Truck rodeo a virtual roundup of skills

Kings of the Roadeo – Dan Davis (left) and Robin Freeman

When the snow stops flying and ITD trucks shed their plows, operators put their driving skills on the line in friendly competition. They affectionately refer to the contests as “roadeos.” And the best of the best advance to national competition to test their skills against representatives of other states.

Fresh from a snow season that afforded ample opportunity for practice, operators have embarked on the 2004 roadeo schedule. Competition began Thursday (May 20) in District 2, followed by District 1 competition at the Athol Pit (May 25) and District 5 at the Pocatello Maintenance Building (May 27). The remainder of the district competition schedule is:

First and second place contestants will win an opportunity to represent ITD at the 2004 Snow and Ice Conference to be held in Denver, Colorado September 28-30.

Most of last year’s district champions will return to defend their titles. Winners from 2003 are:

Freeman, from the Council Maintenance section, won the state competition while Davis, from Cascade, claimed second. They advanced to the 2003 National Snow and Ice Conference in Greeley, Colo. It was Freeman’s first trip to nationals and Davis’s second. The latter also represented Idaho at the 2002 national event in Denver.

The roadeo at the National Snow and Ice Conference is extremely competitive consisting of written exams, multiple equipment inspections, challenging obstacle courses and a multitude of skilled operators, explains Rex Hufford. “To win is a difficult accomplishment.”