MARCH of the MONTE No Shows
As it was the month of March, I thought it appropriate to theme the run with Monte-carlo. Whilst I was hopeful to get a few Montecarlo’s to join us, it was not to be as timing was bad for everyone involved.
Lesson learnt: Keep all run’s “ no-denomination” (Tick)
Ok, Lets move on. None the less it was very pleasing to see a great line up of 7 x Beta’s, 2 x Flavia , 2 x Lambda, 1x Fulvia Zagato, and a DMC Delorean driven by Simon and Ornella Hauser as invited guests of myself. Simon is currently restoring a Beta Spyder and keen to join the club.
Whilst the deLorean is not a MonteCarlo, it does have an engine in the back, and it is a two seater and if your squint really hard, It could be mistaken for a MonteCarlo, so there you have it, I christen thee Delorean Monte Carlo (DMC !)
The arrival of each vehicle at the car park meeting point which was La Manna’s carpark in Essendon Fields was followed with warm greetings, smiles and laughter. Its more like good friends catching up rather than solely a car club event.
A few formalities to explain the day ahead and 16 cars were ready to set off for the rolling hills of Mt Macedon. The 1st leg took us thru Sunbury and the pastures of Lancefield and Riddells Creek. The road conditions were superb this morning as we enthusiastically accelerated through the hilly landscapes, narrow roads and single lane bridge crossings. The roads were occupied by the occasional cluster of a peloton or market goers at the Macedon market. Going over Mt Macedon is quite a treat as it has a micro climate that changes frequently and really challenges drivers to negotiate the twists and slippery conditions.
Our morning stop was at the Top of the range café and memorial cross dedicated to the WWI diggers.
Mike Alan entertained us with the story of the Kurana: The DC-3, that crash on Mt Macedon in 1948.
The Pilot was an avid car and rally enthusiast, and it was suspected that he was surveying tracks on the southern side of the mountain when disaster struck.
After some great Coffee and scone’s at the café, it was time for the main event at Pitzruello Estate.
The majority of the vehicles on this second leg were grouped closely together and it was an excellent photo opportunity back down the mountain joining the Calder Fwy for some spirited driving on the 110 km section and arriving on time at Pitruzzello Estate. We were allowed front parking position with the cars all viewable from the windows of the bistro.
Pitruzzello is an ideal restaurant serving traditional Italian foods locally grown that is both flavoursome and plentiful. Together with the wonderful husband and wife owners of the estate, who gave us that personal touch with their service, makes this a definite place to dine.
With Pino and Mirella commetti winning Staff pick of best car for their 1978 beta coupe and young hugo Leo winning the mystery prize, to share with mum and dad Sam and Cathy Leo, the day ended as it began with a few wrap up speeches from our treasurer Russel and Jo Domany from the Qld register spruiking the club Wintersun and tour run in July.
It was a real pleasure organising the day out and from the accolades received, I think everyone also had a fantastic day too.
Angelo Monteleone
Here are some pictures:
