Run Report ....
Toranarama, Marburg, Queensland, 13 September 2014 ....
Thursday morning (11 Sep) we had an early start at 5:00am with the group meeting Maccas, McGraths Hill. Five cars and we left on time. We traveled the Putty Road in the dark to start with but it soon became daylight. Passing through Jerry's Plains and into Muswellbrook where we picked-up Rob and Pete. Following a quick coffee and a refuel we were back back on the road.
Next stop was Armidale where more fuel was added and onto lunch at Steve's mum and dad's house. At this point, I would like to thank them for their hospitality and the kindness they afforded us. From Armidale it was onto Glen Innes, Tenterfield, Wallangarra and into the land of milk-and-honey (Queensland) with the next stop at Warwick. After a further one-and-a-half hours we arrived at the Best western Motel in Ipswich which was our home for the next four days.
Friday (12 Sep). This was a rest-up and clean-the-cars-day plus a bit of sight-seeing as well as dinner in the evening at the Ipswich Brother's Rugby League Club. Before-hand we were joined for a few drinks and some idle chit-chat by Lance and Kevin (Lewis) from the Queensland Regional Car Club. Kevin and Lance who were slumming-it camping in the Marburg showgrounds, put the hard word on me to use the shower in my motel room. They obviously assumed that I'd say yes, as they both brought their towels, soap etc. For the record, I must add that they didn't shower together!
Saturday (13 Sep). The group rose early and headed-off to Toranarama at Marburg for the car show. Steve took the lead and we arrived right on time at the showgrounds. This was a great show that the Queensland Torana Car Club had put- on. A credit to the organisers especially to Tony and Ange Corrigan who met us and made us feel really welcome. 221 Toranas and 20 non-Toranas were on-show. There was plenty to see and do with several cars not seen before. A reunion of old friends and catching-up and just a great day all round. As always with car shoes, it was over in what seemed no time at all. We packed-up and headed back to the Best Western in Ipswich for afternoon drinks in the garden of the motel. Afterwards it was out to dinner.
Sunday (14 Sep). Up early for the meeting point on the Warrigo Highway for the run to Bowdens at Buderim. 30 Toranas cruising along the highway is a great sight to behold. The run leader had us going through Brisbane city which separated us at traffic lights. However we made our way to Aussie World at Glenview which was the rendezvous point for the Bowben's Museum tour where Dan Bowden was waiting to greet us. He briefed us on the planned day's events and then he led the way to his Buderim museum and we all followed.
What a great collection of cars. Dan bowden is just so knowledgeable about the racing history of Australia and about the history of every car in the collection. The tour started at 10:00am and by the time it was finished and had lunch it was 3:15pm. The interest in the collection plus Dan's informative presentation made the time fly remarkably fast. Back on the road arriving back at our motel after dark. A bite of dinner followed by an early night.
Monday (15 Sep). Heading-home to Sydney day. Some left at 5:00am, others left at 7:00am while some stayed-back and departed later. It was along day in the old torrie. Just on a 1000km for most of our group to arrive home. The early leavers were lucky to get lunch at Steve's mum and dad's at Armidale on the way home. One thing that is for sure this road trip will be spoken about for long time to come.
I would like to express my thanks to all who made the effort and took the time to do this great run to Queensland. Also thank you to the members of the Queensland Torana Car Club and Bowdens museum for a great time away.
Attendees: Les, Joe, Steve, Mark John, Gary, Keri, Rob, Pete, Mike M (Toranaless) and Bob.
Bob Byrne's.
Great Cars, Great Runs, Great People, Great Times ....