Motorsports on a frozen Sylvan Lake used to be a pastime for the community. But then, an unexplained hiatus.

Until Sunday, when the Rocky Motorcycle Club hosted a leg of the 2018 Alberta Provincial Oval Ice Racing Championship Series, where more than 100 drivers raced bikes, quads and UTVs around a quarter-mile track.

Brian Roberts is the club’s president and says the group has taken over organizing the races from Calgary’s Second Gear club. This year, they’ve held races at Pigeon Lake, Cow Lake and Gull Lake.

For Sylvan Lake, Roberts hopes it’s the start of a renewed tradition.

“We’re hoping we can keep this going in Sylvan Lake. It’s one of our favourite venues,” Roberts says. “The public exposure is incredible. It’s just fantastic for the club and for the public. There’s a lot of smiles going around here. Everybody seems to be enjoying the show we’re putting on.”

The show, of vehicles speeding around the track at 100 km/h, is as exciting for the participants as it is for the spectators.

“It’s an adrenaline rush, that’s for sure. It’s the feeling of passing people, railing corners, it’s pretty awesome. I can’t stop smiling the whole time I’m out here,” says Courtney Schmale, who was riding her bike in the Women’s Motorcycle and 450 Novice classes.