District 1 (top) and District 2 roadeo winners, l to r:
D1: TJ Gibson (4th), Derek Snider (3rd), Jed Henderson (2nd), Marc Johnson (1st)
D2: Ty Winther (1st), Mark Schuster (2nd), James Lockart (3rd) and Lance Gau (4th) 

The roadeo from the passenger seat

After riding as the passenger during one foreman’s turn at the D1 Roadeo, I—a communications professional new to transportation, and really to any heavy equipment—now understand a little more of what it takes to be out on our highways.
 
Although it is summer and plows are temporarily forgotten by the public, I caught Marc Johnson, contestant #27 and foreman for the Coeur d’Alene area, just as he was climbing into a snowplow for his turn through the course.

The oval course in the Athol gravel pit consists of tight corners and challenges that simulate on-the-job obstacles—all to test and further develop our workers’ skills and give training in an environment of friendly competition.

As Marc steered the plow around cones and guided the plow into an alley dock, he talked me through some of the realities of the work and the limitations of the truck. Caught between taking notes, eyeing the front end of the plow and observing the inside cut of the “dualies,” I am grateful we did not have time to discuss weather, metrics or the myriad controls that our techs must keep in mind as they plow.  

It took us a little over nine minutes to navigate the course, with a few extra seconds to lightly brush the tip of the plow against the smallest mailbox (a maneuver worth 100 points).

Not a bad time, considering Marc did not plow this last winter and has not competed in the roadeo for a few years. So why compete now?

“To keep ‘em honest by making sure everybody is competing their best—strategizing moves in the equipment and achieving consistency in all courses,” Marc said. “The day is more fun and competitive when everyone pushes each other to make decisions to get the most points for the highest score.” 

Marc, who was later recognized for first place, was joined by Jed Henderson (2nd), Derek Snider (3rd) and TJ Gibson (4th). A few days later, the following winners were recognized at the Dworshak Dam during the D2 Roadeo: Ty Winther (1st), Mark Schuster (2nd), James Lockart (3rd) and Lance Gau (4th).  

For our techs, these roadeos may just be a chance to practice and socialize, but for some of us viewers, it’s a chance to gain a greater appreciation for the work our department does.

If you happen to be near Dworshak Dam next Tuesday, stop by the state roadeo to see the top techs from across the districts compete.

Published 06-15-18