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Events
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DTC brings the usual suspects and a few laughs
Now in its fifth year, the Timed Laps event at the Lakeside Driver Training Centre (DTC) is a favourite for LCQ members who enjoy a competitive outing in a controlled environment.
Story: Shane Murphy, Photos: Jay Bowden
Lakeside is, for most, an easy 45 minute drive away and on the 7th of March the usual suspects made up 32 entrants, all keen to get on the track after the long summer break.
Daryl Wilson (pictured above) once again organised and pulled the day together, ably assisted on the day by Club members manning the timing tent and taking on setting-up duties.
The day went well, with no safety concerns. It was interesting to note each driver’s performance curve over the nine runs as the temperature kept rising towards the day’s top of about 32 degrees. (Note to all: get fitter!)
On the surface, the event is conducted as a non-competitive timed laps program, but there are always hidden tensions when the helmets are donned and the visors flipped down. And as usual, the day was full of laughs! A few highlights worth noting…
A big congratulations to Matt for once again topping the time sheets, the pressure was on all day from Garry and in the final wash up, he ran a close second.
The Lindsay vs Clint challenge is always highly amusing with Clint pipping Lindsay by 0.82 of a second. Lindsay was seen wandering around muttering, “Bring your own b…. car next time.” Luckily for all the families present no one understood Scottish swear words.
New guys, Paul Torrisi (2004 Elise) and Tim Ash (Exige Cup 260) finished the day well, both promising to return and possibly turning off their air-con next time to improve performance.
Mal Kelson set the track alight, pulling out a sub 50 second lap, (Mal’s grin was bigger than Dan Ricciardo’s) however, much to the disappointment of all spectators, Mal didn’t spin off once all day!
Dick tried everything to improve his times, including removing his windscreen, taking off his sunglasses, altering his tyre pressures, lowering his glove box, ultimately removing his air-filters in a bid to find that elusive delta. (Note to Dick, ask an engineer what a delta is.)
In the background Mike Moore was putting in hot laps in his 340R. Garry and Kelly traded blows all day, Kelly lining up time after time promising that this would be her last and fastest lap. However as the next round lined up Kelly was there chanting ‘This time, then I am off”.
Daryl started the day with the world on his shoulders, put in a couple of early fast but then disappointingly mediocre laps. However, when provoked to action by a boisterous bunch of start line spectators, pulled out his fastest lap, which amused the maddening crowd and caused Dick much angst.
Three more meetings are scheduled for 2015. Keep the following dates free:
- Sunday 3 May 2015
- Saturday 20 June 2015
- Sunday 16 August 2015
![Londa](https://www.lotusclubqueensland.com/wp-content/uploads/Londa-1024x372-1160x665.jpg)
Lakeside DTC – Sat 7 March
It’s on again! The first Lotus Club Queensland Lakeside DTC Timed Laps event for the year is scheduled for Saturday 7th March 2015.
These events are extremely popular, please enter early so you don’t miss out.
This event will be run under Queensland Raceway AASA and QMSC Licence arrangements and is open to all LCQ Members, their family and friends.
The Lakeside Driver Training Centre is at the rear of Lakeside Raceway and has a combination of layouts. It is a bitumen track with fairly flat, open grass, safe run-off areas in most parts. See a course map here.
The Timed Lap format is a single car run for a timed lap, and the aim is to have a great day in a safe, controlled environment. It’s not about winning, it’s about having fun.
This will be an all day event starting around 7.30 am for registration, scrutineering and driver briefing etc. BYO lunch. The cost is $95.00 per driver which includes a QMSC Day licence, or $75.00 if you have a AASA or QMSC Annual licence.
Please complete this Entry Form and QMSC Licence Form. Please email the front page of the entry form to Daryl Wilson at: wilmac@bigpond.com wilmac@bigpond.com
Please forward your payment by bank transfer to:
LCQ Bank Account BSB 633-000
Account No: 119108751
and include the reference “DTC and your name”.
Important: You MUST register and pay by Thursday 5th MArch 2015. NO entries will be accepted after that date.
If your vehicle is Queensland registered you will be required to obtain a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance Rally Extension letter from you CTP Insurer. The CTP letter is to state the name and date of the event and be produced at registration on the day. Here is a sample letter.
