Very early this spring, the race car driver we sponsor (Vince Corbin) met up with us (Karleen & Brandon) at a Maiden Dixie show in Maplewood. He introduced us to Nick Stolt, a Minnesota-based bull rider.
We met Nick and his wife, Alisha, that night, and chatted for quite some time. Nick shared his passion for bull riding.
You could just tell he was very into it, and looked forward to a summer full of riding. He seemed to be an honest, hard-working, family man, with a shared love for local country music as well!
Not knowing much about Nick, how well he rides, or much about bull riding in general, we took his word that night and agreed on a sponsorship for 2013.
On Saturday August 2, 2013, we (Brandon and Karleen) decided to go see Nick ride for our first time at the Washington County Fair in Lake Elmo, MN.
Above: (L-R) Brandon, Karleen, and nick after the show.
Being our first time going to see Nick ride, we were quite exited! Upon arrival, we got the friendly text message saying he was down by the chutes, and to make sure we come back and see him.
In the world of people who go to concerts all the time, and living in a world of country music, to us this was like being backstage at a concert, just a whole lot different!
We found our way back there, and were quickly greeted by Nick, his wife Alisha, son Royce (pictured below in a photo from Winstock Country Music Festival), and Nick’s brother in-law Ty.
Being that Winstock was the last time we’ve seen them, it was quite nice to see them all again. With them traveling so much, and our primary focus being country music, it’s unfortunately tough to see them that often.
Nick quickly began introducing us to all kinds of people down there. From fellow bull riders, to announcers, we met quite a few good people right off the bat. You could see his excitement, and thankfulness each time he introduced us as his sponsors.
(Seeing someone who truly does appreciate your support is hard to come by these days, so it was heartwarming to see that sense of appreciation from Nick)
After meeting so many people, it was time for Nick to begin getting ready for his first ride. We decided to stand near the chutes, where all the bull riders hang out prior to, and after, their rides.
Being new with all of this, we seemed to have been in an area where we could learn a lot about the sport, the riders, and, to top it off, we had some of the best “seats” in the house.
I won’t ramble on about how exciting the night was, but instead I’d like to focus on the following that really gave us a different outlook on things.
Originally only being there to show our support for Nick, and to watch him ride, we quickly became more aware of how hard it is to be a bull rider, and/or family member of one. We noticed the many things people in the stands wouldn’t even think of, or know about these riders.
The ride is not the only “hard” part of what they do.
Nick and his family venture to some of the biggest bull rides in and around the state just about every weekend in the summer months.
While Nick is busy getting ready to ride each night, his wife Alisha becomes a full time babysitter for their son Royce (who loves watching dad), as well as the woman who undoubtedly worries about her husband’s safety each night. We tip our hats to her for all she does.
While talking with many of the riders, and their family members, we learned these riders (Nick, too), do this not just for a sport, but many for additional or sole income. With that said, weekends spent traveling from ride to ride, hotel stays in some cases, gas money, food, gear, and unfortunately medical expenses in some cases, do not come cheap. With all of the above, and more, we realized what really gives these guys the want, need, and drive to win each night.
Nick really stood out to us that night, as we witnessed and heard things a person in the stands wouldn’t even know about.
We watched him helping out fellow riders (competition) with tips and pointers, borrowing his gear in some cases, and always wishing them a good, safe ride.
We were also approached by many riders saying things like, “You really sponsored a great guy,” “We really look up to Nick,” “He helps me out all the time,” and many more kind words throughout the night.
We truly did learn a lot that night, and are grateful that we partnered with Nick. We not only ended up sponsoring a great rider, but in many ways, a great guy and his family as well.
If you read this all the way through, I hope what I wrote will help give you a better understanding of what these guys and their families do throughout the year.
Words are tough to come by when describing everything we saw/learned that night and hearing all the great things fellow riders had to say about him. We are proud we ended up sponsoring not only a great rider, but a truly great, honest man.
Nick is always looking for more sponsors, and will take them on at any point throughout the year. He is highly recommended by us, as well as many others. If you have interest in sponsoring Nick, or just want to check out his new fan page on Facebook, click HERE.
On his Facebook page you will find any contact information you may need.
If you have any questions for us, please click here.
Thanks for reading, and we hope you’re able to get out and see some bull riding this summer!