2021 Events
- Overnighter to Greymouth (February)
- Mid week Mountain Run (January)
- North Canterbury Winery Run (January)
Overnighter to Greymouth - 13th-14th February
|
|
Mid Week Mountain Run - 12th January
|
|
A quick dash up to Porters Pass on a Summer's evening. Definitely a drive of two halves, with cool, cloudy conditions in Christchurch and eventually fog on top of the pass. But after dropping out of the clouds, we left them behind and burst out into the sunshine at Castle Hill, just in time to see the sun set behind the mountains.
After admiring the views it was then back the way we came, stopping in West Melton for a quick drink and natter at the Two Fat Possums before heading our separate ways. |
Saturday Run to 'House of Ball' - 9th January
We’d been counting the days until our Saturday run to The House of Ball Winery. The weather during the week was a bit of a mixed bag with rain on both the Thursday and Friday. Thankfully Saturday morning was dry and this was all we needed for every car to take their roof off and enjoy the run. After a good catch up and a coffee at Ravenswood we headed off through the inland route passing Amberley, up to Greta Valley and then turning towards Waikari and the nice twisty roads through Harwarden. Then back to the main road by the Hurunui Hotel and towards our destination. What a great run it was, beaut weather and these roads are just made for our cars. I know many of us will look forward to this area again.
Following the run the convoy of 8 cars arrived together to be meet by the others who came directly to the venue, giving us a total 21 people. The ‘House of Ball’ is a small family owned and operated vineyard on the western slopes of the Waipara valley with views to die for. After the initial introduction, our host Julian Ball and his wife Lynda treated us to a tasting of their home grown Gruner Veltliner, Rose and a blend called The Merger whilst also explaining their viticulture techniques.
Lunch followed with a spit roast of rolled pork and butterflied lamb, accompanied by salads and sweets bought by everyone to share. The spit roast was superb (thanks to Philip and Julie) It was great to see the clubs’ newer members chatting freely with the established ones.
Following the run the convoy of 8 cars arrived together to be meet by the others who came directly to the venue, giving us a total 21 people. The ‘House of Ball’ is a small family owned and operated vineyard on the western slopes of the Waipara valley with views to die for. After the initial introduction, our host Julian Ball and his wife Lynda treated us to a tasting of their home grown Gruner Veltliner, Rose and a blend called The Merger whilst also explaining their viticulture techniques.
Lunch followed with a spit roast of rolled pork and butterflied lamb, accompanied by salads and sweets bought by everyone to share. The spit roast was superb (thanks to Philip and Julie) It was great to see the clubs’ newer members chatting freely with the established ones.
|
|
|
We were then given a tour of their compact winery and an opportunity to see Julian’s amazing circa 1934 Alfa Romeo Spyder replica. A Supercharged straight 8 beast and what a sound it makes, now this is a beautiful car.
If the amount of wine purchased following the event is anything to go by, everyone certainly enjoyed their day out in North Canterbury!
If the amount of wine purchased following the event is anything to go by, everyone certainly enjoyed their day out in North Canterbury!