Please also ensure you bring the following signed original forms on the day;
- Your signed original Entry Form
- Your signed QMSC Day Licence Form – if applicable
- Your AASA or QMSC Annual Licence Card – if applicable
- Your CTP Rally Extension Letter
These forms will be required by Lakeside staff when you register. Please register early to assist us get off to a good start on the day and have fun.
For more info phone: Daryl Wilson on 07 3849 2220 or 0418 711 227.
![skidpan](https://www.lotusclubqueensland.com/wp-content/uploads/skidpan-1024x321-1160x665.jpg)
Skid pan day you say?
Sounds like a great day out. In fact it turned out to be the most fun I’ve ever had in a car.
By Aaron McKenzie, photos by Gloria Wade.
We headed out to the Mount Cotton Driver Training Facility on the 6th December under looming stormy weather with a belly full of nervous anticipation.
A great mix of daily drivers and Lotus alike arrived – all with one thing in common, a big grin.
We were split into two groups, each with a tactical course to complete before switching over and breaking for lunch. After the initial few runs, the majority (not all!) of fishtails, doughnuts, extended handbrake turns and maniacal wheel spinning were out of the system and competition grew a bit more serious as times were recorded for ultimately what was the main bragging right at the end of the day.
Each course proved to have its own challenges. Sharp tight turns and hairpins or wider, sweeping figure eights provided their rewards of car control and excitement.
After a short break for a sausage sizzle and some story telling we all sat back and watched the moving of cones by Paul, wondering what was in store for our afternoon session.
A mirror image track was set up for two cars at a time to test their new skills against one another. No time for showboating here, this was all about control and clean lines, and proved to be the most exciting part of the day.
When all was said and done our times were irrelevant, our tanks overflowed with joy and our anticipation is building towards the next event.
A big thanks must go to Garry and his team for doing a brilliant job of organising the day, to Paul and his team for allowing us to enjoy our cars in a safe environment, and to all the LCQ members for a great turn out.
![A-very-relaxed-afternoon](https://www.lotusclubqueensland.com/wp-content/uploads/A-very-relaxed-afternoon-1024x393-1160x665.jpg)
Christmas Bash – November 2014
What a blast we had at the LCQ Christmas Barefoot Bowls!
By Vyvyan Black. Photos by Gloria Wade
A great day was had by all as a host of members and their families arrived for our ‘End Of Year Blast’ – a fun afternoon of barefoot bowls at the Toowong Bowls Club on Sunday the 23rd November.
Classical summer libations were consumed along with a great spread of steaks, snags, barbecued chicken and various salads – all this while the sun soaked our shirts and shorts in sweat and the enjoyable entertainment by The Recliners was arousing our aural senses.
All in all a fab day and an excellent way to bring the Lotus crowd together. Many thanks to all who attended and much gratitude to the Toowong Club.
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DTC Lakeside Oct 2014
The preparations for this event began on Saturday 23rd August when the event next day was cancelled.
By Dick Reynolds. Photos by Gloria Wade.
Due to the popularity of the Lakeside Driver Training Circuit (DTC) track, we could only get three events for the year, the first two being on Saturdays and this re-scheduled one on Sunday.
A quick assessment by Daryl and the re-scheduled date is to be 26th October 2014.
Now, Daryl sent out the usual email to attract entries, and in no time we had enough to fill a Brisbane City Council bus! Over-subscribed! What to do? Call the entries quits. Sorry, we are full.
To keep a long story, short, we ended up with 51 entries. 25 of which were Lotus Club members, and the remainder – 26 for the numerically challenged – from all over.
Now that is a great turnout, covering our costs and manageable on the day.
So, to the day in question. Sunny and fairly hot, track ripe for some good times, and plenty of fire smoke on the day.
Daryl busied himself setting up the timing, having been on holidays in Europe from the day before! Terry Scharf and I set about scrutineering all the cars and Jon Young, Matt Plowman, Shane Murphy, Clive Wade and others set about arranging witches hats, cleaning things and generally running around organising. We had a few tents this time, so it all took on the look of a Bedouin camp of sorts. Drivers’ briefing was short and very clear, drive fast and be careful.
This shot epitomises DTC, or it’s just two old blokes chatting!
The runs started about 9.00am and we managed to fit in seven on the day.
Garry Pitt immediately threw down the gauntlet with a 47.665, Martin O’Brien (Elise S) a 47.691, Matt Plowman (Scura) a 47.787. We all just followed on from there.
Shane Murphy and Ken Philp spent the day sorting their Sevens, Jon Young likewise after his re-build.
