Eight seconds.
It seems like such a brief period of time. Long enough to take a sip of coffee, or flick through a few TV channels.
But on the back of a 2,500 pound bull, eight seconds can feel like an eternity.
The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) Canadian Cup Series is coming to the Abbotsford Entertainment and Sports Centre (AESC) Feb. 24-25 and some of this country's best riders, along with riders from around the world, will be here to compete.
Among them is Manitoba native Zane Lambert.
No stranger to Abbotsford – having competed here twice, taking second place in 2010 and earning more than $4,000 for his efforts – Lambert is looking forward to his third trip to the AESC.
"I like that new arena .. the sound's perfect in it and it's not too big."
He said a few thousands fans feels like a packed house compared to larger stadiums.
The 25 year-old has been on the Canadian circuit for six years and travels back and forth across the country. He said he got into the sport at a young age.
"I grew up around livestock," he said.
He tried his hand at junior rodeo and as he grew older, decided to keep going.
Bull riders are frequently injured when tossed by the spinning bovine, but Lambert has been lucky, suffering what he calls "minor" injuries. That includes three broken bones, ligament and tendon pulls and various bumps and bruises. He and the other riders are well aware of the dangers, but that all vanishes once on the bull's back.
"When I'm on the bull, I'm constantly thinking is he going left? Is he going right? Can I get over there fast enough? All your countermovements. You're constantly trying to stay on top to meet his next move.That's what your thinking about."
But once the eight second horn sounds, that mindset changes.
"Then it's time for you to get off ... we are thinking about picking a safe spot to get off, if you make it that long," said Lambert.
The PBR rides into Abbotsford on Feb 24 and 25. Both shows are at 7:30 p.m.
To view a video of Lambert in action, visit: