Nate vs. The mechanical bull

i have always wondered how hard bullriding could be. I know on a practical basis that if the gold standard is 8 seconds that it has to be pretty difficult. but i can't imagine that it could be that hard to hold on (with one hand) to an animal.

let me say now that i have learned a lesson.

i finally found a mechanical bull to ride, apparently the ones in bars are only for girls in tube tops and skirts (who knew). but there were two bulls, one for kids and one for adults. i saw 2 kids go before me and thought, just kick it up to full and let me ride until i get tired. i got on and wrapped my gloved hand around the rope handle, and assumed the position.

it started up slowly enough, back and forth, and a little spinning. after a minute of that it got harder. i was struggling to manage the bucks and was holding my own until the guy operating it threw in a spin that rolled me off the back and landed on my head. it will be sore in the morning. my inner thigh muscles and right arm are already feeling the effects.

it was a lot of fun. i want to have an afternoon with one of those things to practice. that would be awesome. but for now i can cross off "ride mechanical bull" from my bucket list. hope you had a great saturday too.