Harold Pennoyer, former president of the Logan Lake ATV Club, recalls a time when the River City Racers had no place to train. Five years ago, Owen Spence, the instructor of the speed skating team, approached Pennoyer, who presented Spence’s request to the ATV club. They decided to volunteer.

“We put blades on the ATV and used snowblowers,” said Pennoyer. “We built the track. With water hoses we flooded the ice. We made the big oval.”

The club bought a Quadivator, a machine that doubles as a snowblower and a rotary sweeper.

“They say that it is the best outdoor speed skating oval around,” said Pennoyer. “We spend a lot of time on it.”

Last year Owen Spence died suddenly after falling from a ladder. The community dedicated the speed skating oval in his name and erected a sign at the lake.

“He became a very good friend,” said Pennoyer. “He was a well-liked person.”

Pond hockey, too

After two years of building and maintaining the speed skating oval, the ATV club decided to get into hockey rink building as well. The pond hockey rink is in its fourth year and hosts teams from all over the province.

Pennoyer retired from the ATV club last year. He is using his extra time to stay at his cabin near Granby Camp with his wife Elaine.

He uses his quad for bombing around the bush and getting firewood. The new president of the Logan Lake ATV Club, Brian Clark, is carrying on Pennoyer’s legacy.