The day turned out bright and rain free for a change and I was surprised to discover that I was the first person to turn up at our designated meeting place. I don't think this has happened to me before :-)

Whilst I was topping up the pug another one turned up and before long the car park was full of GTis and everything was looking good. We had lots of new people turn up (as well as some familiar faces), and I'm struggling to remember all the names! Gavin had told me that he'd only received a very limited response since posting the dates, and we weren't sure if many would turn up. It was good to learn that so many came along just from the note on the web page

Right on cue, Steve James turned up with his 1 day old Aluminium Silver GTi180 for all to see. Naturally this was a big hit with the assembly and after the obligatory bonnet lifting and exhaust goggling, Troy called the meeting to order. All up we had 8 206 GTis, a 206 GTi180, a 206CC and a lovely example of a 205 GTi (Series 1 I think!). China Blue seemed to rule the day, although I was happy to note that another example of the best colour (Diablo Red, of course) did show up - thanks David!

Soon afterwards we were on our way north up the F3 towards Newcastle. Some of us demonstrated their superior abilities to lose the people following them as quickly as possible in the back streets, but eventually we all managed to be pointing in the right direction, with no harm done :-) After cruising up the (surprisingly busy for early on Sunday) freeway, we took the Peats Ridge exit and regrouped for our first enroute photo shoot.

After waving goodbye to one of the group we then took a great route, heading through Central Mangrove, Peats Ridge and on to Wollombi, stopping for lunch at the Wollombi Tavern - home to the famous "Dr Jurds Jungle Juice" - though I noticed none of us were tempted to partake. Another group photo in the car park led into lunch, a few drinks and a good chat. There were plenty of motorbikes in attendance also, and by the road in it was easy to see why it is popular with the bikers. Wollombi Tavern is a beautiful place to stop for a drink or something to eat, and if you are ever in the area I thoroughly recommend it.

After lunch (and sadly, a few more pikers) we headed up through Broke and then linked up with the Putty Rd back to Sydney. The Putty Rd (though a little long and straight at times) truly is a fabulous road, and well worth the effort if you have some time on your hands. We stopped for a toilet and drinks break at the servo in Colo Heights, before saying our goodbyes and heading back through Windsor and into Sydney proper.

Once again, it was a great day, helped by fabulous weather, and I think everyone had a good time. It was great to meet some more 206 people, and I'd like to personally thank Gavin and Troy for another very well organised event.

Our next event will more than likely be part of the Peugeot Car Club of NSW.

Stay tuned for more info!

Simon Craig