Coast Mountain News Thursday, July 5, 2012
$1.00 + HST Vol. 28 | No. 14 Thursday, July 5, 2012 2
Serving the Bella Coola a Valle V Valley alleey ey and the Chilcotin
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Pee Wee Goat Tail Tying. VRR Rodeo Buckle winngers on page 8.
Valley Ridge Riders Rodeo Queen 2012, Brody Tuck, in the Ladies Barrel Racing event. See more photos on page 3.
Rodeo weekend celebrates Canada Day TAMARA HYND Last weekend’s 27th Annual BCRA Bella Coola Rodeo, hosted by the Valley Ridge Riders, was a great way to celebrate Canada’s 145th birthday. Four days of serious competition still left room for plenty of personal touches such as pink spurs, rhinestones, sequins and exquisite detail on cowboy shirts, chaps, saddles, hats and boots. VRR Rodeo Queen Brody
Tuck presented Erik Granander his belt buckle for winning the Businessman’s Cow Ride. He was the only cowboy who managed to ride for a full eight seconds. “My Dad taught me everything I know about Cow Riding,” shared Eric. When first timer Geoff Gericke was asked what possessed him to enter the Businessman’s Cow Riding event, he said, “It was a life long dream to be a cowboy. I was nervous but the guys sur-
rounding the bullpen were helpful. They pumped me up for the ride before the gate opened.” And how did he feel afterwards? “I wanted to do it again right away,” beamed Geoff. An amazing rodeo weekend it was too. On Saturday, the sun came out to warm watchers in the newly constructed bleachers. Heaps of hamburgers were grilled, corn on the cob sold out and ice cream sandwiches were devoured before they
could melt. Tensions were high during the Bull Riding events. On Sunday, one bull would not settle down in the pen to the point the cowboy had to choose another bull to ride. The music raised the anticipation and as the gate doors swung open, the weight and power of the bulls forced everyones attention. It takes a lot of blood, sweat and courage to be a cowboy. The competition was high in the Ladies Barrel racing.
Very skilled riders aggressively made the turns and at times appeared to be flying. The Juniors and Peewees seemed to launch themselves right off their horses as the clock ticked away the time it took for them to finish by tying fluorescent pink ribbon on the goats tails. Many thanks go to the contestants, sponsors, organizers and volunteers who made the Gymkhana, Rodeo, and the impromptu Steer-a-rama and Barrels a success.