Central West Tour Day 2

28 October 2013 / Phil Donnelley

The Sunday leg of the CWT was a breeze compared to the 620km we did Saturday!

After a hearty meal on Saturday night in Bathurst, a few smooth reds (and Guinness for Tim), and a great sleep, we hit The Hub early on Sunday morning for an even heartier breakfast! Fuel for the road.

From brekkie we headed straight to Mt. Panorama for a few (slow) laps. For a first timer driving this iconic circuit, it was a revelation. TV doesn't show the angle of the climb up and the run down from Skyline to Forrest Elbow is jaw dropping, steep and narrow! The Dipper is a REAL drop!!! It was so tempting to do a hot lap but we all resisted. Afterall, it is a public road with a strictly enforced 60km/hr limit, and the familiar hazards of two-way traffic.

After a visit to Bunnings to do a quick temporary repair to a broken exhaust bracket on my SE, we headed south from Bathurst to firstly Oberon, then to Taralga on the way to Goulburn.

These were all fabulous MX-5 roads, especially Shooters Hill Road and Abercrombie Road - a fabulous combination of big sweeping bends, straights and troughs, drop into and climb out of, through some beautiful scenery. Not that there was much time to take it in! Traffic was light on these roads so we were able to really get the feel of what the MX-5 does best.

We arrived in Taralga for an early lunch to find it full of mature aged bikers. There must have been about 50-60 bikes there! Quite a sight with lots of Harleys, and some great vintage Indians, Triumphs, and a very rare Royal Sheffield from 1954. Bikes always like the same roads an MX-5 does.

After coffee we ran down to Goulburn, then headed north on the Hume to the Sutton Forrest Service Centre for a refuel, say goodbyes and head home independently.

My thanks to the other participants, Chris, Tim, Con, & Jim. Great company and everyone contributed to the run. Con may even bring his car out of moth balls more often.

This was my first weekend away with the Club to experience what I can enjoy and learn about my MX-5. As usual so well organised and run by Michael - a big thanks. While the turnout was small with five cars and six people, it was an outstanding weekend away, and I would strongly recommend members to consider doing these BreakFast Club runs.

There is another one day run to Shoal Bay for breakfast at the Shoal Bay Resort coming up on Sunday 10th November. You will learn a lot about driving and appreciating your MX-5 even more if you tag along on a BreakFast Club run.