Riding High: How One Cowboy Reinvented the Bull Rope
Welcome back to Breaking the Barrier, the podcast where we showcase inspiring individuals who are defying expectations and forging their own paths. Today, we’re talking to a seasoned veteran of the rodeo circuit who saw a problem and built a solution – meet Nic Lica, the inventor of the revolutionary Licabell.
From City Streets to Dusty Arenas
You wouldn’t expect a kid who grew up miles from the nearest stockyard to become a bull riding phenom, but that’s exactly what Nic Lica did. Nic’s story isn’t your typical “born in the saddle” kind of tale.
Host: Nic, tell us a little bit about those early days. How does a kid with no real rodeo background find himself wrestling steers and riding bulls?
Nic Lica: (Laughs) Yeah, it wasn’t exactly in my blood, you know? I grew up in the city, but there was always this pull towards that cowboy life. I remember seeing a rodeo on TV when I was a kid, and I just knew – that was it. I wanted to do that.
Host: So, how’d you go from city boy to bona fide bull rider? That’s a heck of a leap!
Nic Lica: Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy! I started by finding any local rodeo I could, just soaking it all in. Eventually, I convinced some old-timers to show me the ropes. They took me under their wings – tough love, for sure! But they taught me everything, and more importantly, they became my family.
The Problem with Traditional Bells
The heart-stopping clang of a bull rope bell is as synonymous with rodeo as the roar of the crowd. But behind that iconic sound hides a danger many outside the sport don’t realize.
Host: Every bull rider knows the risks that come with the territory. But you identified a danger that most people wouldn’t think twice about – the bell on the bull rope. What made you zero in on something so seemingly small?
Nic Lica: I’ve had my fair share of close calls over the years – everyone does in this line of work! But there was this one time… I got tangled up, the bull’s thrashing, and that heavy metal bell swung right into my jaw. I was lucky it didn’t knock me out cold right there in the arena. It got me thinking – why are we still using these clunky, dangerous things?
Host: So, you weren’t just worried about the danger to the riders, but the bulls too, right?
Birthing the Licabell
Frustration can be a powerful motivator. For Nic Lica, that frustration with the inherent dangers of traditional bull rope bells fueled a mission: to create a safer alternative without sacrificing the soul of the sport.
Host: So, you’re a bull rider, not an engineer! Walk us through that moment when the Licabell went from an idea to something real.
Nic Lica: I remember sitting on my porch, just fiddling with some rope, and it hit me – why not make the bell out of the same stuff as the rope? It seemed so simple, but the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. Lighter, quieter, safer – it had the potential to change the game.
Riding High: How One Cowboy Reinvented the Bull Rope
Welcome back to Breaking the Barrier, the podcast where we showcase inspiring individuals who are defying expectations and forging their own paths. Today, we’re talking to a seasoned veteran of the rodeo circuit who saw a problem and built a solution – meet Nic Lica, the inventor of the revolutionary Licabell.
From City Streets to Dusty Arenas
You wouldn’t expect a kid who grew up miles from the nearest stockyard to become a bull riding phenom, but that’s exactly what Nic Lica did. Nic’s story isn’t your typical “born in the saddle” kind of tale.
Host: Nic, tell us a little bit about those early days. How does a kid with no real rodeo background find himself wrestling steers and riding bulls?
Nic Lica: (Laughs) Yeah, it wasn’t exactly in my blood, you know? I grew up in the city, but there was always this pull towards that cowboy life. I remember seeing a rodeo on TV when I was a kid, and I just knew – that was it. I wanted to do that.
Host: So, how’d you go from city boy to bona fide bull rider? That’s a heck of a leap!
Nic Lica: Let me tell you, it wasn’t easy! I started by finding any local rodeo I could, just soaking it all in. Eventually, I convinced some old-timers to show me the ropes. They took me under their wings – tough love, for sure! But they taught me everything, and more importantly, they became my family.
The Problem with Traditional Bells
The heart-stopping clang of a bull rope bell is as synonymous with rodeo as the roar of the crowd. But behind that iconic sound hides a danger many outside the sport don’t realize.
