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Grand Ridge Brewery Run (7/08/05)
It all started in June, being relatively new to the 206 GTi scene, and having noticed that very little Melbourne activity was taking place I decided that I would break the ice by trying to organise a get together.
June became July (the weather worsened) then July became August (with further worsening of the weather), finally the day was upon us.
With a light pattering of rain falling on our meeting point (the service lane on the main street of Lilydale) the wait began… We had no idea that the weather would get worse still.
Problem of the first:
Of all the places to have road works on a Sunday morning the council of Lilydale had decided to place one right on our meeting point, however after some confusion and waiting we all managed to be in the same place and the day could begin.
The following people were in attendance:
Clint (Obsidian black GTi180), Simon (Aegean blue GTi180), Richard (Aegean blue GTi180), Mark (Moonstone Grey GTi), Jason (Diablo GTi), Bernie (Diablo GTi), Michael (Diablo GTi), Vlad (Moonstone Grey GTi), Justin (Montebello blue 307XS), Ben (Diablo Red GTi) and Jenny (Black Clio Sport 172).
Problem of the second:
With quite a journey on our hands and very few CB radios we hit our first snag at the very first corner… Luckily one of the lost had my mobile number and after about a five minute wait we were back in business. I can't stress this enough people, buy a CB radio! (for under $60.00 at Dick Smith you can get a pair)
Our run down through to Moe was relatively peaceful with only a few other cars in front of us. Having said that a nice fat slow 4x4 decided that those yellow signs near corners were the legal limit… After about 15 minutes of 30kmph driving Bernie, (who lead with skill) decided enough is enough and over took the lump of Kelvinator. We all managed to pass him when realisation set that he was slowing a group of cars. Finally he politely pulled over. Off we went again, it was here that Bernie went off on a little jaunt of his own and we headed to our lunch destination.
A fantastic stretch of dry bitumen was our host on the way to the brewery and much revving pleasure was had by those involved. The road was good and twisty and was perfect for our French hatches (commendations go to Vlad who is on his L plates, his driving was just as good as those on their full license (broke at the right time and certainly did not slow anyone down, well done)).
Clio felt intimidated?
At one stage a nice large chunk of branch lay injured in the middle of our lane. Everyone successfully avoided said branch but me. Sadly it was travelling about 45kmph straight towards my pug when I saw it. I would like to publicly state that clearly the Clio didn't like the 180. This was the only stretch of road on most of the journey that wasn't pelted by rain.
With the rain pouring down and visibility at an all time low we continued to travel towards our lunch destination. At approximately 13:30 we arrived and we all parked in a very haphazard French impressionist kind of way, see photos.
Lunch was very good (and by all accounts the beer is splendid) I think we are all in agreement that the food at the brewery is pretty good (I certainly don't think anyone complained about the portion sizes) Next time with a Renault owner in attendance we need to be a little less open about the Pug's problems, I think she was a spy)
Lunch concluded and headed back towards Melbourne, with an obligatory stop for photos and goodbyes.
The freeway run home was nice and fast with the only highlight being Simon in his 180 being past by a rather persistent yellow VW Bug (old style)
All up a very good drive day and I hope the first of many to come.
Thanks to all who came and made the day a success. Thanks also to Bernie for the map and the excellent guidance he provided through leading the pack.
Kilometers travelled: 360
Clint
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