Lori and Bob Bauer from Wetaskiwin, Alberta, are dedicated hockey parents to their 12-year-old son, Hayden. When the ice melts, though, they give full attention to the family's favourite summer activity of ATVing.
Bob started ATVing seven years ago and Lori used to ride along with him until she decided to get her own machine.
“He bought a quad and we would double on it and it just got to the point where—you know how men are, they have to hit every mud puddle—and I got tired of that so I decided that I wanted my own,” said Lori, “and I have been riding my own for about four years now.”
It didn’t take long for Hayden to become passionate about the sport, as well.
“My son had a dirt bike and he didn’t like it so we wound up getting him a Yamaha quad,” said Lori.
For the Bauers, the long weekend in May symbolizes the start of their summer riding season. The family has a toy hauler RV trailer and their favourite place to go camping and ATVing is around Nordegg, Alberta. According to Lori, there is an excellent ATV trail in the area and the views from it are breathtaking. Visitors to the Nordegg area can even catch sight of wild horses, according to Lori. During one of her family’s camping trips to the area, Lori said that a herd of wild horses ran through their campsite.
Making the connection
Lori is a member of the popular online forum, Snow and Mud, and she uses it to connect with other ATVers and to organize group rides. As a result, Lori and Bob have several close friends who they met on Snow and Mud.
Practising safe riding techniques and being respectful to the environment is important for the Bauers. In addition to assisting other ATV groups on cleanups, the Bauers take the initiative as a family to keep the trails clean.
“We are very big on taking out what you brought with you,” said Lori.
Whether they are riding with a group or by themselves, Lori said that she and her family always have a great time together.
“It’s time out as a family doing something that the three of us enjoy,” said Lori.
Comments