Event
Report
2020 Cobweb Run
Report by Mike Cowen, Pictures by Lucy Wheatley and Julie Swales
Our first run of the year! Is this the beginning of a halcyon year or
one we will be glad to survive? A great turnout but there were a few
everyday cars for one reason or another. Some were still in bed others
were under the car doctor. As ever when we get together there was plenty
of chat and debate going on. Stories of work carried out over the winter
were plenty, some cars were still being worked on others had been worked
on and one in particular will prove that later. He wheelie will!
We could have talked all day but Lucy and Dennis were well organized and
on the stroke of 11.30 with instructions handed to the nervous
navigators it was time to head out. Now, time for a question! Guess who
was first to leave? Correct! Why Sheila does not have a neck brace on
permanently is beyond most of us. As soon as Lucy said go Tony was
knocking seconds off the 0-60 record for the MGB.
The rest of us gradually meandered out and it was not long before the
first hold up. It was caused by two lady drivers (not connected to YDCCC)
inspecting a car that had been slightly pranged. No jokes please lads.
A few miles on and we met two more lady drivers. This time they were on
horseback but the horses did not like the pieces of metal with greater
horsepower than them and so they were kicking up......literally.
The kick in the teeth averted could we please get on with the run.
NO.
Yet another hold up and this one was definitely down to a member of
YDCCC.
Our leader was now NOT breaking speed records; in fact he was now
kicking and pulling on a wheel and not the steering wheel. Strange
pastime but whatever takes your fancy. Tony had chosen the narrowest
road on the run to take a break but as the line of cars behind squeezed
past everyone offered help and advice some good others not so
complementary. Tony took it all in good heart while still wondering what
was that rattle on his beloved MGB. More of that tale later.
The route that had been chosen was familiar to Jackie and me. We had
used part of the route two years ago when we organized a run that left
from Wynyard Hall. For us a timeless run that crisscrosses the river
Tees. As we passed through Croft, Hurworth and Neasham it brought back
many memories for us. Then it was on towards Crathorne and eventually in
to Swainby and our destination of the Blacksmith’s Arms.
The question on everyone’s lips was where were Tony and Sheila? Would
they be here in Sheila’s car or would the MGB make it? What was that
rattle on the MGB? They were nowhere to be seen. This was now serious.
Tony is always first to finish no matter what.
As we sat there without our leader a bedraggled Sheila came through the
door followed by a very sheepish looking Tony. “Oh thank goodness, where
have you been” we all asked.
Sheila said “Ask him”
“The wheel came off!!!” Tony said
Before we burst with laughter we said “Wheelie”
There was more. Sheila then said. “We can’t find it”
Now I have to mention that we are all classic car enthusiasts and I
think I’m right in saying we would all help each other in a time of need
and we would all feel for the car that has a problem and is off the
road.
YES
The thing is this was wheelie funny and was the talk of an excellent
Sunday lunch in lovely surroundings.
You have to remember Tony is as particular as we all are and every
minuscule detail on his cars is checked multiple times. So for Tony to
have lost a wheel due to “loose nuts” (new nickname?) is quite
extraordinary!
The finer details came out during lunch and it was going to cost Tony
£150 for a new wheel.
After the meal as we all departed, the togetherness of the club came
together, and the wreal search took place. First on site was Paul. His
investigations were fruitless then Tony and Dave turned up.
The wheel was nowhere to be seen! Paul left and that was that. Tony was
now £150 out of pocket.
Not Dave. He was not going to let this go. The wheel came off here and
it can’t be far away.
He found a five bar gate some 150yards away and clambering on to the top
bar he stretched his neck and two fields away he spotted, on a slight
rise in the ground, a dark bump!
Our chairman then proceeded to plod his way through the muddy fields and
finally reached the “Dark bump” it was Tony’s wheel.
Amassing it had jumped three hedges two ditches and a water feature.
The wheel is now entered in the Grand National, whenever it is next
staged.
Stay safe everyone.
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