Lunch with Sir George

30 May 2024 / Words by Ian Bottcher. Photos by Robyn Bottcher and Rod Nicholas

Windy and chilly it certainly was as 12 MX-5s carrying 22 keen MX-5ers left Hall ACT for a day ‘on the road again …’.

Down the Barton Highway, onto the Hume before turning off into Bowning for a coffee and the obligatory confectionery at the quaint Rollonin café. Friendly staff greeted us dressed in 1800’s regalia setting the scene, reminiscent of the era when bushrangers frequented the Yass valley.

Onwards onto Burley Griffin Way, BTO blaring out ‘… roll down the highway ...’ as we cruised on into Harden for a hard left turn onto Jugiong Road. Jugiong Road stretches for 40 kms before coming over a rise with Jugiong in full view. With a reasonable surface, undulating, curvaceous and twisty nature, Jugiong Road lends itself to MX-5 driving, so much so that at least one MX-5 enthusiast returned home the same way, rather than down the shorter highway route.

By the time we arrived at the Sir George Hotel at Jugiong the weather had completely abated—little to no wind and wonderful autumn sunshine. We all soon settled into an impressive set/shared menu, the highlight being 12 hour roasted shoulders of lamb, just falling off the bone. Not letting the truth get in the way, many great stories were shared among friends in a leisurely environment.

Members found their own way home for a round trip of approximately 300 kms.

(Convenor Rod chose a great top-down drive back to Harden, then Cunningar Road to Boorowa, a brief sprint to Rye Park, a couple of twisties into Yass and a leisurely cruise back the Barton Highway to home. No traffic, no ‘roos and good clean tarmac—great fun!)