Run Report ....
Run Report ....
Torana Nationals, Canberra, 13 November 2016 ....
Friday 11th. A group of members, including a new member Ron Gailey with partner Robyn, assembled and departed from Leo's diner around 10:30hrs to rendezvous at Goulburn for a lunch and fuel stop.
Progress was hindered by Mike M locking his keys in his red LC. Whilst waiting for a locksmith to resolve the predicament, it turns-out another member's keys fitted Mike's lock. Perhaps adding fuel to the notion that GMH only had a small number of lock combos.
On the road again at 13:30hrs the group had a good run to arrive at the motel around 15:15hrs. Mike and Gabby turned-up sans Torana as they had an altercation with Skippy's large brother.
Once checked and settled-in, the group set about rehydrating and solving the world's problems. Following-on from this was a ‘meet and greet’ affair, attended by some members, which turned-out to be a great night.
Saturday 12th. Up early with not much evidence of the promised ‘bright of eye...etc’, the cars were liberated of their rainy gloss, breakfast done and everyone revving their beasties and champing at the bit to go cruising. And so it was, the flag dropped around midday with a local leading us on a tour of the nation's capital. Sights seen were the Arboretum, past Scrivener Dam and the Lodge (no invite for lunch was noted), Old and new Parliament Houses with a final destination of the CSIRO HQ car park next to the Australian War Memorial which some members visited. Some remained in the car park to discuss the relative merits of various wheel sizes whilst others enjoyed the excellent lunch fare afforded by Poppy's Cafe. For such a large contingent of Toranas, navigating the cruise was made easy by strategically placed signs and Canberra Torana Club members directing us along the route. Very thoughtful indeed.
Back at the hotel around 15:30hrs and the rehydration issue needed urgent address in preparation for the evening's Gala dinner at the Vikings Club. Celebrity guests at the dinner were Bev and James Brock, Fred and Christine Gibson, Colin Bond, John Sheppard and Sandra Bennett. Legends all! The NSWTC was well represented on the night with the ranks swelling by the joining of new member Julie and Partner Mark. The good food and entertaining guests put a great finish to an exciting day.
Sunday 13th. Up at ‘sparrows’ to get ready for the big ‘Show 'n' Shine’ day starting with a push start for Mike M, all the club members’ cars were lined-up at our allocated space, in chronological order and presented an impressive 16 car display, aided and abetted by our recently acquired marquee which served us well during the moments of precipitation. Indeed, we did look ‘the business’ on the day. At trophy time, the club also gave a good account of itself with Steve Hennessey the first cab off the rank with ‘Best LH’ then Bob Byrnes with ‘Best L34’, Peter Macken with ‘Best Custom Panel and Paint’ and finally a reluctant recipient in the form of Mike Holland taking the ‘Hard Luck Story’ prize for his interaction with local fauna. Like the preceding day's cruise, the organisation managed by the Canberra Torana Club was excellent and contributed to a most enjoyable day.
Overall, it was a first-class weekend and great to see so many from the NSWTC in attendance for which the President extends his gratitude.
Monday 14th. With a great weekend behind us, a push start again for Mike M and we're on the road again with pit stops at Eaglehawk to feed the Torries and Marulan to feed us. Many thanks to the committee and all those folks who worked tirelessly behind the scenes at the Canberra Torana Club. They did themselves proud!
Attendees: Les and Liz, Steve and Annie, John and Val, Mark and Heather and children, Peter, Mike and Denise, Rose and Harold, Ron and Robyn, Gary and Kerry, Rob and Shaz, Joe and Cath, Rob and Pete, Ritchie, Corrinna and Jarrod, Jim and Jenny, Julie and Mark, Mike and Gabby and Bob.
Apologies: Lance.
Bob Byrnes
Run Coordinator
Great Cars, Great Runs, Great People, Great Times ....