The blame, or credit depending on one’s viewpoint, falls squarely on the shoulders of my cousin. Wandering the Las Vegas strip with his mischievous eyes twinkling came the dare, “Sue you should ride the red rooster!”
“I should ride the what?!” This reminded me of our days growing up together on our farm when he would suggest I climb a mile high tree or leap across some un-leapable body of water.
As if decades disappeared in an instant, transported from the Canadian prairies to the Las Vegas farmyard, or possibly circus, I gave him my tough girl look.
“So where is this red rooster?” Actually rather fitting for farm kids to be seeking out the rooster when you think about it.
Where to find a Riding Rooster in Vegas
So it was at Las Vegas’ Chayo Mexican Restaurant that I beheld the great chicken, excuse me, rooster, for the first time. Certainly not as formidable looking as it’s own cousin the mechanical bull, I pondered the situation.
Mechanical bulls have long provided practice for those looking to sharpen their rodeo skills. I can’t say that I see bull riding in my future career plans but still that red rooster in Vegas called out to me.
Mechanical bulls, and roosters for that matter, (one doesn’t want to have any of the livestock feeling left out), are run by a variable speed motor. An operator chooses the intensity of the ride. The operator and I would require a heart to heart discussion prior to any rooster riding.
It is at such times that I always am quick to share the fact that I am in my mid fifties. Creating a motherly, fragile boned image I hoped added a little insurance to safety of the rooster ride. Once convinced of a gentle rooster ramble around the Vegas barnyard we were off.
If you can get through the one minute video below without laughing do let us know. I’m not sure which of the following make me giggle more. My uncoordinated rooster mounting display, the clinging on to red rooster Las Vegas style or Dave giggling through almost the entire thing. It’s classic Sue and Dave that’s for certain.
Now the question is would you ride the rooster?
You guys are such a HOOT and Love Your Sense of ADVENTURE 🙂 I thought you got on the chicken pretty gracefully. Boring Out, FUN IN!!! Thanks so much for sharing. Happy Day – Enjoy
Renee you are VERY kind. I look like i am doing an impression of a seal, or possibly whale, getting on that rooster. At any rate yes I am with you on fun and adventure! who knows if I will ever have an opportunity to ride a mechanical rooster again. Happy day to you as well!
Here I was thinking it was going to be a roller-coaster. But, then, I guess it sort of was. Fun(ny), Sue! Don’t know if I’d try it or not. I’m thinking probably not; I don’t generally like spectacle like that (with me at the center), unless it’s something I’m confident in (which doesn’t include rooster-riding!). 🙂
Leigh there definitely are lots of roller coasters to be had in Vegas. I’ve done a couple in my day. The rooster is far tamer. Yes definitely the center of the restaurant but so many people do it that no one even seems to pay too much attention. Well unless you squeal non stop and your husband laughs uncontrollably. Then possibly a bit more. 🙂
You’ve got some style there riding that rooster! Perhaps your should look into the riding the broncs at the Stampede!
Lynn oh I have quite the style that’s for sure! Although the video doesn’t really pick it up I was squealing and laughing non stop. I’m not sure a prize bull at the Stampede would be so terribly amused with my rooster riding techniques. 🙂
Very impressive, Sue. Glad you weren’t chicken. 🙂
Haha Bun very clever pun there. Well i had to eye up the rooster for some time before making my decision. How can you resist a droopy face like his? 🙂
Nah, I’m afraid I went for the obvious one before anybody else grabbed it. 🙂 It does look like a fun ride, though. I like the shape better than that of a mechanical bull. The long neck gives the rider something to through his or her arms around when clinging on for dear life.
Hilarious, Sue. 😆 Bravo! You are so awesome. Not sure if I would be so brave/daredevil. 😕
Oh Sylvia I think you would have been right behind me! All that spunkiness you have I am certain Dave would have been getting you on video too. The operator really was very sweet and made sure everyone came off the rooster with a smile.
Well of course I wouldn’t want to be outdone, but probably wouldn’t have stayed on that bucking bronco of a rooster as long as you managed to. ?
