Brass Monkey Events
13 August 2013 / The newbies
The Brass Monkey has run its race for 2013, so we invited our eight new members who had never been on a Brass Monkey or BreakFast Club run to submit a few words on their experience and observations. Almost all the newbies had not even been on a Club run and this is what they had to say:-
As I have only recently acquired my first MX5 and joined the club, it was quiet an adventure to set off from home at 5:15 am on a cold winter’s day, for a drive down to an even colder Goulbourn. This was a first and I quiet enjoyed being part of the group. I will be looking out for more upcoming drives with the BreakFast Club and getting to know a few of the members. (Trevor Bown)
As a first timer, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I’m pleased to say that I wasn’t disappointed. Getting out of bed was predictably the hardest part! I even managed to convince my beautiful bride Claire (that’s right, Claire Clare….) to accompany me. Even if it’s not your partner, having a friend etc. riding shotgun amps the fun factor and is something I would highly recommend. It was great simply admiring the cars as they arrived at our assembly point with an air of anticipation of what was to come next. The run itself began in a slightly hap hazard manner. Once the first cars began to roll out, everyone else followed, wacky races style! Personally, I would have preferred one big rolling convoy but there’s no stopping the boy racers and their competitive streak. And let’s face it, the performance of our mighty Mazdas always meant the pack was going to separate. A superb cooked breakfast in Goulburn hit the spot with some great chat not only with fellow MX5 Club members but also those of the AHOC- what struck me most about talking with the latter is how unreliable English sports cars circa 1950-1970 can be!! Overall, a great drive, a great day out and we were home to do plenty of other stuff Sunday afternoon. (Steve Clare)
This run was my first with the Club and was as good as I expected. Great to see the large turnout from the Club, plus the other interesting marques attending, loved the big Fairlane with the soft top (which they did not put down !) Noticed the Mini's didn't put their windows down either. First time for me to drive at !?@kph + in the open, bloody cold but great fun. As expected couldn't keep up with the younger members!! Looking forward to more runs and next years Brass Monkey to Mudgee. (Phil Donnelley)
The Brass Monkey was my first event with the Canberra chapter of the club. My nephew Jasper and I had a ball. Excellent “family time” in an MX5! We expected to meet some nice people and weren’t let down. The Goulburn leg was a warm up for a spirited run on the Wakefield Park Long Circuit, I like that piece of road. I’ll be back next year! Thanks Michael, Peter and all there on the day. (Jon Fox)
Up well before dawn in the midst of Winter for a top down run to Goulburn. Are we crazy?? No way!! Launching en masse from just south of Campbelltown with around 30 other MX-5's of every model surrounding us, it was just like the start of a highly competitive go-kart race!! The run to Goulburn was the most fun I've had yet in my '98 NB, affectionately known as 'MAX'. Spirited driving, a spectacular sunrise filling the rear vision mirror and a great brekky; life doesn't get much better and has me itching for the next MX-5 Breakfast Club event!! (Glenn Sheehan)
Truly amazing day! Great road and great cars. Definitely one to go again next year. (Trevor To)
When I purchased my '98 NB late last year, I never imagined I'd be the kind of person who would rise before the crack of dawn to join a convoy of assorted MX5s on a bone-chilling run down the highway with the top down (I like my creature comforts)! However, as soon as we got onto the highway and the sun started to rise over some of the most beautiful countryside in NSW, I realised just how special it is to own one of these wonderful cars and what a privilege it is to be part of the MX5 community - thank you! {Lee-Ann Walsh)
Being a new member when I first heard of the Brass Monkey run. I thought that the organisers must be all mad or a bunch of masochists. Meet at Campbelltown at six in the morning and then a run to Goulburn with the top down, in the middle of winter! Naturally my wife would not have a bar of it but my son Andrew said he would give it a try. And you know what I was pleasantly surprised, top down windows up, heater full blast, the only part that felt the chill was the top of my head (not much there to keep the cold out). It was quite a pleasant run down to Goulburn and the breakfast at the Servos club was 5 star. (Robert Wray)
