Despite a downpour of rain across the country, the harsh weather seemed to acknowledge the importance of this year’s Crawlin’ the Hume, choosing to spare the drivers of its wrath.
Sunshine and a welcoming smile were instead what greeted the truckies on Saturday April 6, as they began rolling into the Ford administration car park in Campbellfield.
Strapped into rigs with bellies filled with coffee and toasties, the trek along the Hume Highway started promptly at 8:30.
Organiser Robert French says over the whole journey, around 500 trucks were piling onto the highway.
“In the end there were just a lot of trucks,” he laughs.
“There were so many that a lot of them got blocked right back into Benalla.”
Proving to be a record-breaking year for the Crawlin’ team, French says the event went above all his expectations.
“We were amazed at how many trucks came and joined in along the way. It was perfect.”
Trucks newly 25 and older took to the tar, with a 1923 T Model Ford even pulling up the back of the convoy.
The trek down the Hume isn’t only for the drivers, with spectators bustling the whole way to get a glimpse of the event.
From truck spotters to families and those alike, people couldn’t get enough of the sight.
“The highway was just lined with people all the way. We were amazed at how many people were out.”
The crew took a pitstop in Winton, taking a moment to stretch their legs and let in some late entries, with the rain testing the waters, dropping in and out.
“We thought we were going to be washed out but as soon as we pulled in it stopped.”
Luck continued to be on their side.
It was then onwards through Glenrowan, Wangaratta, Chiltern and Barnawartha, finally concluding in Albury.
While the event is all about fun and comradery, many of the drivers view it as a chance to relive the best days of the past.
“A lot of the old blokes used to drive the old Hume, and despite getting on and older now, they really loved it.
“Some of them are in their 80’s and they still manage to make it here.”
The younger generation have even started joining in, bringing their big rigs for the journey.
“Now they probably didn’t run the old Hume as many of the others did, but if we don’t have the young fellas coming along, we won’t have anyone will we?” French chuckles.
Finally pulling up in Albury in the late afternoon, the Albury Racecourse had dinner and drinks ready to be devoured.
“We had Geoff Cootes from Cootes Transport as our guest speaker, and he had two of his early trucks on display there.”
“The whole day was perfect.”
But the fun didn’t end there, with tongue-in-cheek presentations due for announcement the following day.
Lost in the 70’s – Neville Story
Worst gear change – Scott Hough
Best club – Western Sydney truck club
Shiniest wheels -Jamie Woods
The CB hog – Ted Beamish
The hard luck story – Matt Best
Biggest bull dust artist – Geoff Brown
Lead foot – Jerry Hicks
Noise maker – Nathan Smith
Longest distance travelled – Russell Brown from the Northern Territory
Slowest truck – Brian Smith
Smokiest truck – John Heggart
French wanted to stress the importance of acknowledging the team behind Crawlin’ the Hume who went above and beyond.
“There was a group of people around me that did an amazing job. It took a lot of dedication and a lot of time.”
But French says all the effort is worth it.
“On the way from Chiltern we stopped for a malted milk and we started discussing 2026.”