Ian Martin wasn’t there, but Evan Molloy, Lindsay Close, Clint Watt, Rob Stevens, Martin O’Brien, Mal Kelson, Garry and Kelly Pitt and Michael Walsh kept the Lotus ‘moderns’ flag flying, with Ken and Liam Philp, Daryl Wilson, Jon Young, Shane Murphy, Jeff Rowse and myself punting the oldies so to speak.
It was nice to see a couple of MX5s in there, along with a Ford Escort, BMW M3, Gemini, Silvia, Golf, a gaggle of Nissany type things, a D type replica, Mitsubishi Evo, Ford GT (yes the new GT40 thingy!), Datto’s and a couple of partridges in a nearby pear tree.
By the last run, we were all pretty content with a great day’s racing, having completed seven runs, and suffering no maladies. A few left early, either busy, tired or protecting the car.
Matt Plowman once again won the day in his outrageously driven, quick Scura (45.559), closely followed by Gary Pitt in the HPE (45.616) and then Martin O’Brien (46.581). Which is all very well, but can I mention Jon Young just beat a flying Daryl Wilson (49.379, 49.527) on the back of his prang at Mt Cotton early in the year, Liam only just beat dad with a 48.369, dad a 49.277, Gary Fludder beat the Dax Rush Hyabusa by over a second, and Beth O’Donnell, partnered with Jeff Rowse, closed off the running with a 59.190.
I would like to mention a few other particular performances. Tim Hill punted his now re-built Datto 1600 into 10th place. Terry Scharf held up the HSCCQ end with a spirited 52.241. Gloria Wade took some great photos which will are on the web. And lots of people, particularly Angele Fludder, carried out the timing which proved faultless on the day!
Can’t wait for the next one!
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4WD Weekend – Nov 2014
A fantastic weekend away was had by four members, and in two cases, their partners over the 1st and 2nd of November.
By Tim Moore. Photos by Gloria Wade
Organised by Rob Stevens and Clive Wade to absolute perfection, the participants were Clive and Gloria Wade in their Land Rover Discovery, Rob Stevens and his two children in their Toyota Prado, John & Penny Barram in their Mitsubishi Pajero, and myself in my Land Rover Defender.
We met Saturday morning at Peak Crossing Park and, after a short briefing and organising what radio frequency we would communicate on, we headed off. The first stops were on the Head Road and at Teviot Falls. There wasn’t much water coming over the falls but what a sensational view from this point, it was truly stunning. Then over the hill towards the Condamine River. At this stage we were greeted by some of the most beautiful country I’ve seen anywhere, undulating plains with some trees, and green as green. Our next adventure was to cross the Condamine River, which we did 14 times, as we made our way down Condamine Gorge, it was a great adventure for someone like myself with my limited 4WD experience. If there was more water running it would have been a lot more challenging, but it was still challenging enough.
At the first crossing we stopped for a compulsory cup of tea and a morning snack. Then we were off to Killarney, a couple of us needed to bolster the larder as we had forgotten some key stocks needed for the overnight stop. Next off to Queen Mary Falls for lunch in the park and a walk to the falls. The falls were spectacular as normal with a large amount of water, a great photo opportunity. Then we were back to the café at the falls for a cappuccino and iced coffee fix, as well as a close up with the exquisite King Parrots.
Next we were off to our camp site for the night; Manna Gums Camp Site in the Main Range National Park. Clive led us on a journey down memory lane where some of his friends had property. First stop Tannymorel. for a photo opportunity with the statue of a coal miner (coal mining was carried out from 1909 to 1967). After this short interlude it was on to the Goomburra Valley and Manna Gums Camp Site via Emu Vale and Yangan.
Arriving at about 3.30 in the afternoon it all became very busy setting up camp for the night, all of us admiring some element of the others set up. Rob Stevens took the prize for all the gadgets he had developed, obviously perfected with his wife on their many excursions into the great outback. While the adults set up camp, Rob’s children were straight off through the rainforest to the creek where they found a rock pool to go swimming.
Meanwhile, we were greeted by a variety of bird life, cheeky Satin Bower Birds that came right into the tent as well as the wonderful calls of both the bellbirds and whip birds.
Once all was set up we met in the meeting room area that John and Penny had provided; an Oz Trail tent with a number of tables in the centre and stoves on the side. Soon after the afternoon cuppa it was obviously “drink o’clock“.
