It turns out in practice that a full pull is not that easy. On Saturday morning there are only a few who make it to the 100 meters. According to Jansen, there is therefore more to it than just ‘guzzling the throttle’. “There are many more things at play, such as the gears and grip. There is real technology behind it.” In fact, the Trekkerslep is a competition to see who can handle his machine best.
The Trekkerslep once started in Westerbork, but since 2010 it has been held in Hooghalen. The event grew out of its scope and Hooghalen turned out to be the ideal place. The anniversary would therefore already be celebrated in 2020, but due to two years of ‘corona absence’, that party is now being held.
Jansen is happy that the event is back on the roll, but would have liked it to be a few degrees cooler. “A degree or 25 is fine for an outdoor event. This is a bit too hot. Yesterday we saw that many visitors only came later in the evening, when it had cooled down a bit.”
According to Jansen, the participants are not bothered by the heat. “The new tractors have good air conditioning and the old ones don’t have a hood,” he says. “So they manage just fine.”
Despite the tropical temperatures, young and old know how to find the tractor party again. Jansen thinks that the atmosphere of the Trekkerslep is unique. “It’s very pleasant,” he says. “We get together, look at the tractors and have a beer. It’s just fun.”
The younger tractor fanatic who does not drink beer will also get his money’s worth. The 15-year-old Bas, for example, participates himself. “I’m going for the full pull, but 80 meters is nice too,” he says. The 14-year-old Wesley does not participate and is going home this afternoon after the speedcross. “I have to milk at five o’clock.”
Tonight the event will be concluded with a performance by the Bökkers. Tickets are available at the entrance.