Hell's Highway Tour 2004

[Ian McCallum]

Would like to do the Hell's Highway run in September this year but never having taken part lack information on who to contact for information. Dates, start and stopping points each night any informatioin welcomed.

Ian:

[Pete Ashby]

Ian

the Oxford crew are looking to go over to Arnhem 14th to the 21st. we hope to take C30 11, C15A 12, C30 LAA 13, F8 FFW 11, and F15A 11.

Pete

[Ian McCallum]

Cheers Pete.

I had worked out the Arnhem weekend would be the 18/19 Sept. and in the past we have rolled this weekend into a visit of the area.

BUT WHAT I NEED is more info on the Hell's Highway Tour. Come on our Dutch friends more info please on who to contact, where it starts nightly stop points etc.?

Currently will be three vehicles: WOC 1 (or Ford 01A Staff Car), Humber Staff Car, Chevrolet Staff Car.

Ian

[Martin IJdo]

Hi Ian,

Where did you get the info that this is on for this year? There are a number of smaler events around the Arnhem bash, but as far as i know no official Hell´s Highway yet.
What i do know is that i spoke to a guy from Wheels (Belgian MV club), who mentioned having looked in to organising this event. His conclusion was that a similar event as was held in ´94 (my god, that´s 10 years ago...) is almost impossible for a small group of people to organise.
Back them i joined (in an American Chevy, G7100) a group of in total almost 800 genuine WW2 vehicles, the best i´ve ever seen, and probably will never see again.
The thing is, that you have to get permission of all the town and comunities you come through, in two countries, close off a number of public roads and even high ways (!), and get official Police support to escort the whole thing. This takes an awfull lot of preparation. Every year it is a huge effort for us to get the tour going at Bussum Bridgehead, and this only involves 3 different communities.
If someone does take up this gauntlet though, i will be happy to join in!!

Martin.

[Ian McCallum]

Thanks for the information Martin.

I only assumed there would be a Hell's Highway tour, silly me!

Would be most grateful in that case for information of any events around that time in Holland that we could co-incide with our Arnhem tour. Eindehoven Torchlight Parade?

Ian

[Danny Bosma]

Hello Ian & List,

There will be definitely something organised around the Eindhoven area.

The club Wheels (which BTW is a Dutch club based in Eindhoven Martin) is very busy at the moment in organising a week long event covering the Hell's Highway.
Negotiations are in a final fase so that you can expect more details in the near future.

But I can reveal the concept they are working on.
The idea is to create a base camp, as it stands it will be at a former dropzone in Son just above Eindhoven.
From that base camp activities will be deployed.
As Martin says it would be a Tour as in 1994.
The disruption in todays traffic is something that scares authorities. Instead off the actual Hell's Highway they are going to tour the flanks.

Which off coarse is just as interesting and never done before in such a scale.

On the Saterday the Torchlight Parade will take place in Eindhoven.
Those who want to travel further North to Arhem the camp will be a great place to stop for a few days before Arnhem.

The camp will be open from the 13th till the 19th of September 2004. Limit will be 200 vehicles.

If you like to be updated send me a message off line.

Cheers,

Danny Bosma
The Netherlands

[Ian McCallum]

Thanks for that Danny, I have sent you an e-mail off line.

Ian

[Nigel Watson]

Hi Ian and Danny
Glad to report that I am coming over to do the Arnhem events with my Dingo. Should be arriving at Ijmuiden on the 16th Sept. The rest of the Scots are going over on the 13th. Can't afford the time. So Danny, like Ian any information would be great, as its my first time but I hasten to add the Dingos second Arnhem trip!

Now all I have to do is find a commander/driver.

Nigel

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally posted by Nigel
Now all I have to do is find a commander/driver.

I can drive from IJmuiden to Arnhem blindfolded. Do I qualify?

Hanno

[Nigel Watson]

Originally posted by Hanno Spoelstra
I can drive from IJmuiden to Arnhem blindfolded. Do I qualify?

Hanno

That's what all commanders say and do!!! The job is yours!
Seriously though, I can probably get away with not having a commander on the ferry crossing! but will most definitely require one when we reach this distant shore of the folk who go when they should be coming and come when they should be going! (Translated meaning: drive on the wrong side). Although I would feel safe enough in the Dingo I will need someone to walk in front in case there are any of those round thingies which go bang, left over from the time before!

So you up for it Hanno? Thursday to Sunday inclusive. Some commanding and some driving. Vehicle preparation and tent pitching, much celebration refreshing and anti-numbing bumming!

Let me know. You can come over to Newcastle and start the trip proper if you like!

Nigel

[Geoff Winnington-Ball (RIP)]

Gawd, I can just imagine the effects of letting the two of you loose together for a weekend...