Hillbilly For A Day

16 October 2023 / Story: Brigid McCarthy; Photos: Eunice Fong, Brigid McCarthy

It was a cloudy, grey, Sunday morning, as 10 MX-5s assembled in the carpark of McDonalds at Dural.  The prospect of a ‘run up the hill’ into Bilpin and a cider bar for lunch, had drawn a diverse range of club members.  Old members greeted new members as Mark and Dianne Garvan prepared us for our briefing and passed out the run sheets.

Any run that includes a couple of ridge roads, the Putty and Old Bells Line of Road, is going to be a good one!  Our smiles became even wider, as we studied our run sheets.  Cattai Ridge Road is a favourite with the motorbike fraternity, for good reason, as are Scheyville and Pitt Town Roads.  The clouds cleared to spectacular blue skies and we were on our way.

Eunice and Eddie’s, track tuned, silver NC, always turns heads.   Our new member Steven, enjoyed his Birthday drive, and we all admired his father's stunning Heritage NB with only 20K km on the clock.  That ‘Art Vin’ colour, cream interior and Nardi steering wheel attracted lots of oohs and aahs.  What a great way to celebrate your Birthday!

On arrival at Hillbilly Cider we were able to park and display all of our cars together, before proceeding into the cider shed, and out onto the sunny lawn to our reserved, umbrella shaded tables.  Tasting paddles were chosen, from the extensive on tap range, whilst some of us opted for a chilled glass from the vintage range.  Even the non-cider drinkers enjoyed the options.  Wood fired pizzas were ordered and we settled in for a chat and catch up.

Thank you Mark and Dianne for planning and leading a lovely Sunday run.  The reconnaissance certainly paid off, with a seamless and relaxed run.