Morning slack: Not quite as relaxed as it sounds

It’s mostly quiet, with country music playing softly in the background and maybe 200 family and friends scattered around the Norris-Penrose Event Center, chatting away.

This is not the exciting image most fans have of the Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo, which opened its 70^th annual run Wednesday morning with its slack performance.

There’s no announcer exhorting a crowd of a few thousand to cheer on the competitors, no clown working for a laugh or loud music blaring in between events.

Like the word “slack” suggests, it’s all pretty laid back and loose, until the announcer says you’re next in line.

Then it’s down to business because the slack performances, which continue today and Friday at 8 a.m. for timed events, are critical for competitors. While few fans are there to see it, the times count as much in barrel racing as that night’s performance. In steer wrestling, team and tie-down roping, the slack times determine the 10 competitors fans see that night.

The extra performances, which are free to the public, enable competitors to get in two attempts in one day. If it weren’t for morning slack, barrel racer Trula Churchill of Valentine, Neb., couldn’t get in six rides at three different rodeos in as many days.

“When you’re coming to a rodeo that pays well, it’s easier to get up for slack,” she said.

It’s also a help to a rodeo, because having extra competitors means more entry fees, which adds to the prize money in each event. It’s not such a financial boon for concessions or booths outside the arena. Most of the concession stand work dealt with preparing for that night. Ruth Owens of Colorado Springs relaxed at her cowboy hat stand.

“You might sell a hat or so,” she said. “It’s a very relaxed atmosphere.”

The jury is still out if that hurts or helps the competitor.

“It depends on the guy,” tie-down roper Justin Macha of Needville, Texas said. “Some guys get pumped up by the energy of the crowd. Some guys might perform better when it’s quiet.”

Steer wrestler Todd Suhn of Hermosa, S.D. feeds off the crowd.

“At night you have more time to get ready,” he said. “The crowd is excited and the livestock and horses feel it.”

Suhn spent his time in between his morning runs keeping track of his toddler son.

“You still get up for (the run),” Suhn said. “In between you can spend time with your wife and family but I know in a little bit I’ll need to get my horse ready.”

Family and friends have catching up to do anyway.

“You see folks you haven’t seen for a while from all over,” said Longmont’s Gloria Flores, whose husband Frank competes in team roping. “Chances are when you meet someone, their daddy and granddaddy rodeoed too. Families can get to know each other for generations.”

70th annual Pikes Pike or Bust Rodeo

When: 7:30 p.m. today-Saturday, also 1 p.m. Saturday matinee

Where: Norris-Penrose Event Center, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Road

Parking: $5 per vehicle

Tickets: $25 box/lodge; $10 or $15 grandstand for adults; children half price and $1 for Saturday matinee. To buy, call TicketsWest 719-576-2626, go to ticketswest.com, event center box office or King Soopers.

Timed-event slack performances: 8 a.m. today and Friday (free admission)