Westpac Helicopter Fun Run
First up, much kudos and warm congratulations to Bill Murphy and those who turned up on the day. Bill did a remarkable job at very short notice to set a Fun Run that offered us a choice of event.
And not only did Bill put on a good event, he really did wonders with the weather which was a classic Hunter Spring day. Big beautiful bright blue sky and clear as a bell. The perfect day for a drive in the country side with your friends and family.
The start of the event was at the small park to the west of Wyong, just a stone's throw from the start of Hue Hue Road on Yarramalong Road. Bill had devised a choice of three options for each team to choose from. There was the Marathon, which was the long route and took in very picturesque countryside. This was the choice for those who were in their everyday driver. Then there was the Navigation Challenge for those who prefer the fun of working out their progress on tricky maps. Sadly there were no takers for this, however, the final option was the Rally Track that took those keen on gravel roads through the Watagan Mountains to the finish at the Richmond Vale Rail Museum.
Ron Thompson's 404 was the easy winner on the Rally Track. El Presidente Geoff had come along in the rally prepared Fiat 131 and was giving it a shake down after making some modifications following the Night Owl. Unfortunately for Geoff, other problems arose en-route forcing his early retirement. But the good news was the camaraderie typical of rally folk all over as Andrew Robinson arrived on the scene in his Corolla and immediately withdrew from the section to make sure Geoff was able to get the Fiat back onto the black stuff and home to Newcastle. Well done Andrew.
Those who elected to tackle the Marathon were in for a treat however as all the roads were excellent and given the time of day and the season, were blessed with very light traffic. Heading out of the start, the crews ventured west through the Yarramalong Valley and up Bumble Hill to Kulnura where they joined George Downes Drive then headed towards Wollombi. Upon arrival at Wollombi careful navigation through the thronging tourists was needed. The place was packed and it was only just after opening time at the tavern which was doing a roaring trade. This was the opening weekend of Sculpture in the Vines and the local vineyards were also enjoying some significant custom. An example of this was encountered at Stonehurst Wines, Cedar Creek which offered an excellent opportunity to stop, take 5 to stretch the legs and enjoy a walk through the beautiful parkland setting to view the works on display. Oh, and of course, to stock up on their fine Chambourcin and bubbly!! From there, it was on to Millfield where Sandy Creek Road beckoned and more pleasant country driving was to be enjoyed as the crews passed through Paxton and Ellalong. At Mulbring, the end was in sight with a short drive up to Pelaw Main and the finish at Richmond Vale Rail Museum. First home on the Marathon was Clyde Blanch. However the tricky map and lack of local knowledge caused Andrew Carloff to miss the turn at Wollombi and they took the extra-marathon route via Broke. With this in mind, the judges awarded Andrew with "The most spirit in the Event" which was a Westpac Helicopter koala mascot.
At Richmond Vale everyone met up with Christine Bethwaite who drove directly there from Sydney. And of course, the "Big Kids" all went for a ride on the steam train. Many thanks to Peter and Liz Meadows for hosting the club to their other club - the Museum.
The funds raised from the entries was duly recognised by a letter from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service.
Thanks again Bill for a great day.
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