restos - F+W Media

Long-distance convoying in an HMVDodge trucks descending the steepand rough grade after crossing thefamous Hatcher Pass.4,100 Miles on theAlaskan Highwayby Jeff RowsamThe historic military vehicle (HMV) hobby is seeing achange from its traditional, static events where stationarydisplays of restored military vehicles are the mainstay.More and more, owners are expressing interest in driving theirHMVs. That includes everything from a ride to the ice creamshop with the kids, driving into the local cruise night, to convoyingto the next regional HMV weekend swap meet all the way tomore extensive convoy events covering longer distances.In 2012, the Military Vehicle Preservation Association(MVPA) sponsored its second major cross country convoy event.Kenny and Anna Adams drove their 1945 CCKW from Ohio. Shownhere at the Mile Zero opening ceremony in Dawson Creek, BritishColumbia.2012 Marked the 70th anniversary of the building of the AlaskaHighway by the US Army in 1942. What better way to commemoratethat WWII event than driving 4,100 miles on a militaryroad in a convoy of restored HMVs?Not a small event—the Alaska convoy did require plenty ofpre-planning. A dedicated group of a dozen volunteers formedthe core team.The convoy included 77 HMVs dating from WWII, Korea,Vietnam and Desert Storm. These vehicles were pulling 33 militarytrailers. 36 support vehicles towed 19 more civilian trailers.In all, 190 people participated including 46 women. Of thoseparticipating, 53 were veterans.Drivers came from all corners of the US and Canada. In additionto the North American contingent, convoy drivers camefrom Belgium, France, Australia and New Zealand. Many driversdrove their favorite HMVs from as far as Florida, Texas,California, Ohio and Wisconsin just to get to the starting point inDawson Creek in far northern British Columbia!THE WAY IT WASToday, the Alaska Highway is a paved, all-weather, two-laneroute, but we wanted to drive our HMVs on some gravel roadsmuch like is was in the 1940s. So, the route was planned to traveloff the main “ALCAN” (Alaska Highway) route for sections ofthe trip.Covering 4,100 miles total, the convoy included 1,100 mileson remote gravel roads. The journey also included a side trip theMilitary Vehicles Magazine June 2013 71