Oh you might be surprised Sylvia. All that training to hang sideways from poles at the gym I bet you are super strong. 🙂
😆
Just showed hubby and he had a good laugh too. 😀
That makes me grin form ear to ear Sylvia. Makes my day when I can bring a smile, or better yet a laugh, to someone. Even if it requires rooster riding. 😀
?
You go girl! You are the best rooster rider I have ever seen. And the hug at the end is priceless! Not sure I would be as brave but you never know. (Were drinks served before?)
Darlene it may be possible there was a refreshment with dinner. 🙂 Thank you for the kind compliment on my rooster riding skills. Turns out my cousin’s wife, who is quite the horse rider, was incredible at it! The operator really was very kind about the whole thing and kept the rooster at a speed suitable for every lady’s wish.
Wow you did really well there! I hope this was before you ate and not after? (My first thought when you mentioned it was about whether it’s a good idea to have something like that at a restaurant! I don’t think that was there when I lived in Vegas, I’ve never heard of it anyway. I do miss Vegas!
Vanessa I didn’t know you lived in Vegas! Well this event was post dinner, perhaps not the best idea with all of that spinning but I survived. We have been to Vegas quite often and even in this restaurant. I don’t recall the mechanical chicken being there prior but perhaps I gave him the cold shoulder last time. I know one of the restaurants at Planet Hollywood has a mechanical bull. I think I will stick with the friendly rooster.
I may have only mentioned that I had lived in the states for a few years, but perhaps I didn’t actually say Vegas. My daughter was born there, so her birth certificate says Las Vegas which is pretty cool right? Vegas is where I started acting. I was there ’97 to 2001, so a while ago now!
I think that would be very cool to be born in Vegas. I’m not sure if you have been back but it has certainly changed over the years. Mechanical roosters being a prime example. 🙂
So this is your secret training method for Calgary Stampede rodeo bull riding? I notice your rooster was quite friendly bending over for a hug or was it a peck on the cheek? Charmed another one.
Yes I think I shall be ready for the bull riding at the Stampede after that! Did you notice I fell off when the rooster was hardly moving. He wore me out that Mr Cockadoodledoo. I thought the operator had a very good sense of humour to have Mr Rooster come to give me a peck. What a laugh it all was. 🙂
Fantastic! I am so impressed. Plus, I think that rooster has a thing for you 😉
Haha well I happen to be a magnet for the over 80 male crowd and now mechanical roosters. I will say I have not laughed so hard in a long time. 😀
You’re so right — I couldn’t get through the video without giggling! Such a hoot! You must have made him worry, though, cause he came back to check on you! 😆
Linda I am so happy to hear you had a good laugh. I can not watch it without cracking up at myself. Oh yes Mr Rooster bending down to see if I am intact. Hilarious!
hey Sue ,the things your cousin gets you into, he must be a real fun to hang with
That cousin of mine is incredibly fun to hang out with. Wait till I tell the story of the ATV mountain climbing. 🙂
hilarious! 🙂 🙂
Delighted you had a good laugh Lola!
You are so darn funny! And brave… I’d be worried about my back, my wrists and my neck (not so much my butt, since that is padded enough :-)) and I am “only” 40! And, how about getting sick on that thing??? While I would like to try it, I think I would pass, just like I do on some amusement park rides. Not because I am scared, but because I WILL puke afterwards, or during…
Liesbet
Liesbet I have terrible motion sickness so it definitely crossed my mind. I decided I would fall off if nausea came into play. I watched others do it for quite a while before deciding. When I have seen mechanical bulls I would never get on them but the operator had Mr Rooster giving pretty tame rides. Definitely makes for a good laugh. 😀
Sue, you are a good sports, even a dare devil I would say! Bravo!
Yes I think you have me pegged. I’ve never been really good at any one sport but I do love to try new things. 🙂
😀 I’d love to if I didn’t have a messed up back. Not unlike some buses I’ve been on during the last year though.
