On Sunday 6th October the winter slumber was officially broken. Whilst we have had some dinners and other minor things happening, there were no club runs during winter.
There were some dark clouds coming over the Gulf when I got up but there was no rain, so that was a good sign.
We met at OTR Bolivar, the wind was cold, so everyone was inside drinking coffee. We had 16 Corvees and Zero daily drivers, so it looked like everyone was confident. With 98 Premium for the cars and double shot coffees for the people, everyone was ready to go.
16 Vees took off, with a line up of everything from C3 to C8. There were three C7’s, a Sngray, Grand Sport and Z06.
As we rolled into the back of the Barossa, the ex Pres and Karen joined in to make it 17 cars.
We completed a cruise through the main streets of Tanunda and Nuriootpa, before heading up to the Mengler Hill Lookout for a photo session.
Then it was out the back way and a cruise through the main street of Angaston before arriving at Saltrams Winery.
The lovely people at Saltrams had roped off the lower carpark for our exclusive use. After a couple more pics we were inside Salters Kitchen in our own area of the historic building for a nice lunch and a few wines.
Thanks to everyone who came out and made it a great day.
Sean & Kirsty.
Australia Day Run this year takes us to the Uppside restaurant in the beautiful Clare Valley, with our starting point at McDonald's Bolivar at 10:00 am, departing 10:30 am. As we only live minutes away, we headed off knowing all too well that club members would already be waiting. Stopping at the traffic lights l noticed two corvettes parked at McDonald's David's C3 and Rudy & Kay in their black C7, nice. On this run only 30 members could be booked in for lunch. to my surprise all members earlier than expected.
Well done to everyone! Got the group together, we talked about our planed route to the Uppside restaurant. l asked everyone to make their way back to their cars ready to head along the freeway until the turn off onto Horrocks Hwy. Here we waited to pick up Gary & Pam, but no Goof & Mel. l was hoping they had received my text the day before. On approaching Roseworthy, l spotted Goof’s C4. All members now accounted for, so on we go with the weather on our side, winding our way towards Clare Valley. I liked doing this run as it was so simple to organise and had only one set of traffic lights to contend with. In no time at all, we were pulling into the carpark at Uppside restaurant. Parking was easy and we headed up to the restaurant for lunch. Our hosts & owners were Chris & Kate. With Kate at the bar & Chris the kitchen l explained the payment setup to everyone, then it’s off to the bar for drinks.
Once members were seated, our host Chris spoke about the restaurant history and its food & wine menu, all sourced locally. As Chris spoke, his staff placed our first course upon the tables. Then food just kept on coming. Food, food, food; and don't forget dessert donuts and side plate of chocolate dip, yum. Time got away from us as it felt like we only just got there. I had one last request to make for Sean, Catherine and Gary if they could take Chris, Kate & his mother in their cars up to Clare and back. With an ok, l made it happen. Upon their return l didn't have to ask. Their smiles said it all! Thanks guys, to everyone who attended. Thank you and a safe drive home, Graeme & Joy.
Photos by Peter Mourdoukoutas, Graeme. Write up Graeme & Joy.
This year’s Corvettes Rock the Bay had a Mexican flavour to it with Mark Andre bringing a group of Victorians over for the weekend. 11 Vics arrived either Friday or Saturday so they were able to attend the club dinner I arranged at Watermark Hotel as a meet & greet night. We had 35 people turn up for the dinner.
Next morning it was an early start for some of us as we arrived to drop off various items ready for the eager group of helpers who turned up to set up marquees & mark out the car parking grid ready for the cars to arrive.
This year we had Shannons, Heart Kids, Classic Motor Studios (who brought down 3 classic Corvettes), Don’s Woodcarving, Ian’s” Sunglasses & More” & our Corvette Merchandise.
In total we had 102 Corvettes turned up for a great day with the Band “Rave On” entertaining us throughout the day. We had some very enthusiastic volunteers walking around selling Raffle Tickets for our club charity, Heart Kids. They raised $700.
We had 7 trophies. 3 voted by the public, 3 voted by entrants & 1 chosen by our sponsors Shannons.
Thank you to our trophy sponsors who were:-
Golden Gem Birds, McConnell Services, Classic Motor Studios x 2, Gary & Cathy McPhee, Quantative Occupational Risk Management Services, Ian Gregor.
After the raffles were drawn & trophies presented there was a quick pack up as the temperature was rising. Then some of the volunteers & the Vics came back to our place for a few drinks & chit chat before they headed back to Victoria next morning. Mark, Betty, Jenny, Stuart & Jade stayed here on Monday, so we had dinner together at the Grand.
In summing up, Lyn & I would like to thank the guys who drove over from Victoria to support our club event. It is always great to catch up you. And MOST IMPORTANTLY we wish to thank the helpers who turn up at 7 am & those who stay back for the pack up, as without you guys it just wouldn’t happen. So, a BIG THANK YOU!
We hope to see you all on the 2nd Sunday in February next year. Maybe we can increase the number of Corvettes beyond 102. Well done to everyone who participated.
Checkout Horsepower Crew on their Facebook page for coverage of our show.
Thank you from Peter, Lynda, Catherine, Ruth & Stuart.
Write up by Peter. Photos by Greg.
