Reuben Owen admitted 'that's the end of my road' after his vintage tractor broke down during a 100-mile journey for his 21st birthday on the Channel 5 show Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales. The setback occurred early in the trek, when smoke began pouring from the engine, leaving him stranded by the roadside.
Tractor Troubles Begin
Owen, who rose to fame on Our Yorkshire Farm alongside his parents Amanda and Clive Owen and his siblings, now stars in his own spin-off following his machinery business. In the episode that originally aired last year, he planned to drive vintage tractors from his home to Whitby with girlfriend Jessica Ellwood and friends, despite a top speed of just 16 mph. Their goal was to celebrate his birthday on the beach with fish and chips.
Shortly after setting off, Ellwood noticed a burning smell and spotted water pouring from the tractor. 'Something smells rather hot,' she shouted. 'Reuben you have got a massive leak.' The group realised they needed antifreeze and water but had forgotten both, so Owen used his drinking water to cool the engine. He also changed the fanbelt to improve performance.
Hill Climb Disaster
The journey faced further trouble at Sutton Bank, a steep hill in North Yorkshire. 'I am not confident here – this is going to take some doing. I am very nervous,' Owen admitted. Minutes later, the tractor rolled to the side of the road with smoke pouring out. 'I think that's the end of my road,' he said, looking devastated. His best friend Tommy came to the rescue with a tow rope, pulling the tractor off the road.
Owen lamented, 'It's not gone well for the old lass,' suggesting the tractor might be on its 'final' journey. However, after cooling down, he managed to restart it, feeling more optimistic. But another setback emerged: an oil leak that required an overnight head gasket change.
Triumphant Arrival
Despite the rocky journey, the group made it to Whitby. There, Ellwood surprised Owen with a cake decorated with his face. 'What an awful picture!' he joked, as everyone laughed. Reflecting on the adventure, he said: 'It's been brilliant, thank you. We have gone right across Yorkshire, from one side to the other, on our tractors. It has been the adventure of a lifetime really, thinking about it. I couldn't imagine spending my 21st in a better way.'
Reuben Owen: Life in the Dales is available to watch on Channel 5.