Host: Every bull rider knows the risks that come with the territory. But you identified a danger that most people wouldn’t think twice about – the bell on the bull rope. What made you zero in on something so seemingly small?
Nic Lica: I’ve had my fair share of close calls over the years – everyone does in this line of work! But there was this one time… I got tangled up, the bull’s thrashing, and that heavy metal bell swung right into my jaw. I was lucky it didn’t knock me out cold right there in the arena. It got me thinking – why are we still using these clunky, dangerous things?
Host: So, you weren’t just worried about the danger to the riders, but the bulls too, right?
Nic Lica: Exactly. Those metal bells, they can weigh a couple pounds, easy. Imagine that thing clocking you in the face, or worse, getting caught on a bull’s horn. It’s happened, and it ain’t pretty. We owe it to the animals and ourselves to find a better way.
Birthing the Licabell
Frustration can be a powerful motivator. For Nic Lica, that frustration with the inherent dangers of traditional bull rope bells fueled a mission: to create a safer alternative without sacrificing the soul of the sport.
Host: So, you’re a bull rider, not an engineer! Walk us through that moment when the Licabell went from an idea to something real.
Nic Lica: I remember sitting on my porch, just fiddling with some rope, and it hit me – why not make the bell out of the same stuff as the rope? It seemed so simple, but the more I thought about it, the more sense it made. Lighter, quieter, safer – it had the potential to change the game.
Host: Easier said than done, I imagine?
Nic Lica: You got that right! I spent countless hours researching materials, sketching designs, even roped in a few buddies to test out prototypes. There were a lot of late nights and head-scratching moments, but I knew I was onto something. The key was finding the right combination of materials that were durable enough to withstand the force of a bucking bull but still lightweight and, crucially, quiet.
Host: And you nailed it! The Licabell is made from this braided nylon rope, right? It’s hard to believe it can make that classic bell sound.
Nic Lica: That’s the beauty of it! It still sounds like a bull rope bell – you’ve gotta have that sound – but it’s a whole lot safer for everyone involved. Plus, it’s practically indestructible.
Changing the Game
The Licabell didn’t just land with a soft thud; it hit the rodeo scene like a ton of bricks. Word of Nic Lica’s innovative creation spread through the tight-knit community like wildfire in a dry Texas summer.
Host: So, Nic, you’ve gone from tough-as-nails bull rider to entrepreneur almost overnight! What’s the reaction been like from your fellow riders?
Nic Lica: It’s been amazing, man! At first, some of the old-timers were skeptical, you know? “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” kind of thing. But once they saw the Licabell in action, felt the difference, they came around.
Host: We actually have a soundbite here from world champion bull rider, Sage Kimzey. Sage, tell us what you thought when you first heard about the Licabell.
Soundbite – Sage Kimzey: “I’ll be honest, I thought it was a bunch of hooey at first. A rope bell? Come on, man. But then I tried it, and I was like, ‘Dang, this thing is legit!’ It’s lighter, quieter, and way safer. Nic’s onto something special with this thing.”
Host: That’s high praise! And it’s not just the riders who are taking notice.
Nic Lica: Yeah, we’re starting to see rodeos and even bull riding associations embrace the Licabell. They see the value in making the sport safer for everyone. It’s a slow process, changing traditions and all, but we’re making progress every day.
Beyond the Arena
Nic Lica’s story is about more than just a revolutionary bull rope bell. It’s a testament to the power of innovation, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference – even in the face of long odds.
Host: Nic, you’ve walked away from a successful career as a bull rider to pour your heart and soul into the Licabell. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned on this wild ride?
Nic Lica: (Pauses) Don’t be afraid to be the first. The first to try something new, the first to stand up for what you believe in, even if it means going against the grain. And never, ever give up on your dreams, no matter how crazy they might seem. Because sometimes, the craziest ideas turn out to be the most revolutionary.
Host: Words to live by, Nic! Thank you so much for joining us today and sharing your inspiring story with our listeners.
That’s it for this week’s episode of Breaking the Barrier. Be sure to check out the Licabell and follow Nic’s journey on social media. Links are in the show notes. Until next time, keep breaking those barriers!