A couple of beers, then onto some white wine followed by red. A sumptuous dinner was cooked and then it was time to light the fire, which Rob and his kids got underway followed by all of us sitting around the fire and doing what we normally do in these circumstances; solving the problems of the world. We all turned in at about 9 pm, and we experienced something that we haven’t seen in Brisbane for a long time; constant rain, which continued through to about 2am, testing all of our tents, happily with no leaks reported.
In the morning we were again greeted by the call of the Bell and Whip Birds, we cooked up bacon and eggs, and then bid John and Penny farewell as they were off to pick up John’s dad for his 94th birthday lunch.
The remaining team headed up to Sylvester Lookout, a short drive through rainforest followed by a 500 metre walk to a sensational vista across the Fassifern Valley and Moogerah Dam.
After returning to the cars from the lookout Rob headed off leaving Clive, Gloria and I to make our way back to the camp site for morning tea and Clive’s final pack up.
Then, too soon, the weekend was over and we headed down from the range. A stop at Aratulla for lunch and coffee, then Clive led us on a drive via Kalbar, Peak Crossing and on to the Cunningham Highway, a much more interesting route than travelling down the highway.
Clive and Gloria turned off to the Moggill Ferry leaving me on my own to head home.
For all those Lotus members who didn’t make it on this weekend; after my story and the photos Gloria has provided, I hope we can get a larger contingency next year. It really was a fabulous weekend away with some very nice people, and a camp site that was truly iconic Australian bush.
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Crows Nest Run – Oct 2014
Run to Qld Auto Museum Hampton – Sunday 12th October
By Maggie Goodfellow, Photos by Gloria Wade
Emails were sent out, numbers of participants estimated, and approx twenty two Lotus Club Queensland members assembled at the Caltex service station on 12th October at the rather unreasonable (for a Sunday) time of 8:15am for a planned 8:45am day run start.
Ken and Marg Philp had obviously spent some considerable time planning the event, with a handout of over a dozen pages of maps, instructions and emergency phone numbers to ensure that there would be no stragglers or lost souls on the day.
The turn out at the Caltex start was impressive – with a range of cars from all Lotus eras: early Elans of the Brays, Wilsons and Vyvyan Black; Elises of Barry McInnes, Goodfellows, Uphams and Wades; the new Europa of the Philps; Dick Reynolds in his Caterham and assorted other welcome members and friends – Tony and Lisa Galletly in their MX5, Greg Jorgensen in a Toyota FT86, Richard Wade in his BMW and Eddie Hussam and friend in an MG.
After a thorough briefing the convoy set off with firm instructions to wait at turnings to ensure that the car behind could see where to go (this worked until Mike and I lost followers Tony and Lisa Galletly as they opted to divert from the chosen route to relive past memories of a long lost picnic spot).
On all good day runs the focus has to be both great roads and great food, and the chosen coffee stop at Esk was a winner – many a member was seen munching large sausage rolls or yummy scones while enjoying a good coffee. At this point the Barrams arrived to join us, and thereby swelling the Elise contingent.
The route chosen by Ken was fantastic, being mainly non-highway. The majority of roads were well maintained, driving enjoyable with lots of lovely winding stretches and hilly terrain, and the scenery was great – a bonus being that the sun shone for nearly all the day – Queensland at its best.
The focus of the run was to reach the Queensland Auto Museum at Hampton near Toowoomba high up on the dividing range. It was a bit of a shock to find that the last half kilometre to the museum was over dirt roads (not something that Peter and Norma Upham normally tackle). However we all rose to the challenge and arrived safely to enjoy a fantastic lunch and a tour of the museum hosted by Kerry (husband Roy was away scouting for new exhibits around Australia). This museum has an amazing array of both cars and memorabilia and kept both the car buffs and historic magazine addicts enthralled. A knowledge of the history of Holdens was a must as virtually every model made was exhibited (and member John Barram was impressively able to enlighten Kerry on the exact engine type for particular early Holdens!).
After a long and leisurely lunch and tour of the museum and surrounding gardens, the group gradually dispersed and headed back home.
Many thanks to both Kerry at the museum and especially to Ken Philp for organising a very enjoyable day run – and as always, many thanks to Gloria Wade for taking the great photos.
![Joe](https://www.lotusclubqueensland.com/wp-content/uploads/Joe1-1024x365-1160x665.jpg)
Morgan Park – Sept 2014
Morgan Park Sprints – Round 4
By Geoff Noble, Photos by Gloria Wade
The usual LCQ Sprint diehards made the trek from Brisbane for the final round of the Supersprint Series and for the first time in 2014, Warwick turned on perfect weather for a full weekend!
