For Randy Grossenbacher, competing in the quad rodeo near Camp Creek has become almost a necessity.
After 15 or 16 years of participating, the event still gives him the same buzz he experienced when he first began racing.
“I love it,” he says. “I still get butterflies before I race – that never seems to go away.
“I also like the camaraderie. Everybody helps each other out. If the guy ahead of you in the competition needs tools, you will lend him some.
“That’s just the way it is. It doesn’t mean you are not competitive. Everyone here wants to win.”
Last weekend Grossenbacher was again in the thick of the action at the fall edition of the Henry Battenfelder Memorial ATV Quad Rodeo, where dozens of riders took on the challenge of sand hills, bush trails, muskeg and boggy pits.
Conditions at the picturesque setting – Henry’s Hideaway/Batt Traps golf course and recreational area – were a little dry, but good for riding. A water tanker helped moisten the course between events.
Under sunny skies, 11 teams began roaring, growling and just occasionally sputtering last Saturday as they competed in drag pulls, chariot/chuck wagon races and cross country dashes.
Scores of spectators lined the edge of the boggy track where races began and ended. Many shouted encouragement to family members and friends taking part. Some took photographs, risking a spray of mud as they tried to grab that special action shot.
There were also spectators on a nearby hilltop. Others, meanwhile, preferred to watch proceedings from tables and chairs next to a concession booth or their campers.
By lunchtime on Saturday, four teams were within four points of each other.
Tied for second was Grossenbacher’s team, The Green Bs.
“It’s a perfect day for racing, it’s not even dusty,” he said.
Grossenbacher, whose son also competes, rides a Renegade XXC 800, which has proved a reliable performer.
Some other riders may have more powerful machines, but Grossenbacher can balance the odds through guile, experience and knowledge of the terrain.
“There are little tricks you pick up to improve your performance,” he said.
Most importantly, Grossenbacher is a safe rodeo rider. Being able to joke and laugh with fellow ATV enthusiasts after the racing is done is what makes the rodeo so appealing to him.
“I’ve never wrecked anything and have never hurt myself,” he said.
Organizer Mike Battenfelder’s team, “Off Constantly,” was also among the group of four frontrunners on Saturday afternoon. The other team members are Joel Grossenbacher and Steve and Austin Battenfelder.
“We are hanging in there,” said Mike.
He added that 11 teams for a fall rodeo was a decent number. Some of the participants had come from Calgary, Edmonton, Westlock and Red Deer.
“So far everything has been good,” he said. “Nobody has been hurt and everybody is enjoying themselves.”
Henry and Margaret Battenfelder started the ATV Rodeo in May 2001 with six teams. By the spring of 2010, it grew to as many as 18 teams.
Henry Battenfelder, who loved to ride a Kawasaki 700, died on Dec. 26, 2011 aged 71. The continuing success of the rodeo is a fitting way to honour his memory.
