Port to Port via Dorrigo weekend

12 October 2014 / Text Barry & Jenny Luttrell; Photos Barry & Jenny Luttrell & Keiran Rodgers

Saturday 27 September

We arrived at McDonalds Port Macquarie for a 9:00am start. Met with Mid North Coast Chapter members, Greg, Peter, Keiran, Mike, Lulu, Kevin, in five cars. After introductions all round, Kieran took starting photos. We were ready to be led by Mike through the challenging New England ranges, possibly the best MX-5 roads available. Rain threatened at the start, should we have our hoods up or down? Traffic on the Oxley highway was initially heavy but lightened out as we passed through Wauchope and approached the ranges. The run up the first stage of the range was MX-5 heaven. Fast, smooth and challenging, but always within the posted speed limits. Had a well-earned coffee stop at the halfway point of Ginger’s Creek while spending time checking out the competing two wheeled parade. At least MX-5s don't fall over easily. All agreed we had a good run.

With improving weather the second half of the mountain same as the first except for pesky 4WDs who insisted on finding out if they can go around corners as good as MX-5s. Up the mountain to Walcha, and then on to Uralla for a well-deserved lunch at their top pub. We had great food at a very reasonable price.

Back on the road and a run up the New England Highway and over the "devil’s pinch" to Guyra and the start of our "top of the range" run to Ebor Falls. It's another great MX-5 road with sweeping bends and mostly smooth surface together with mountain landscapes and almost no traffic. We arrived at Ebor Falls with its spectacular scenery to view a good amount of water falling into the gorges of the New England National Park and more photos taken.

Next stop Dorrigo, via Waterfall Way and our overnight accommodation at the Heritage Hotel. Another motor cycle group, this time about 30 to 40 bikes to swap stories with. With heavy holiday traffic reported on the Pacific Highway it was decided over dinner to have a reverse run back through Guyra, Uralla, Walcha and on to Port Macquarie. A fun evening was had by all with good food, good company and many stories.

Sunday 28 September

The day started with photos of our cars in front of the historic hotel. Peter and Keiran left the run at Dorrigo to travel separately to Glen Innes via Grafton. With four cars we left Dorrigo for Guyra visiting Ebor Falls again - it was such great scenery it deserved a second look! Lunch at Uralla was as good as Saturday's. Back on the road to Walcha where Kevin left the run to travel home, down the Thunderbolt's Way. Three remaining MX-5s travelled the Oxley Highway to Port Macquarie. Minimal traffic meant going down the mountain was almost more fun than coming up on Saturday. This time we had a pesky Audi quattro who thought he was an MX-5 until he met our leader, Mike and some tight corners. Stopped again at Ginger's Creek for some refreshments and more stories. Continued back to Port Macquarie and goodbye to Mike, Lu Lu and Greg.

Thank you Mike and Mid North Coast Chapter for your hospitality and friendship and making our weekend away in our old stamping grounds so much fun. Looking forward to our next opportunity.