I hear you Ted. (Dave here). The first thing I thought of when I saw the rooster in action was my back :). The operator mentioned that he was a bit tougher on the men, so I relegated myself to videoing Sue… much easier on the back 🙂
I rode a mechanical bull in college a good 36 years ago, back when Urban Cowboy came out. Like a fool, I stayed on for 30 seconds and really messed up my lower index knuckle on my left hand by repeatedly slamming it hard into the front part of the steel handle. But…I stayed on, Sue! My knuckle reminds me still to this day. 🙂
Oh I admire your perseverance! I am afraid I stayed on the rooster as long as I did only through the kindness of the young operator. I too have some physical reminders of events in life. As we ‘mature’ we become walking history books of adventures experienced. 🙂
That we do! 🙂
It would be a shame if those books weren’t full of stories. 🙂
You da man, woman! It would have been cool if you’d have had a cowboy hat…no wait…a pair of jean bib-coveralls to wear while riding. I never tried bull riding back in the day, but I think I would go for the rooster if someone was there to laugh. You’re in Vegas now? Don’t you guys ever stay in one place? Or slow down. Or stop? What do you guys eat for breakfast…benzadrine flakes?
Badfish we were in Vegas two weeks ago. Currently in Toronto. You will be relieved to know we shall be staying closer to home for the next few months as a grandbaby is appearing on scene. No Benzadrine flakes just the knowledge that life only gives you so many days. 🙂
Yeah, and you might as well enjoy those days, and especially while you’re young and fit and able…I concur
Young and fit and able…I remember those days. 🙂
Riding Rooster in Vegas, how fun and funny! Looks like Dave had a great time. 🙂
Hi Amy. Yes, I had a great time… safely behind the video camera while Sue was getting thrown about. A little embarrassed by all my giggling, but I couldn’t help it. Dave
Thank you so much for sharing your new adventure, Dave! What a fun ride. 🙂
There you go, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas..but not the case this time 😀 What a fun thing to do! I will keep this in mind when visiting Las Vegas 😉
It was such fun Indah. Always good to laugh and especially to be able to laugh at oneself. there is so much to do in Vegas but this may be one of new new top suggestions.
CLASSIC. And I couldn’t NOT laugh. Would I do it? For a certain (not small) fee…. ;-0
Always delighted to hear someone is laughing besides us! A fee you say. Would you settle for a refreshment? 🙂
Hilarious! Would I do it? You betcha!
Susan A Eames
Excellent Susan! I’m always happy to find someone else ready to jump at an adventure. May a mechanical rooster be in your future. 🙂
Sign me up…I’d do it in a heart beat!!
Great to hear Kirt. You know I shall expect video coverage of the rooster encounter!
Oh, I loved it. You two provide so much entertainment. I love your child at heart natures. You are such a good sport Sue and Dave you’re a very trusty and loyal sidekick hiding and giggling in the wings, out of the spotlight. ? I didn’t know you could ask to have the speed adjusted. That could be something to consider, though I’ve not seen a rooster here, only bucking Broncos. I imagine Dave did have a go though, didn’t you Dave? Who could miss out on that fun?????. Another thumbs for for fun and interesting content and a neat video.
Shannyn we love your comment. So much fun as though sitting with you right here. Yes Dave is indeed hiding out in the background. The operator of the rooster was very clear that he would not be taking it easy on any guys who should take a ride on the rooster. We too have seen quite a few mechanical bulls in our day but never one of the poultry variety! Thanks ever so much for your ongoing encouragement and support as we try new ways of storytelling. It means a lot to us.
??? Keep those stories coming.
Thanks for the encouragement Shannyn. We will! 🙂
You are such a nut! Giggling as I type, and smiling broadly, I applaud your sense of adventure and your fearless nature, dear Sue. Thanks so much to Dave, too, for recording this cheerful clip.
I shall take it as a great compliment. Always happy to give most things a try and beyond delighted to bring smiles to others. So much of life can be so serious. I laughed hysterically through the whole thing. Dave passes on his thanks for your comment too. As you can tell he quite enjoyed the filming tremendously. 🙂
I tried a mechanical bull once in Phoenix, Arizona. Not as easy as it looks even on minimum speed. I don’t think I would tackle the rooster!
