On the morning of August 8th we were headed out on a Mustang run to ride the Jet Boat in Gold Beach, Oregon. There were 2 groups going that day and our meeting place was Willits.
I was leading a group from Napa which ended up being just two cars. I had never met the other couple, Chuck & Shannon Hodgers. We were on our way from Napa through the beautiful Alexander Valley heading for Highway 101 to join the other group.
     As we got on the ramp to Highway 101, going around 68 MPH driving got easier. I settled in my seat, took a deep breath and was on my way. It was around 10:15 a.m. when all of a sudden there was a loud thud and bang. I thought the front end of my Corvette was coming off.  I thought I had hit a pot hole, however they were laying new blacktop and everything was smooth. The light came on which said, “Front right tire flat.”  I pulled over instantly and Chuck was out of the car as fast as I was. We could not believe the tear in my tire. We called for a tow service but they told us three hours. Crap!  We decided to hobble into Cloverdale since the Corvette has “run flat” tires. In the meantime, Chuck & Shannon were calling ahead for tire service. We pulled into one tire place and a large man came running out yelling, “We don't do Corvettes!” We just kept going back onto the road and headed north to the next tire shop. They greeted us with open arms, but they didn’t have the right tire, so they called ahead to Les Schwab and called another tow service, and again it was a 3 hour wait.
     We decided to hobble at 40 MPH with both of our hazard lights on, heading for Ukiah, stopping half way to check the tire. We were holding back traffic as it was two lanes with no passing. As we pulled off to check the tire and let traffic go, directly behind Chuck was a CHP car pulling off with us. We checked the tire and there was no way we could go any further. The tire was hot, plus the tire was giving way from the rim. The officer suggested that we have it towed to Ukiah. He was so kind & called another tow truck for us. This time the wait was only 45 min. The officer stayed with us talking very calmly, and we found out he had only been on the force for a year.
     We got to Les Schwab and they said it would be another 3 hours. Chuck explained our problem and where we have to be by 6 p.m., but they said, “Sorry.” I must say that they were very busy. In the meantime, one of the other tow companies returned Chuck’s call. When Chuck explained our situation and the length of time involved, the man said, “I know the manager, let me call.” I don’t know what he said to the manager, but we were out in about 1 1/2hrs. By this time it was 3:15 p.m., and somehow we made it to the Samoa Cookhouse in time for dinner! 
     Chuck & Shannon did not know me but they stayed with me the entire time and even brought me lunch.   I really feel that they deserve The Golden Horse Award for helping me, because they went above and beyond to help another club member.
by Yvonne Westberg