Our roving retirement has taken us back to Scottsdale Arizona for about a month. Last year we spent more than 3 months in Scottsdale. This year we wanted to do some of the things that weren’t possible last year because of Covid and my limited mobility. One thing on our list from last year was going to the cowboy bars and kitschy stores that abound in Cave Creek Arizona, a desert enclave just 20 minutes north of tony Scottsdale. After learning about bull riding nights at a local saloon, I was excited to be able to see what the fuss is all about now that things have opened up.
Cave Creek – Then and Now
What a difference a year makes. During our 3+ month-long stay in the Valley of The Sun last summer, we managed to visit the town of Cave Creek only once. Back then, just about everywhere was closed due to Covid. The only real attractions were the sculpture and funky stores all around.
Still, it was easy to see this was a place to come back when things opened up. It was like the entire town should have a door saying “Well the house is a Rockin, don’t bother Knockin”. I miss ya, Stevie.
In particular, last year I noticed a honky-tonk called the Buffalo Chip Saloon. Even though the place was closed up, I could tell I wanted to return. I could see they had an outdoor bull ring that hosted events weekly. As soon as we got into Scottsdale this year, knowing the governor had rescinded all restrictions, I asked what was going on in Cave Creek. Much to my glee, I was told the house had started rockin’ again. I quickly secured some $10 bleacher seats to a Friday night Bull Riding session.
Cold Beer On A Friday Night
We rolled into town about 6:30 pm. The parking lot was already packed and I had to find a spot a fair bit away. After the obligatory ID check, we settled into a table and ordered some drinks and grub. The food here is classic smokehouse fare, e.g. brisket, pulled pork, and burnt ends by the pound. Don’t forget the fried honey biscuits! The drinks were also cheap, fast, and good.
We happened to have a good view of the mechanical bull, which provided some laughs as folks tried their hand at hanging on for a few spins. Add in some cold drinks, honky tonk music and a lot of eye candy, and we were off to a great start.
Bull Riding
The marquee activity for the night was the bull riding, of course. Happily, we headed into the bleachers just before the crowd started to arrive, so we got a great view. Still, the ring is pretty small, so there really isn’t a bad seat in the house.
Over the course of the session, there were about 20 rides over about 40 minutes. The first guys were pretty inexperienced, at least a few seemed to be bar guests. I guess all you gotta do is sign a waiver, put on a helmet and what looked like a flack vest.
As time went on, the better riders came through, but only one was able to hang on the requisite 8 seconds for the horn. One guy tore his pants when the bull he just fell off of stepped on his butt. Just a reminder that it’s all fun and games until someone loses a pair of jeans.
Cowboy Up!
I always enjoy local events like this. Coming off the heels of the last, Covid-hobbled year, it was fantastic to experience a Friday night like you know it can be. I will make it a point to get back whenever I can because I know I won’t need to bother knockin’!
What’s your favorite watering hole?
3 comments
This sounds like lots of fun.
Hey Mike and Diana,
My friend Ginny lives in Cave Creek, and I’m familiar with the some of these places. I’m going to have to razz her, though, for not taking me to ride the mechanical bull, although I did that years ago in–of all places–midtown Manhattan. Happy travels!
Cowgirl up!