The day started out innocently enough --- it was my first day back in the office after the new year. I rode up the escalator in Penn Station with some cowboys and beefy security guards. I should have know something was up but I was in a need-my-coffee haze.
Two things I noticed. How big the security guards were, and how compact the cowboys were. And then I walked out onto the corner of 33rd and 8th - to find bulls, cowboys, an arena and dirt. Oh, and t-shirts being tossed. Ones that said "Real Men Last 8 Seconds".
That's right. The bulls invaded New York City. Later that day I made at least 7 of my colleagues take the walk back to the corner to see the bull riding happen on one of the busiest corners in New York. And it was on the coldest day of the year as well - one in which scarves, mittens, gloves and coats didn't help at all. But we did it - braved the cold to watch a little bull riding and take a break from the office - really do something different for lunch.
Caught up in the excitement I bought two tickets to the finals - having found out from one of the PBR tour staffers that the best place to sit is close to the chutes. The boy and I took the train in and got ready for the day. What 6-year old doesn't like noise, danger, dirt, $8 cotton candy and $20 t-shirts? Mine was first in line.
Vince Northrup broke 3 ribs (right 2,3,4), partially collapsed his right lung, broke a tooth, and lacerated his chin when he was stepped on after being thrown off by his Championship Round bull, Party Time. He was transported to Albany Medical Center where he was evaluated, treated, and released. He is out for 4-8 weeks.Bull: Party Time -- example of injury report, showing there is real danger in this sport
His favorite bull? Cheeseburger with an Attitude (really known as Smiley) and Super Duty - the Ford Tough bull (the PBR might be the most masterfully branded event ever). Stop grimacing. He doesn't get the irony of the bull named Cheeseburger - he thinks the reason the crowd laughed is because cheeseburgers don't have attitudes.
This little outing has led to him becoming a fan of Versus - the cable network formerly known as something like the Outdoor Living Network. Now - it's all person vs. nature. So while he may cry at the sport fishing, and was upset at the salmon gasping, he is cheering madly for his favorite bulls. Not that we let him stay up till they broadcast at 9:30 - but isn't that what that dvr thing is for?
He's enjoying himself and can't wait till next year - when he replays the opening of the event - complete with fake echo. Welcome to the P (ppppp, flash bang fireworks,) B (bbbbb, flash bang fireworks), R (rrrrr flash bang fireworks). Built Ford Tough. I should mention that the letters are spelled out on the dirt in the arena floor, and as the announcer says P - the P flashes and lights up in flames until...finally, blessedly, ending the lights portion of the show when the last letter burns out.
He is sleeping in the t-shirt I caught during the event - one that has a picture of Super Duty on it. And an http://invasionofthebulls.com/ address. It's bookmarked in his favorites, right along with pbskidsgo.org and panwapa.com.
1 comment:
Now you know why they set up a ring in Manhatten -- so people like you would buy tickets. You are a pretty cool mom. You might have been upgraded from a drawing of an airplane.
Post a Comment