We had Joe Arico, Clive Wade, John Flynn, Rob Stevens, and Jason Patullo running their Elises in the 0 – 2000cc Sportscar Class, with Martin O’Brien, Matt Plowman and myself in the over 3000 litre class, with the ‘ring in’ Mick Cullum in his turbo Birkin. John Barram had the Cheetah out for a run in the Racing Car section, with Greg Bray campaigning the 61 in the Formula Ford category. Mike Goodfellow also took time out from his regular overseas jaunts to dust off the Caterham. And, how could I forget, regular trophy burglar Wade Greensill in the M100 (Sportscars 2001 – 2000cc)
After the Friday practice (best value track time in Australia at $30 for the afternoon) most of us headed back to our regular haunt (Pitstop Lodge) to consume Thai takeaway and watch the NRL semi final on TV. As well as tell some lies. The real ‘hard’ individuals put up tents and camped. Then there were the folk in between who stayed at some sort of hut at the caravan park!
Competition wise, everything went well with Clive and Rob both getting PB’s early. That was until the final run on Saturday afternoon, when Matt’s diff cried “enough” and he was towed back in. Matt and Sally were going home that night anyway (some feeble excuse about having to attend a wedding!) and then Wade gave detailed instructions on who/how to collect his trophy, and he and Aston headed back as well. We then had the now traditional final round sausage sizzle and photo hand-out at the circuit Saturday afternoon. The departees left us a few short at the dinner table, but we made the most of it with our own private room at the Warwick Hotel for dinner, followed by a nightcap or two back at Pitstop and more footy on the TV. But only the real diehards stayed awake for the Singapore Grand Prix qually!
Sunday was more perfect weather, which saw John Barram starting to lay down some quick times in the Cheetah, Clive overdriving the car and reverting to his old trick of spinning, Greg getting on top in the Formula Ford battle, and Mick Cullum trying to get his gazillion horsepower, wannabe 7 to handle. The organisers pulled stumps reasonably early, which was understandable as local boy Matt Campbell was competing in the Porsche Challenge at Phillip Island and they needed to get things squared away so they could watch that race on TV. A couple of us stayed back and watched it too. That kind of rounded out a perfect weekend (for most of us) as Matt dominated with pole, 3 race wins, and a new lap record!
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Lakeside Timed Laps October 2014
The last Lotus Club Queensland Lakeside DTC Timed Laps event for the year is scheduled for Sunday 26th October 2014.
These events have been extremely popular this year, so please enter early, so you do not miss out.
This event will be run under Queensland Raceway AASA and QMSC Licence arrangements and is open to all LCQ Members their family and friends.
The Lakeside Driver Training Centre is at the rear of Lakeside Raceway and has a combination of layouts. It is a bitumen track with fairly flat, open grass, safe run-off areas in most parts. See a course map here.
The Timed Lap format is a single car run for a timed lap, and the aim is to have a great day in a safe, controlled environment. It’s not about winning, it’s about having fun.
This will be an all day event starting around 7.30 am for registration, scrutineering and driver briefing etc. BYO lunch. The cost is $95.00 per driver which includes a QMSC Day licence, or $75.00 if you have a AASA or QMSC Annual licence.
Please complete this Entry Form and QMSC Licence Form. Please email the front page of the entry form to Daryl Wilson at: wilmac@bigpond.com wilmac@bigpond.com
Please forward your payment by bank transfer to:
LCQ Bank Account BSB 633-000
Account No: 119108751
and include the reference “DTC and your name”.
Important: You MUST register and pay by Friday 22nd August 2014. NO entries can be accepted on the day.
If your vehicle is Queensland registered you will be required to obtain a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance Rally Extension letter from you CTP Insurer. The CTP letter is to state the name and date of the event and be produced at registration on the day. Here is a sample letter.
Please also ensure you bring the following signed original forms on the day;
- Your signed original Entry Form
- Your signed QMSC Day Licence Form – if applicable
- Your AASA or QMSC Annual Licence Card – if applicable
- Your CTP Rally Extension Letter
These forms will be required by Lakeside staff when you register. Please register early to assist us get off to a good start on the day and have fun.
For more info phone: Daryl Wilson on 07 3849 2220 or 0418 711 227.
