Event date: Thursday, 26 January 2023

Wendy and I joined the club late last year with the Christmas picnic show 'n shine being our first event where we met a lot of friendly people all passionate about cars, especially BMWs.  The Australia Day drive presented the opportunity to participate in the driving activities, after all it is a "Driving" club  .  As with every aspect of the club the drive was impeccably organised with email reminders and detailed turn by turn driving instructions issued before the day.

We were second to arrive at Hogans Hotel in Wallan and met Paul and his silver M3 with red trim waiting for the others to arrive, very nice car and owner.

Soon the rest of the gang arrived a total of 18 cars, all well presented.  We enjoyed a tasty lunch and good chat at the hotel before the briefing by Jo.

We set off in two groups, the front group following Peter in the lead for spirited driving, Jo and Graeme coordinating from the centre and Lawrence and Sharon bringing up the tail end of the second group to ensure none were lost along the way. 

We joined the front group and headed roughly west through Woodend to Spring Hill before turning north through Kyneton to Malmsbury for a coffee and a chance to admire the other members' cars and some more conversation with the club members.  After a coffee and snack from the Bakery we headed north and then east through Glenhope, Pyalong and Tullarook.  Again, we joined the front group contrary to Wendy's preference, but a great driving experience  .  Lots of windy roads, great corners and beautiful scenery.  The banter on the two-way radio was amusing but also informative with early warnings of oncoming traffic, cyclists and the many potholes and road hazards.  The weather was perfect and we did one leg with the roof down but the wind noise it did make hearing the radio difficult and I was beginning to get sunburnt.  The dappled light through the overhanging trees was quite picturesque though it added to the challenge of spotting the potholes in time.  The winter rains have not been kind to our roads and I did hit a couple of holes harder than I would have liked.

Jo was like a professional sheep dog allowing the mob to spread and stray within the bounds of reasonableness and then calling for re-grouping and rounding us up as necessary.  She also saved me much embarrassment by calling me off when I was about to take the wrong exit off the freeway.  I was just eager to get back on the windy roads .... well that's my excuse anyway.

From Kerrisdale we headed south through more beautiful scenery to our final desination the Panton Hills hotel.  Most of the group where staying on for dinner.  Wendy and I couldn't stay for dinner however we had a chat to other members before heading home.  We have eaten at the pub before so I am sure there was plenty of good food, company and conversation.  Upon leaving we found Paul contemplating a faulty tire valve.  In these days of no spare tyres it was a matter of calling the RACV for a tow.  At least not too complex or costly to repair and plently of good company while waiting for the RACV.  I hope his car is healthy and back on the road again.

It was a great day and we have already registered for another drive and another show and shine.

Thanks to the Committee and all involved for organizing a great day out!

Kent Perdrisat | Member #951
BMW Drivers Club Melbourne