Northern Classic Commercials Club North Island Long Lap DVD.

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Linda and I, or I should say Linda has completed filming the Northern Classic Commercials Club's North Island Long Lap run and it was excellent!

Overall there were about 80 trucks that participated at some point or other during the 2 weeks the run was on. A group of about 15 trucks came up from the South island to participate and they all had a ball. I spoke to a few of them and some hadn't been to the North Island for years and thouroughly enjoyed themselves.

Ray Reid and Vic Draper were the run organisers and hats off to them for organising an intersting, varied, and entertaining 2 weeks. This was no mean feat by any means and at the final dinner, they were both thanked for their tremendous effort by all present as were their wives for their part in assisting with the organsing as well particularly Ray's wife Fiona, who was seen most of the time carrying around a box full of 'stuff' for the run.

The run basically went like this -

Wellington: South Island trucks arrive off Bluebridge then on to Vic Draper's yard for a bbq. Then to Southward's car museum in Paraparaumu where the majority of the participating truck assmembled. Then on to Te Horo for a look at a tractor collection. Then to Wanganui and a ride on the old paddle streamer Waimarie for a steam up the river and dinner.

Next on to Hawera for a display of the trucks at Moller Johnson's yard and lunch there. Then on to New Plymouth and a dinner at Sentry Hill truck stop. From there to the Waitomo Caves and then on to Cambridge for another truck display in the main square there followed by a dinner in the town hall. Next on to the Ross brother's yard in Cambridge ofr breakfast and then on to Auckland where everyone assembled at Boof Wedding's yard. For the next few days everyone had a look at interesting things around Auckland including Neil Otway's collection of old trucks out at Glenbrook and a visit to the Shore brother's collection of old cars which everyone who went thought was absolutely nothing short of amazing.

The trucks left Auckland for Thames for another public display of the trucks and a bbq lunch, then on to Whangamata for the night and another great entertaining dinner there. The off to Waihi and a visit to the gold mine there, then off to Bert Watchhorn's truck museum. The following day some went out to White Island and otheres went to see the Matahina Dam and a beer can collection at Galatea. The day concluded with a look at 'barefoot's' collection oif old tractors and boy was that an experience!

The next day the group heading off to Opotiki to look at a tool collection, then on to the Matawai Hotel for lunch. The Matawai Hotel is roughly half way from opotiki to Gisborne. Then on to Gisbourne itself where we visted the Gisborne transport museum. This turned out to be a bit of fun. Then on south the Mahia Peninsular and lunch at the pub there. The local school kids gave some of the participants a huge maori welcome which was appreciated by all. Then south to Bill Nimon's bus depot at Havelock North where we saw Bill's 1912 Leyalnd in action. Next on to Dannevirke for a cuppa at the FT truck depot there where another collection of local old trucks was on display. A big crowd turned up there to see all the trucks.

Then on to Fielding for a big parade of the trucks and a dispaly in the Fielding square. An enormous crowd of people turned up to see the trucks on display there. Then off down the road to see a display of traction engines and Billy Ho even got to drive one which was a great thrill. Then to a collection of old Austin cars and trucks. Then back to Fielding for the farewell dinner which was a great evening the highlights of were, the thanking of the organisers and their assistants throughout the run, and the final 'fine time' period where people got fined for their silly acts and ommissions for the day. The final presentation of the 'Dick of the Day' Trophy was done and everyone had a great night night.

The final day was a trip to Paul Gleeson's yard and a look at the trucks he's restored there, then on to a tour of the Tui Brewery and the final lunch there. Most said there goodbye's here and the run concluded at this point.

All in all an outstanding trucking adventure holiday!

We have now completed a DVD record of this unique trucking adventure.

This DVD is a 3 hour triple pack set and the cost is $72 including p&p. Just email us with your names and address and we'll organise a copy for you. You can call us on (09) 536-5327

Our payment details are either internet banking or by cheque.

Regards to you all, Billy Ho and Linda

The slick cover looks like this taken from the truck run's cap that was issued to everyone attending: