Hamburg, Pennsylvania
November 30, 1996
Pennsylvania Hummers Hamburg Outing by Hal Johnson
First of all I would like to say thank you to all of the people that
assisted me in making this event happen. I have met some of the greatest
people in the past few weeks. From Bob Bish, who allowed relentless
posting of Pennsylvania Hummer info, Eric Anderson and Tom Ogden who
jumped onboard from the get-go and many others who faxed and called till
their fingers were sore.
I just sent out a simple little email letter asking a few guys to join
me in Hamburg. I'm still in shock. I can't believe I had 22 trucks show.
This just shows that we need more of these rallys back east.
The Hamburg, Pennsylvania site is located on the northeast corner of PA.
route 61 and Interstate 78. Wendy's, located on Rte 61 was our
gathering spot. The meet was 12 noon on Saturday November 30th. I
arrived approximately 11:30 to a parking lot full of anxious Hummers. I
was promptly told that two already found the site and were STUCK. These
guys really like to play hard.
I started a small caravan to the site only a few blocks away. As soon as
most people saw the hills and mud, they did a starburst in all
directions. I thought we were being chased by the police. So much for a
site briefing.
The site is a lot of fun due to its wide open areas. There are Mud
holes, Hills of soft anthracite coal and lots of ground obstacles but
few trees in the main section. It is great for Hummer owners that don't
want to scratch their truck. For those of us who prefer a "seasoned"
truck, there are nasty sections in the back and down by the river.
We had a total of 22 trucks arrive on scene. A lot of them are non- HML
people. Some received word from their dealers faxing out invites. A
great deal of faxing and calling was courtesy of Eric Anderson of NUCAR
Hummer in Wilmington, Del. and Tom Ogden of James Hummer Outlet in
Flemington, N.J.. These gentlemen did not come to sell. They came to
play...and play they did!
All of us found our niche and divided into groups of 5 or 6. The river
run was my favorite part of the day. We had a 2-way street set up in the
Schuylkill River. All we needed was a traffic signal. The mud pit was
dominated by Bill Bauman, a certified Hummer mechanic. He was like a pig
in....oh well, he had a great time. At the end of the pit session, it
was hard to tell the color of any vehicles. What a blast!
The long distance award went to Paul Gilmore and his daughter Merideth.
They arrived Friday evening from Toronto, Canada in their 383 CARC
Hummer, Military replica style. On Saturday, Paul towed my M101
trailer to the site for those interested in seeing a nice Hummer
trailer.
I'd like to go on, but I think I'll let the following pictures tell the
story. The following pictures were taken by Paul Gilmore, Joe Cama, Mike
Selig and others. Thanks to them for a great job (They shot pics while
I had fun...thanks guys).
This is me in Wendy's parking lot. Hey what is that Ford
Explorer doing there?
This is most of the group. Some had left by the time we could collect
everyone for a group shot.
Here are a few more "Renegades" looking for trouble.
Pennsylvania traffic jam. I love Rivers! The front truck is my Green '95
Convertible, followed by Paul Gilmore in his 383 green, Mike Selig in
his '95 Plum wagon, then Pete Gibbons in his red Wagon. On the right is
Ron Papaleo. Ron is glad he could make it!
Here we are again a little way downriver. Hey...how do we get outta
here?
Here comes Pete Gibbons. Mike Selig bravely steps out of his truck to
snap this photo.
Had enough river shots yet? This is my convertible on the right and Pete
Gibbons on the left. Photo from Paul Gilmores' cab.
More Hamburg Meet
