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JR Lodza has one of the strangest jobs in New York nightlife: He operates the mechanical bull at Johnny Utah's, in Midtown. A flick of his wrist can throw a tipsy bull rider to the mats—or, if you get on his good side, you can ride that robotic beast into the sunset (or around in lurching circles, whatever) like an urban cowboy. He was kind enough to take a break from tossing people to the ground to provide some insight into the art of the mechanical bull. Tip No. 1: Take lots of shots. (Oh, and that's his protégé, Alex, you see on the bull—one of them will be manning the bull during your next visit.)
How'd you get into the mechanical-bull world?
My training is as a restaurant manager, so this isn't something I thought I'd be doing in a million years. But when I signed up [at Johnny Utah's], the gentlemen who designed the bull for the restaurant needed some volunteers to learn how to operate it. There's no certification or license that I know of [Editor's note: Gah!], but we had a two-day training period. It's relatively easy, but you don't want to take it too lightly because it's a heavy-duty animal that could hurt people. Two days of training, though, could get anybody operating a mechanical bull.
How would you describe your relationship to the bull?
Sometimes I have nightmares where the bull chases me around the dining room, but other than that we get along.
Any on-the-job perks?
It's a great stress reliever. If you have anger-management issues, operating a mechanical bull will definitely alleviate some of those. After three years, it's still a great joy to see people walk in and say "Oh my god, I've never done this in my life!" Everyone remembers their first time.
What's the typical New York bull rider like?
We're surrounded by Midtown company workers, so it's an after-work thing. Suits, secretaries, paralegals—they've had a stressful day, they come have a few drinks, and they get their butt up on the bull. We also have a few regulars—they'll have one or two drinks, but they come specifically to ride. I call them bull junkies. I wouldn't be surprised if they purchased one for their living room, ‘cause I've been asked.
Is it true that girls get better treatment while on the bull?
Girls are a little bit more delicate, so you don't want to slam them on the floor, especially if they've had a long day or are wearing a skirt. The guys are a lot more competitive, especially after a couple drinks. They love it like a sport and bet against each other. Those types definitely get slammed a lot harder than girls. But they fall, get up and give me a high-five. They love it.
JR on the left, fellow bull-master Alex on the right
How long does the typical ride last?
Anywhere from 30 to 40 seconds. To be honest with you, it depends what kind of day I'm having. I can have anyone off in under a second.
What tips do you have for a first-time rider?
First off, have a couple beers. Second, be sure to relax your legs and ride with the bull. A lot of the control is in your leg muscles, and the stiffer you get, the more likely you are to be thrown off. Also, tequila shots help. So does making friends with the bull operator.
Any crazy or scandalous stories about riders?
If only we had all day. Let's just say that clothing sometimes gets ripped.
And what about you? Are you any good on the bull?
I'm too old to be riding this bad boy. I've been on three times since we opened, always through peer pressure. I'm a much better bull operator than I am rider.
Johnny Utah's
25 W. 51st St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves.
212-265-UTAH
Photos by Sam Horine
What other people are saying...
saraht - November 11, 2009 at 11:18 AM
That is a pretty random job and hilarious that it often caters to suits, secretaries, paralegals. I've always wanted to try this, is this the best ...
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