By DARLENE SWIGER
The Weston News
JANE LEW, W.Va. — The 11th annual Spiker Farm Bull Ride will be held Friday and Saturday in Jane Lew. The event is sanctioned by SEBRA, the Southern Extreme Bull Riding Association.
(Submitted photo)
“Any money and points earned by the cowboys go toward putting them in the National Finals in Murfreesboro, Tennessee in January with $25,000 added,” coordinator Lisa Spiker said. “My husband John Bob Spiker is a bull rider, which is how all this got started.”
Each night is a separate event. There will be 24 bull riders competing in the Long Round each night and the top eight bull riders will ride a second bull to determine the winner, she said.
Vendors, including two 4-H clubs, Jaws BBQ, roasted sweet corn and Dippin’ Dots, will be on hand with refreshments.
Funny Man Brett Carpenter will be entertaining guests.
“There also will be a mechanical bull for those who want to try their skill at bull riding,” Spiker said. “We have received positive feedback from the community each year for the event. I estimate 2,500-2,800 people attend annually,” Spiker said.
Buckin B Cattle Company, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, and Matt Dejohn produces the show.
“We put together all the production end of it,” said Matt Dejohn. “Our job is to make sure they get a good show. We bring bulls from the surrounding states for the competition. They’re not just regular bulls. They are specially trained and bred to be rodeo bulls. There are good and bad ones and it’s the luck of the draw on which bull each rider gets.”
Dejohn has been producing bull rides since 2000. He rode bulls for five years before that.
Dejohn said there are several events each year such as the Spiker’s ride.
“Each one is important to the riders for an opportunity to get to the finals, which is usually about a $40,000 purse,” he said.
Gate price is $15 for adults, $10 for children and ages 5 and under are free. There is no charge for parking.
It will be hillside seating, so bring lawn chairs or blankets. No coolers are allowed. It is a non-alcoholic event and no pets please.
From Interstate 79 take the Jane Lew exit and turn toward Jane Lew. At the T intersection, go right onto U.S. 19. Make an immediate left onto Broad Run Road. Go .4 miles and make a left in the sharp turn onto Sycamore Lick Road. Go 2 miles and it will be located on the right. Signs will be posted.
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