TransAlpine 2022 Oamaru |
28th - 31st Oct |
After months of planning, it was a bit disheartening when the day started off wet, but it was drying as we set off from Darfield and remained mostly fine for the day. However, the plan nearly went out the window when hitting lengthy roadworks (with the road only opening once an hour), and was completely thwarted by an overturned truck in said roadworks. That was TransAlpine 2022 less than an hour in, which resulted in some frantic adjustments to get us back on track; quite literally, as we were on a mission to get to Levels Raceway for lunch and a few laps. After detouring all the way from Windwhistle back to SH1, we regrouped in Geraldine somewhat later than planned. Then, with a shorter-than-intended route, we made it to Pleasant Point for a quick look around Obsolete Iron Motors where Gilbert made us very welcome and we were all surprised at the treasures hidden inside! As much as we wanted to continue checking out his collection, we also wanted to make it to Levels and managed to arrive only half an hour late!
After a few leisurely parade laps (made more exciting by a certain Elan+2 depositing fuel on a tight right-hander!) we gradually upped the pace for the last session. Then we were away and back on schedule for the afternoon stint to Oamaru via the scenic Pareora Gorge. We arrived on time at the Brydone Hotel, our base for the weekend in the centre of town and only a short stroll to our Friday dinner destination, the Last Post where good company, good food, and not-too-bad a wine made for a very enjoyable first evening!
After a few leisurely parade laps (made more exciting by a certain Elan+2 depositing fuel on a tight right-hander!) we gradually upped the pace for the last session. Then we were away and back on schedule for the afternoon stint to Oamaru via the scenic Pareora Gorge. We arrived on time at the Brydone Hotel, our base for the weekend in the centre of town and only a short stroll to our Friday dinner destination, the Last Post where good company, good food, and not-too-bad a wine made for a very enjoyable first evening!
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Saturday arrived and was pleasantly warm; we enjoyed a cooling sea mist for the coastal drive to Moeraki village, where great hospitality from the staff at the Tavern added to the convivial atmosphere. As a bonus, we were joined by a couple of Lotus owners from Invercargill and Dunedin who’d made the trip up to meet us for lunch. Sadly we also lost a Lotus for the remainder of the weekend, with the demise of Richard and Sue’s clutch on the Cortina. However, we continued to enjoy their company for the rest of the weekend just minus the Cortina!
For those who wanted to explore a little further south, the afternoon was spent touring the almost empty roads inland of Palmerston. Perfect Lotus driving roads with fantastic rolling green hillsides as a backdrop, followed by the exposed rocky outcrops of Macrae’s Flat and the impressive open-cast gold mine on top of the plateau.
Saturday night’s dinner at the hotel meant all those partaking in the costume theme hadn’t far to go in their SteamPunk-inspired regalia; and what a fantastic line up of Steampunk attire was on display! An amazing effort from everyone – well done folks! Best-dressed awards were decided by vote and very well deserved, though there were some close runners up.
For those who wanted to explore a little further south, the afternoon was spent touring the almost empty roads inland of Palmerston. Perfect Lotus driving roads with fantastic rolling green hillsides as a backdrop, followed by the exposed rocky outcrops of Macrae’s Flat and the impressive open-cast gold mine on top of the plateau.
Saturday night’s dinner at the hotel meant all those partaking in the costume theme hadn’t far to go in their SteamPunk-inspired regalia; and what a fantastic line up of Steampunk attire was on display! An amazing effort from everyone – well done folks! Best-dressed awards were decided by vote and very well deserved, though there were some close runners up.
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The next day started early to drive down to the Victorian Precinct, where we parked the cars and enjoyed wandering around the farmers market. The cars proved a popular attraction for locals and tourists alike. We said our farewells to a few who had to head home, before making our way to Rod Tempero’s where we all dreamed of owning some of his impressive hand built vehicles. Rod’s vast knowledge of exotic vehicles had us all engaged for the duration of the visit.
On leaving Rod’s place, we embarked on a backroad blast to Duntroon for lunch at the Flying Pig. A great wee place that catered well for us all. Once again, the hardcore drivers took the long way home via the Benmore and Aviemore dams, while others enjoyed a more leisurely afternoon of their choosing. Dinner was at the Oamaru Club which again was within walking distance of the hotel.
On leaving Rod’s place, we embarked on a backroad blast to Duntroon for lunch at the Flying Pig. A great wee place that catered well for us all. Once again, the hardcore drivers took the long way home via the Benmore and Aviemore dams, while others enjoyed a more leisurely afternoon of their choosing. Dinner was at the Oamaru Club which again was within walking distance of the hotel.
As always, the weekend was over all too soon and it was time to say our farewells on Monday with drivers and their passengers departing on their chosen route home – all hoping to miss the forecast stormy weather! A small group stopped at Riverstone for morning tea. At this time of the year the gardens were stunning!
We were missing a few regulars this year but were happy to welcome some new members on their first TransAlpine experience – hopefully they’ll be back on the next one! Thanks to everyone who participated in the weekend – a fantastic group of people, great cars, superb driving roads – another great Lotus event!
We were missing a few regulars this year but were happy to welcome some new members on their first TransAlpine experience – hopefully they’ll be back on the next one! Thanks to everyone who participated in the weekend – a fantastic group of people, great cars, superb driving roads – another great Lotus event!
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