CIBOLA COIUNTY, N.M. Saturday, October 3rd was the date local vintage Ford Bronco enthusiasts saddled up and masked up and took their iron steeds over our local mountain. The Roundup sponsored by Cibola citizens Evelyn and Roger Siegmann started with a special safety presentation by Grants Fire and Rescue firefighter/EMT and Bronco owner Mike Maes, in the parking lot near the Neon drivethru. COVID -19 social distancing and hand sanitizer as well as “keeping all four tires on the ground was discussed. After pictures at the Route 66 Drive-thru in Grants we cinched-up saddles (seat-belts) and herded the ponies up Lobo Canyon Road for a stop at the pavement’s end where we again rolled dice in an attempt to win Ford Bronco associated prizes. From there we trotted the vintage steeds to Forest Road 239 all the while enjoying the brilliant fall color change that was starting as we clippety-clopped along the road to La Mosca Peak and readied to go over the mountain’s top. At the summit crafted feed-bag style horse COVID masks were distributed to all and the timed event to mask-up was won in 14 seconds. Bronco owners were then asked if anyone knew the song to Mr Ed. The wife and coowner of the vintage ‘67 excitedly sang forth: “A horse is a horse of course, of course, and there’s no such a thing as a talking horse, unless of course the name of the horse is the famous Mr. Ed.” Along with a standing ovation she was awarded a prize! Additional games were played along the trek allowing the riders to win various prizes sponsored again this third year by Gurley Ford, as well as Tom’s Bronco Parts of Medford, Oregon.
Spud Patch meadow aglow with bright yellow and red painted fall colors was the final stop to have lunch and play the last game that was a horse-shoe pitch of sorts where one tried to toss foam dice into a bucket of car-wash supplies sponsored by our local O’Reilley Auto Parts. The gusting fall breeze tethered the effort until the pail was finally corralled at a close three feet and a ringer so to speak was had. The great fall weather was thoroughly enjoyed as well as the camaraderie. Plans for the fourth round up to happen the first Saturday of October 2021 were discussed. The trail weary riders saddled up and moseyed back to the home corral after enjoying the 3rd Annual Mt. Taylor Vintage Bronco Roundup.
Giddy-up! Giddy-up!