Their First ROADeo

Lifting a wooden triangle and lowering it to fit into the empty cutout of a board; grabbing three metal rings and placing them one by one onto different rungs of a stand; tapping an orange cone just enough to scoop up a basketball and drop it in a trashcan.

What in the world are we talking about? The ROADeo, of course!

The American Public Works Association (APWA) holds the competition every year. Heavy equipment operators (HEO) perform various obstacles to showcase their precision and ability to maneuver in tight spots. This was Erik Hollan’s first ROADeo.

“I had fun. It was enjoyable,” said Hollan, one of Louisville Water’s heavy equipment operators.

The local competition looked a little different this year. It was a smaller scale with only Louisville Water, Louisville MSD, and Louisville Metro Public Works competing against each other. Also, different – the entire competition was performed behind the wheel of a backhoe. In previous years, operators also completed challenges with a mini excavator. That made for a slight disadvantage for Hollan and fellow HEO Brad Frans who’s competed a few times.

“We use our minis (excavator) just about every day. The backhoe was a little less forgiving and a little jerky compared to our minis,” Hollan explained. “I think if me and Brad had our minis, we would’ve done a lot better.”

Construction Inspector Brent Metcalf had a front row seat to the action this year, as a new member of the APWA Board.

“I was a heavy equipment operator for seven years, but I never did the ROADeo. It kind of takes you back to the operating side of things. It’s nice to see our guys here representing Louisville Water,” he said.

Project Engineer Mike Meyer returned to his role as one of the competition judges.

You can bet we’ll be back again next year, and Frans and Holland might find themselves back in the driver’s seat.

“Yeah, I’d do it again,” said Hollan.