Inside the Ride

By: Michael Hearing

Narrated by: Jay Wohlert

The original Ferris wheel was designed and constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Roughly 280 million people visit theme parks every year and take approximately 1.7 billion rides. And there are slightly fewer than 10 Ferris wheel-related deaths each year. So the odds are generally in your favor.

But Cody Jackson wasn't aware of any of this.

Cody is just trying to make enough money as a professional bareback rider and bull rider to stay afloat - to keep from having to go back to that construction job he hates. That's why he and Bucky Fannon are wandering around the midway at the Tulsa State Fair waiting for the rodeo to begin later. And, as a result, they witness the accident at the Ferris wheel.

Later, Cody wins a first in the bareback riding. The pieces seem to be falling into place at last, with rodeo success within his reach. But in the bull riding - well, the bull riding doesn't go so well for Cody.

Sometimes, there's really no way to get off safely when you're stuck inside the ride.

©2016 Michael Hearing (P)2016 Michael Hearing