This just in... the video from my bull ride in Webster City last Friday night.  I'm continually amazed at the use of technology from US Rodeo Supply.  Thanks Matt, Nathan, Larry, Clint Dickes and Smith & Company Bulls for making this one of my top two experiences of all time... and you just may have created a monster.  I just have to consult the coach one more time.  Check out the video here. You'll see Rocky deciding he doesn't really care for Young Professionals strapping themselves to his back.  Here's the Link on You Tube.

After the event, we enjoyed some great conversation and FREE burgers, chips, potato salad and pop from US Rodeo Supply. 

This was all in preparation of our Saturday morning fishing outing at the Steen Pond just south of Des Moines.  In attendance and getting burnt to a crisp were Brett Trout, Nathan Owen, Matt Owen and me.  We laughed, swapt stories, caught fish, smoked cigars and had some brews.  The pond almost claimed another casualty too.  Matt just about took a spill into the drink... Would've topped off the weekend!  And just when you'd think... You can't beat that...

THIS was all in preparation of Brett taking me to Wells Fargo Arena and watching his coach Chuck Grigsby, dominate his opponent in an MMA bout.  Another new experience for me... it was exciting and pretty cool learning how much techinique is actually involved.  I can't wait to watch Brett hop into the octagon.

Fun? Absolutely.  The State of Iowa is full of opportunity... it just happens to be both professional and recreational.

I'm a cowboy.  But only verified because Nathan Owen says I don't know how to give directions.

Anyway...

Let me tell you a little about Friday night in Webster City... it was indescribable.  My performance was a little sub-par.  1 maybe 1.2 seconds on Rocky and I decided to walk thru the outgate... bad move.  Either way, my legs are killing me and I think I pulled a muscle in my left forearm.  We should have some good video of the entire event.  You may even see a shot of a young version of Mark True riding a sheep.  I'll link to it as soon as it's complete.  (And if anyone asks why I went thru the outgate... it's because I wanted to take Rocky on face to face.  None of this sitting on his back stuff.)

Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the night:

Matt Owen - "Just remember.  If you get in trouble there will be 45 guys rushing out there to help you... and they'll all be carrying switch blades."

Nate Grossman - "Hey, if you live in West Des Moines, we can split gas money to the next rodeo."

Nathan Owen (at about 1:30AM after the rodeo) - "It's decision time... and if you decide to quit riding... just remember, you got on a rodeo bull and nobody can take that away from you."

Many thanks to my family and friends that showed up.

Special thanks to Matt Owen, Nathan Owen and Clint Dickes.   

Alright... check out the US Rodeo Supply Blog for a peek at my first couple bull rides!

I'm headin to Webster City!!!

If I had a "buck" for every time I've heard that question, I wouldn't need to get so angry when I see my cable bill every month.  After all, I only watch 5 channels.  One of course is OLN when they have bull riding on.

Here is my final answer to: "Adam, why are you doing this?"

1. US Rodeo Supply Co - it's no secret... these guys rock and they define what it takes to be tough and tough on many levels.  I want a small taste of what they do everyday.
2. Clint Dickes - he's on the verge of becoming the type of promoter that will command serious attention.  Just wait until you see him fight a bull.
3. Rodeo in Rural Iowa - I believe that a concentrated effort to support rodeo activities in rural Iowa and Iowa in general will spur economic development.
4. Mike Sansone - My good friend went down... I'm going down... but we'll both get back up and be better for it.  (I'm still praying for us both Mike!)
5. The Thrill - I miss competition on the field.  It just isn't the same as business!

Gotta make it 8.

I'm almost "speechless" for once.  I'm not going to lie.  The anticipation as you walk up to the chute and prepare yourself to be strapped onto a steer, bull, cow or whatever you want to call it... is INTENSE.  And that's not even the best part...  I can't even describe the feeling when you shake your head and the gate gets pulled open.  Okay, I know they weren't PBR, PRCA, or NABA caliber tonight, but what a rush nonetheless! (I'll link to some pics & a video of my first, second and third ride on a steer when I can) And don't bother making popcorn... the videos aren't very long.

For now, I'm already sore and looking forward to my shot at Rocky.

I can't wait until Friday night. 

As many people know, our firm has enjoyed working with the guys at US Rodeo Supply.  We've known each other for close to a year, if not longer.  Well... roughly around the time we were coming back from a trip to Denver I said, "I'm getting on a bull. One of these days, I'm getting on a bull."

The original thought was to just have me ride in a practice pen in Truro, IA.  Now, because of a conversation with bull fighter Clint Dickes at a BBQ on Memorial Day, I'm riding this Friday the 29th in Webster City, IA ... in an actual event.

Tonight was the first of a couple practice days before Friday.  The first test... see if you can ride a horse bareback with no hands.  I've got a great coach in Nathan Owen, but he's no longer my friend because tonight he thought it would be important to make the horse run.  Needless to say, I launched off the horse and landed in a pile of dirt mixed with other stuff.  His quote verbatim... "You know what they say, if you get knocked off you have to get right back on."  Ha ha Nate.  And over the years, I've learned to listen to my coaches, so I got back on.  I'm sure that horse won't compare to the rush I'll get for my second test... bucking on a steer this Wednesday night.

I'll keep you posted as the lessons go on.  AND if you're interested... we'd love to have everyone come up with us.  Cheer for rocky if you want!  And definitely cheer for Nate, he'll be competing for money.  The event starts at 7 PM.  We'll set up a place to meet to carpool and make a roadtrip out of it.

And Rush... I hope to see you there!