No bull: Mechanical bull riding championships come to Haugan

In 1980, the hit movie "Urban Cowboy" made mechanical bull riding popular.  

On Aug. 24, 2019 Mechanical Bull Riders LLC gave it a purpose with the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship at the Harvester Restaurant-Lounge in Spangle, Wash., just south of Spokane. This became the beginning of their One-Hand 30-Second Endurance Riding Event that launched the Mechanical Bull Rider World Championship which is being held in Haugan at the $50,000 Bar on Saturday, Aug. 24. 

After many events and much research, they concluded that gender did not determine riding ability or the aptitude to perform at a high level of endurance. To date, women have won three of five Mechanical Bull Rider World Championships. 

If the bull riders’ free arm or hand comes in contact with them or the bull or body contact with the mat is made, the ride ends. If you are 18 or older and have a hundred bucks for the entry fee, you can compete for a cash purse awarded that day consisting of entry fees along with cash donations from local businesses and individuals. The more participants the bigger the purse. There is a dress code and weight/height limit that can be found at www.mbrwc.com where you register.

 You’ll also discover on their site that there is going to be a Hay Bale Calf Roping Challenge that is open to all ages which will take place before the bull riding. Contestants will get 15 rope throws at 10 feet and another 15 at 12 feet with the best score taking the bragging rights.

“Our events have been held in concert and festival settings, as a standalone event, in saloons and restaurant venues, and at fairs,” explained George Chicha, CEO Mechanical Bull Riders-American Sports Championships. 

He also shared that people have so much fun with these events that they follow him around to participate again and again. The last three events were held in Tacoma, Wash., Murtaugh, Idaho and Pendleton, Ore.

 “George (Chicha) knew about us and came in one day asking if we’d consider being a venue,” said Brogan Keenen, manager of the $50,000 Bar. “I said it would be a great place to have it because you’re in the right community with the right kind of people who enjoy doing those kinds of things.” 

She has re-graveled the area behind their facility where the events will take place. She has had some banners made, assisted with the planning, worked with the vendors and is planning a special menu for the restaurant to match the theme. 

“We’re going to supply a truck with tap beer and park it close to the area and we’ve made sure we have enough staff to cover all areas. Plus, we’ve done advertising for the event and so has George,” Keenen said. 

The vendors are not only from the west end but from all parts of Montana so there will be a nice variety of merchandise.

“Anybody over 18 can participate. You can be 60 years old and hop on that son-of-a-gun and go for a ride if you want to,” Keenen laughed and said that she thinks that she’ll partake in the riding festivities. “And anyone under 18 can participate in the roping so this is a big family friendly event.” 

People can just attend and watch it at no cost and stroll through the vendors.

    Hay Bale Calf Roping is open to all ages giving contestants 15 throws at 10 feet and 15 throws at 12 feet. (Photo provided)
  

    Contestants compete for cash and other prizes at the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship. (Photo provided)