West Bound

Last Thursday we left the Historic town of Merrickville, south of Ottawa and on the Rideau Canal. The weather was warm in the high 20ies with a humidex of 33. On Thursday evening we setup camp in the North Bay at the Walmart parking lot. 31 various RV's were parked for overnight and I went out for a stroll to check out our neighbours.

One couple asked me if we were heading to the Truck Rodeo. I replied that I didn't know anything about it. A long discussion followed as they explained to me that semi trailer trucks gathered for a show and shine of trucks plus the main feature of an up hill 'drag race' with modified trucks pulling 'B' trains (2 Trailers) stacked high with lumber. We decided to check it out!

The location is a small village on the Quebec side of the Ontario/Quebec border...Notre Dame du Nord. This quite little village on a lake was trans formed into what looked like a movie scene....100's of huge semi's everywhere, engines revving, beer flowing and black smoke rising on the breeze! Parking was organized for the many RV's arriving but was still at a premium. Food and tourist stalls with continuous entertainment was available.

 The race track as seen before the crowds arrived and the racing started.

 A novel new car, Polaris sling shot with a GM engine.

 A large display of 'Show and Shine' trucks and trailers.

 Totally rebuilt 1974 Kenworth with a 1999 Airstream mounted on an extended chassis.

Vintage trucks on display.

On Saturday just after lunch the 'show' started.

 Much like a drag race the fully loaded trucks, with 'B' Trains race up hill with up to 135,000lbs loads.

Note the green semi, the torque twisting the drivers side up as he pours the 'coals' to it.

 Also racing are 'Bob Tails' trucks with no load...they are very, very fast.

 Not all the races went without a hitch, this truck 'blew' it's engine, truck and trailer had to be towed.

 A very cool day with occasional showers.

Diesel smoke was everywhere.

Perhaps a contradiction.....
This was a weekend to remember.