Good for you Andrew! I think this operator was very easy on this mature girl.:)
I remember a lot of time on the floor!
Andrew I hope there were some refreshments to ease the pain. 🙂
haha… that was a quick but nice ride,…worth it…. Love the video, my friend … just joined you guys on Youtube…
Much love for a great weekend. Aquileana ?
Oh Aquileana I think you are our second subscriber! Thank you so much for joining us. This is a new area we are just trying. Are you on YouTube? We would love to follow you too!
Sue, I think you did an amazing job!! I’d say you successfully wrangled that rooster. Two thumbs up! 🙂
Joanne perhaps I need a t-shirt that says Rooster Wrangler. It was such a good laugh. Oh the things that you find in Vegas. 🙂
hahaha! You may have to graduate to the big boy itself 😉
Oh let’s not get too wild and crazy. 🙂
hehe good that you were able to hold on for this long 🙂
Joshi glad you had a chuckle. Yes I’m happy I didn’t just get on and fall right off. 🙂
A very elegant rooster riding and even more elegant landing. Vegas is a fun city.
Gilda that made me chuckle. Yes elegant is quite the way to describe it! We agree so many fun things to do in Las Vegas.
wow! That’s hilarious! 😀
Delighted you had a good laugh. Dave and I laughed uncontrollably. We still chuckle watching the video. 🙂
Giggles, there are many things you do and I think ‘I could try that’ but not this!
Hey, I thought you did a great job – you even fell off gracefully. Well, as graceful as one can fall off a mechanical rooster. One more thing to cross off that bucket list! haha!
And Sue I didn’t even know it was on the bucket list! 🙂
I’m giggling helplessly! You had a fabulous ride – you were a picture of confidence and panache! What a hoot! I’d definitely try riding the rooster, but I’d probably slip the operator a wee tip to ensure a smooth ride with a soft landing. 😉
Oh it is a humbling thing riding the rooster. Of course I am thrilled that you are laughing. One would hate to look like a fool for no good reason. I had not thought about a tip for insurance purposes. Next time. 🙂
Looks like no one told you about red rooster riding etiquette. Bikinis are a must, a shot or three of your liquor of choice- though in a mexican restaurant one should always choose tequila- should be consumed prior to mounting, and another at the conclusion of having everyone laughing at you! Maybe next time!
Oh Emilio it would take a bottle of tequila to get me in a bikini while riding a mechanical rooster I’m afraid. Thank fully I didn’t know those rules. 🙂
You are my idol Sue, love your zest for life and that you will literally do anything. 🙂 If I could ride that rooster, I would, I totally would. 🙂
I am reaching right through my screen and giving you a big hug! You have made my day Anna. Well why not ride the rooster I say? Once I was assured the operator would be gentle it just looked like a load of fun. I’m all about inspiring others to get out there and live. For those like me well into the second half of the game of life, best not pass up any opportunities. Even if that means hanging on for dear life to a bucking chicken. 🙂
Sue, you looked very confident at the start there. But you rode that rooster with such gusto and you didn’t even wobble until the very end. Didn’t even look like the rooster was taking you for a ride even. Very impressive and you certainly have some skills there 🙂 Also very glad that you landed softly at the end 😀
Mabel the video doesn’t reflect it but I actually felt like i was falling off from beginning to end! Lots of fun and happy for the soft landing. I haven’t laughed so hard in a very long time. 🙂
I have been to Vegas three times in my life and in those days there was no red rooster or I never came across one. Back then I would have had a go, not so much now unless there was money involved Sue.
Well now that could be a whole new kind of gambling! So much money per second you stay on the rooster. My guess is the operator would increase the action in a hurry. 🙂
In answer to your question – absolutely no. I would pay money NOT to ride that thing!
Lyn thankfully the ride is free. Not for everyone but I have to say I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time. 🙂