Snow plow operators from across Simcoe County sweated it out in scorching temperatures Wednesday in a tense competition to crown their top gun.
The irony of the sizzling heat for the 10th annual Simcoe County Safety and Truck Roadeo wasn't lost on organizers.
"I have never been this hot," joked Don Nelson of the Association of Ontario Road Supervisors. "Normally we are up to our armpits in snow using this kind of equipment."
Twenty-nine plow operators from municipalities across the county gathered at Barrie's Operations Centre to test their skills on an obstacle course and do a written exam.
The drivers of the massive rigs with 16 feet wide plow blades compete for the regional title with the winner then heading to the provincials.
"It's a tough course but probably a little easier than their day to day jobs, " said City of Barrie Roads, Parks and Fleet Director Dave Friary. "It's not a blinding snowstorm."
"It's just a day for the guys," explains Friary. "We have a little barbecue, a little appreciation and get them thinking about winter. I know it's kind of hard today when its 40 degrees with the humidex but farmers almanac says it's supposed to be colder and more precipitation this winter."
Among this year's judges was Mike Loosemore, the plow operator who took the CBC's Rick Mercer on a snow-clearing tour last March.
Loosemore was judging drivers on the course dubbed the Mayor's Challenge - an open challenge to mayor's and other politicians.
There is a healthy rivalry among competitors, according to Loosemore.
"It gets pretty tense," said Loosemore. "There's guys here that are really good. You get a lot of bragging. A lot of guys get at each other and teasing and stuff like that. It's a good time. A lot of fun."
Township of Springwater councillor Katy Austin climbed into one of the big truck's for the second year in a row.
"Ouch. I hit a few cars. I could hear it crunching, " she said. "It gives you an idea of the skill required."
And skill is a word operators frequently use when talking about their profession.
Knowing how the machine works inside and out is key, according to plow operator Matt Vanvelzen who is looking forward to winter.
"I love plowing snow. I love it," said Vanvelzen. "I wish I could cool off. I'm too hot."
Along with skill, officials say it takes passion and dedication to work 24-7 during winter, often missing Christmas mornings and other family events.
Organizer Nelson drove his first snow plow in 1985 and is now the training coordinator for the City of Barrie.
Standing in the blazing sun of this September heat, Nelson has some advice for Barrie residents for when the snow comes.
"Space. We need space. Tailgating is a big no no."
The provincial competition will be held Sept. 14 in Chatham.
