Mechanical bull tests riders at Y-S fair

Would-be bull riders who don't have a chance to test their mettle on a real four-legged bull can instead take a ride on a safer, though still unpredictable, version of the rodeo challenge.

"It takes a particular type to ride the bull," says Nick Plew of the American Bull-Riding Co., which operates the mechanical bull at the Yuba-Sutter Fair.

Plew is searching for that type at the Yuba-Sutter Fair this year.

"It takes grit and ego," Plew said. "It's a special type of person who's willing to go up against a machine. You can't beat a machine. Usually it's guys with egos, but sometimes it's a new person who just wants to give it a try."

One of those giving the mechanical bull a try is Tate Crooks, a seasoned young rodeo-goer. His father, William Crooks, said, "Tate's here at the fair to mutton bust."

William Crooks has participated in rodeos and has ridden the mechanical bull.

"It's exciting," he says. "Fun."

Tate Crooks tipped his hat as his family snapped photographs.

"Eight seconds, buddy," they told him. He was all smiles when he got off the bull.

"When people get on," Plew said, "especially kids, I don't want to buck 'em to Mars. I want to give 'em a fun ride."

Of course, people still get bucked off.

Ashten Welch, 16, watched her friend Cole Hannum, 15, take his turn on the bull.

"It was pretty funny," she said. "Especially when he fell down."

Courtney Haight, 17, of Yuba City also rode the bull.

"I've done this at least 10 times at the Colusa Fair," she said. "I love riding. And the mechanical bull is much safer than the real thing. My mom will let me ride this one."

Her boyfriend, Greg Dollins, 18, of Yuba City was a first-timer on the mechanical bull.

"It's certainly different than anything else I've ever experienced," he said. Nodding to Courtney, he added, "She stayed on longer. She beat me."

Plew has seen a lot working with his father's company.

"Sometimes the bull is like the Wild West," he says. "You never know what's going to happen."