – July 14, 2012
Since we were in Colorado Springs during the annual Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, we decided to see a performance. That rodeo is a yearly tradition in Colorado Springs. Begun in 1937 by Spencer Penrose, the rodeo is now in its 75th year. I remember seeing the rodeo several times while I was a child. At that time, the rodeo venue was still held in the Spencer Penrose Stadium by the world-famous Broadmoor Hotel. These days it is held in the much newer Norris Penrose Events Center.
When we arrived, the first thing that caught Hillary’s and Tyler’s attention was the mechanical bull. At only US$5, they both decided they had to give it a try. The “bull” was too much for both of them. Using the accompanying photos, the reader can judge who had the best form and ride. It seems to me that a bull rider is to use just one hand, placing the other hand above their head, and riding a raging bull for a mere eight seconds. Our children are not bull riders! Neither of them stayed on for eight seconds; it was more like two or three seconds. They wanted me to ride. I did not succumb to their taunts; thereby ensuring I did not break anything.
The area around the event center was very festive. There were numerous vendors and food booths scattered about the venue. We even came across some ornery hombres. One of them was ready to draw his pistol at the mere sight of me.
Once we found our seats in the arena, we began to review the rodeo program we received as we entered. Tyler immediately noticed there was a team roper from Grand Junction, Colorado, Travis Bounds. He also saw that two bull riders were from Fruita, Colorado. We took the opportunity to call Leslie’s dad. He knew Travis, but he did not know either of the other two.
We thought the rodeo was well done and fast-paced. Even though the seating was a little tight, we all enjoyed the event.
After the rodeo, we drove home via a quick stop at the Taco Bell drive-thru window!
The Wrangler flag rides by during the opening ceremony for the rodeo.
