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Calgary Herald

Day 2 of Calgary Stampede Rodeo: Early calendar start makes for tough travel decisions

Part cowboy. Part travel agent. Article content That's how Kyle Irwin describes his job on the rodeo circuit. Article content Right around the annual start of the Calgary Stampede, both gigs kick into high gear for himself and the other rodeo stars of the world. Article content Because not only is there $50,000-plus to be won here, but there's gobs of cash to be earned during the Fourth of July week in the United States. Article content Article content 'Cowboy Christmas' it's called. Article content Article content And with that potential windfall come major decisions on which show to go to and how to get there. Article content 'I tell people we're more travel agents than cowboys,' said Irwin, one of the planet's top steer-wrestling talents. 'I can get somewhere now. I'm telling you … I can get somewhere.' Article content That's a tremendous trait to have this time of the rodeo calendar. Article content And it's even moreso important this year with the Stampede having started earlier than most years — that being right on Independence Day. Article content Indeed, while many rodeos were whooping it up down south on the patriotic American holiday, the Stampede's opening round went Friday for Irwin and the other Pool A participants, which dramatically changes the travel plans this year. Article content Article content 'We went to four rodeos over the Fourth this year,' said Irwin, of the last week that's seen him drive — relentlessly — to shows in Prescott, Ariz., Oakley City, Utah, St. Paul, Ore., and Basin City, Wash., before flying from Pasco, Wash., through Seattle to Calgary on Thursday morning. Article content Article content 'Normally, we're going to 10 or 12 rodeos at this time of year,' continued Irwin. 'So you cut it short by coming up here this year. And back in the States, the guys that didn't get to come here are winning and catching you in the (world) standings. So that was a decision you had to make. Article content 'But when you're going up against 10 guys that pay six holes and $7,000 for the win, the odds are better here.' Article content Indeed, the Stampede's quality money certainly has its draw.