Gymkana!

With the forecast expected to be clear and sunny, how could one pass up on an opportunity to get out for some car fun? This weekend’s fun was in the form of a picnic and Gymkana which, for the local car club, is a series of events with a similar theme in mind: cars.

We started off with a version of the egg-in-the-spoon race where a ball in a hat is placed on your bonnet and you drive around a course. Time is the measure here, and while the newer cars with their flat bonnets had an advantage, we all had a laugh since the real goal here was to have some fun.

Then there was the “Chinese Laundry” where coat hangars were suspended on stales around the field. A passenger in your car would use a stick to collect all the hangars. While a lot of fun, it is good to keep the number of a good marriage counselor handy when couples team up together!

The next competition was the “Backwards Bikini” which is essentially a reverse figure race against the clock. The advantage went to the open cars. Cars with a less than favourable gear ratio were at a disadvantage and a certain pre-war blue car’s time was better kept with a calendar for this reason.

With our time running short, there was a chance for a demonstration of the “Backseat Driver” event. Only one volunteer for this event, a brave soul trusting in their navigator to guide them. Unfortunately there is not much to report on this one since it is hard to see with a hood over one’s head! My co-pilot & navigator was none other than my son who successfully guided his wary father around the course.

Times and rankings were not even kept. No matter since we all had a great time. Until next year!

Video of the Chinese Laundry

Video of the Backwards Bikini