Edmonton & Area, Central AB
ATV RODEO Henry Battenfelder’s Legacy
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S N O W B I
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R V T R A V E L E R S
By Darci Friesen
Are you the kind of person that loves feeling a surge of adrenaline? Do you crave the excitement that accompanies the rush you get from pushing your limits? Some people jump from air planes, others explore the depths of the ocean. In Barrhead, Alberta, a group of like-minded thrill seekers get together each year to compete at the Battenfelder Memorial ATV Rodeo. With a mere six teams competing,
comprised mainly of friends and family, the first ATV Rodeo took place in 2001, a creation of Henry and Marg Battenfelder. Teir dream for this unique event was that they would one day reach 21 teams participating; to host a successful, safe, exhilarating rodeo - one that would give their community something to get excited about each year. Aſter Henry’s passing on
Can-Amtalk Photo
Christmas eve of 2010, his son, Mike Battenfelder, took control of the annual ride. At 71 years old, Henry had been the oldest person ever to compete in his family’s event, now held in his memory. “Even at his age, he was still a
force to be reckoned with on the track. Between him and his 700 “Kawi” (Kawasaki motorcycle), everyone knew that they were in for a battle if linked up against him.” Recalled Mike, “My father was always looking for new ways to bring people together, and this rodeo is a perfect example of how he did that – how amazing he really was.” Hoping to continue his father’s
dreams of making the Battenfelder ATV Memorial Rodeo safer, more intense and with more teams involved each year, Mike is already making headway. For this year’s upcoming rodeo, May 26th and 27th, Mike says that they already came close to reaching Henry and Marg’s original
goal of having 21 teams registered. “We will continue the legacy
that Dad started; continue to grow and change things in order to make a safer and more fun event for everyone,” Mike confided. “I feel honoured, and find great pleasure in the knowledge that I am able to continue the legacy that Dad built. I’m not sure if I will ride ‘til I’m in my 70’s, but you can bet that I’m going to give it a shot!” Tree main events comprise
Saturdays activities: the drag pull, the chariot race and the relay race. Te drag pull sees all four machines from each team hook onto a weighted drag, then pull it through an obstacle course. Te event is scored on a points system, with three teams competing at a time. Te chariot race, that many consider to be the most thrilling, also has three teams on the course simultaneously. One ATV per team pulls a chariot, the other three, dubbed ‘out-riders’,
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