St. Jean, Manitoba
A meeting of mud and mettle
The 2009 St. Jean ATV Derby was better than ever
One by one: Tackling one jump at a time at the obstacle course, on Sunday, day two of the derby. —photo courtesy Anya Jackman
ATV enthusiasts started their engines, and mud and mettle met at Manitoba’s largest ATV event of the year.
Taking place on the 19th and 20th of September, 2009, at the St. Jean park and campground, St. Jean’s annual ATV derby was bigger, better and messier than ever. Since many participants trekked from all over the nation to be in attendance, going home was not an option. Going hard was the only way to play.
“People do it responsibly, and safety is our main focus,” said committee member Kevin Klaassen.
Increasing popularity
The derby has also grown considerably since its start. Over 1,000 ATVs were registered for the derby—a dramatic difference since its beginning in 2002, when only 70 quads were registered.
The derby was sponsored in part by the ATV Association of Manitoba, Rosenort Motors, Winnipeg Sport and Leisure, Tires n’ Toys and many other local and corporate groups.
As a fundraiser, the derby proceeds are devoted to all things St. Jean: the local fire department, the arena and a newly established daycare.
Tough competition
The poker derby itself was a competition of its own. Five check stops were situated along the 50 kilometres of beautiful riverside trails, and a card hand was selected at each one. The individual who finished with the best hand was the winner.
It was nearly impossible to remain clean along the way. Mud was the name of the game.
The winner of the derby walked away with an extra $2,500 in their pocket. Additionally, the second and third place winners received $1,000 and $500, respectively.
Various displays and demonstrations, food vendors, a beer garden, silent auctions and even a live band further entertained visitors all throughout the day and into the evening.
Although a scheduled pancake breakfast was cancelled, Sunday saw an obstacle course, drag races and a UCMA sanctioned mud bog, a special feature this year.
Avid fans: Martin Kines, with his wife Dawn Kines and daughters Lauren and Elizabeth.—photo courtesy Anya Jackman
A team effort
“The trails and the races,” were the derby favourites of young Elizabeth and Lauren Kines. Fresh from Alberta, the Kines family ventured out to the derby to meet and mingle with the people of St. Jean.
It took the entire arm of the derby committee, which consisted of Brunel Sabourin, Eugene and Sandra Fillion, Pat Ayotte, Mike Gilmore and Kevin Klaassen, as well as an additional 150 volunteers to once again see a successful derby.
Regardless of experience level, the many activities and the community ambience of the derby are certain to attract ATV riders and families alike, leaving participants with an abundance of memories and mud.
Be sure to mark your calendars in advance. The derby improves each year, and surely, the best is yet to come.