Adventure Log

This morning Eric and I traveled to “Frontier Days” for my behind the scenes look at the world’s largest rodeo.  To gain admission into restricted areas I was required to be dressed as a cowboy.  The photo above was taken as we walked through downtown Cheyenne.  Obviously, I’m the one on the right.

Clothes from Old Navy are not welcome here.

This is the chutes where bulls and bucking broncs are held while the cowboy climbs on.  The gate swings open and the fun begins.  I didn’t entirely understand the signs, as it seems to me the real danger is in the chute.  Maybe something like “No sitting on angry bulls” would be more accurate.

Looking down into the chute.

Two cowboys enjoy lemonade while a third uses the horse as a hand rest.

My friend Andrea flew into town for the rodeo.  She is on the left, our host Eric on the right.

We were escorted through areas the general public rarely sees.

The office where contestants check their standings.

The window where winners collect the pay-out.

Didn’t see too much in the way of injury - safety equipment is used by those entering the most dangerous contests.

We had good seats for the pre-rodeo entertainment.  Once the show was under way, Eric surprised us by taking us to the railing where we had an unbeatable vantage point.  The men standing in the arena are the judges.

A contestant removes his glove after riding a bronc.

We were close to the action - it was a fantastic way to enjoy a rodeo!

Thanks to Eric at Y-95 Country, KCGY in Laramie.  We had a great time.

Thomas and Laurel work at Corral West.  It’s a “Western and Work Wear” store in Laramie.  Why was Alan in a western wear store?  Well…it’s a bit of a long story, but here goes.  Roaming around the radio landscape I’ve met some interesting and generous people.  A member of the KCGY staff has offered to take me behind the scenes of the worlds largest rodeo, “Frontier Days”.  The offer has one catch:  I have to look like a cowboy.  Not a fake or a wannabe, I’ve got to look like the real thing.  Laurel was selected to provide me with authentic clothing, and the dance began.  I like comfy, roomy jeans.  I stepped out of the dressing room, she shook her head no. 

“We need to go about two sizes smaller.”

I resisted the move toward restrictive clothing, she responded quickly:

“These make you look like you have a saggy a**.”

Let it suffice to say that we found jeans that were flattering to my assets and were reasonably comfortable.  Shirts, boots, a belt, and a hat were selected to round out the picture.  That’s the point of looking authentic.  Behind the scenes there will be photographers and video crews capturing the rodeo happenings.  If we walk through a shot, we have to look like we belong.  So — watch for me on the rodeo channel.

 More about Frontier Days:  www.cfdrodeo.com

Today was the final day of Jubilee Days in Laramie.  With the theme “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” the stands and the arena were filled with pink in honor of breast cancer awareness.  It was a full afternoon of rodeo, showcasing some amazing talent.

KOWB was a proud sponsor, it’s one of the radio stations I’ve been working with while in town.

Dodge is also a sponsor of Jubilee Days.  They have chaps, shirts, and a wide array of promotional materials.  I’ve suggested that KOWB take a larger sponsorship role next year.  I’ve volunteered to wear the news/talk chaps.