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January 25, 2008 - 3:36AM
Rawhide’s bull riding competition hangs tough
Martin Cizmar, Tribune
The regular Friday-night crowd at Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass is huddled around a campfire.
VIDEO: Check out video from Rawhide’s Friday night bull riding
Soon, some of the guys will be trying to stay atop an angry 2,000-pound bull; the others will watch. But right now, they’re all just trying to warm themselves near burning mesquite.
Rawhide’s bull riding competition draws as many locals as tourists to the faux Old West town, says Rob Jensen, director of entertainment.
“We get a lot of people who come out every week for it,” he says.
Harley Paiva, 13, of Anthem is a regular, but doesn’t ride here. His mom won’t let him compete with the big boys yet. But he likes to be around riding, so he helps work the gates that guide the bulls in and out of the ring. He wears a Confederate flag belt buckle, even though he’s from New Jersey.
“This is where I belong, at rodeos,” he said. Bull riding is like any extreme sport, he says — you do it for the rush.
“I’m all nerves until I get in the chute, then I’m fine,” he said. “It’s a real rush when you’re riding.”
After 10 years in the chutes, 31-year-old Tracy Watson of Phoenix is hooked on the adrenaline. An electrician by day, he’s hoping for a career breakthrough that would let him join up with one of the pro rodeo tours that have found TV exposure in recent years.
In the meantime, he’s just trying to stay on the bull for eight seconds and avoid injuries.
“It’s going to happen, you’re going to get hurt,” he said. “It’s just a matter of when and how bad.”
Mary Tomczyk of Phoenix knows that all too well. Her son, Jayme, 33, has suffered plenty of bumps, bruises and breaks in the 15 years he’s been riding.
“When he was 17 he saw them riding bulls and he wanted me to sign him up,” she said. “I said 'You’re crazy, I’m not going to get you killed.’ ” So Jayme waited until he could sign himself up. Tomczyk watches him almost every time he rides.
“I know he knows what he’s doing now, so I don’t worry as much,” she said. “It’s fun to watch.”
If you go
What: Friday night bull riding
When: 7:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Friday
Where: Rawhide at Wild Horse Pass, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Gila River Indian Community
Cost: $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are free. Tickets are good for both shows.
Information: rawhide.com or (480) 502-5600
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