![deeper-conversation](https://www.lotusclubqueensland.com/wp-content/uploads/deeper-conversation-1160x665.jpg)
Polly’s Kitchen capers
August Day Run to Springbrook
Some events that Robyn and I have been to this year, in reverse order of importance, and their associated weather:
• Warbirds over Wanaka: Rain
• Imperial War Museum Duxbury, ‘D’ Day flying display: Heavy rain
• LCQ August drive day: Rain?
Or so the cryptic phone call I received from Clive on the Thursday before seemed to imply:
“Hi Colin, Clive here. Would you and Robyn still be interested in coming on the outing on Sunday if it rains a little?”
Now I know the Elan is a soft-top, but it is reasonably watertight, so what is he talking about?
Found out on the day before the drive as 70mm of rain filled our rain gauge, and a similar amount also fell on the rest of S.E. QLD!
Sunday loomed overcast, with a forecast of clearing showers. Sometime after gathering at the Yatala BP, two Elan owners were observed to be praying to ACBC for some sunshine and dry roads. Either that or they were:
A. counting oil drips
B. comparing chassis colour
C. discussing why one of the Elans had sagging front suspension or
D. all of the above.
They must have been praying, as the day turned into brilliant sunshine with barely a drop of rain.
All those intending to participate finally arrived and some serious chatting got under way. Central to the conversation was the appearance of an Exige S. A striking looking car in an equally striking Khaki colour. Rob and Erin Bell were quite happy to talk about their new car and gave us all an insight into the difference between their old Series 1 Elise and their new Exige S.
Apart from the Exige, there were:
• A Series 2 Elise – Peter Upham (our drive leader)
• Two Series 1 Elises – Clive and Gloria Wade and Mal and Chris Kelson
• Two Elans – Greg and Chris Bray and Colin and Robyn McKay
• Honda Integra ISO Caterham 7 – Darryl and Moira Wilson
• Subaru ISO Series 1 Elise – Rob and Helen Flaherty
• BMW 125i – Richard Wade
Clive called the group together and handed out driving notes with maps and discussed the route. Yatala – Tamborine – Canungra (coffee break) – Upper Beechmont – Numinbah Valley – Pine Creek Road – Mudgeeraba Springbrook Road down to Polly’s Country Kitchen.
A fairly straightforward first leg ensued with the road surface drying out nicely and just the usual Sunday drivers to contend with. Peter first showed his leadership ability, by ensuring that the road hog, sitting in the r/h lane of a passing section, stayed there whilst we all undertook him to get by, everyone eager to get to coffee at Canungra. Sunday drivers!
The second leg, which climbed up towards Binna Burra on the Lamington Plateau and on to Upper Beechmont, was the beginning of the more interesting part of the drive and affords some great Lotus type roads and breathtaking views toward the Gold Coast and the ocean beyond.
Continuing from here the road descends toward the Numinbah Valley via a narrow, twisty mountain road. This was our first taste of what was to come, corners dry in the sun and damp in the shade. However, Peter led at a pace that was brisk, but considerate of the varying conditions.
The third leg up the Numinbah Valley road can be driven at quite a pace and is a satisfying drive. However, passing places are few and frustrations can build. Hence our change of leader at the next intersection for our climb up toward Springbrook.
Our fourth leg was thus led by Mal, with Darryl as passenger, who courageously cleared the way for our enthusiastic squirt up this long and winding road. This road ascends for several kilometres with barely a straight stretch to be seen. Fortunately, it was quite dry with no traffic and we all enjoyed the freedom to lift the pace a little.
The fifth and final leg from Springbrook to Polly’s Country Kitchen was another long descent similar to the one down from the Lamington Plateau; in and out of shade with corresponding wet and dry patches. This combined with some wet, wooden, one way bridges required a certain amount of care to negotiate without coming to grief.
A large table had been set up for our arrival at Polly’s, and after a photo session and a chat about the drive and the difference in performance of one brand of tyre over another in the damp conditions, we retired to the café for lunch.
To our delight, but not necessarily to all the other diners, we were joined by several hungry kookaburras looking for an opportunistic snack. After finishing our country fare, and watching Clive and Gloria devouring a large piece of chocolate chestnut torte, thanking them both for organising the day out and Peter for leading, the group drifted off in dribs and drabs all happy that the weather cleared enough for a great day.
Now, what were those two guys really looking at under the Elans?
C. Greg is sagging!
Cheers, Colin.