You don’t have to be a cowboy to ride bulls in DeKalb.

The Barn, 1215 Blackhawk Drive, occasionally features a mechanical bull for all those willing to tame the steal beast.

Residents flocked to the deck at the local bar to watch amateurs attempt to hold on for eight seconds. A few brave souls boldly approached the bull, ignoring the warning sign informing riders to proceed at their own risk.

One cowboy at the event managed to hold on to the bull one-handed for five seconds.

“I used to ride real bulls, one or two when I was young and dumb,” said DeKalb resident Pete Augsburg. “It’s pretty close to the real thing.”

DeKalb resident and enthusiast Jerry Davis rode for what seemed like an era in bullriding: 19 seconds.

“Nobody else was doing it, so I had to,” said Davis. “It’s a great way to get the party started.”

Jimmy Wellenreiter, spokesman for Buckin’ Bulls, goes all over the country to book private parties for the adrenaline-deprived.

For $5, patrons get two chances to ride the wild mechanical bull. Free rides are provided for bikini-clad ladies that would rather spend their money at the bar.

Drinking isn’t advised prior to riding, as demonstrated by the several people that fell after only attempting to mount the machine.

“Everybody wants to get wasted before they ride,” said Davis. Davis limited his drinking to four beers before his first encounter.

Another first timer and Kishwaukee College student, Kari Scarbrough, was a little afraid prior to her venture.

“It was rough, but I would do it again,” said Scarbrough after taking a few minutes to catch her breath.

Scarbrough was one of only a few women brave enough to endure the bucking bull.

The rest, both man and woman, stood in silent awe of the mechanical, roaring beast.