Broadford Sprints

from Porsche Parade 2-2022

by Composite Colour

Mid 911 Register Run

& Optional Overnight to Pinnacle Valley

Tuesday 28th April 2022 Story: Kirsten Chalmers Photos: Paul Blackie & Alison Belot

Stephen Lofthouse and car! DAY ONE

What an incredible run!

As a newbie to the Porsche Club I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect? Would I fit in? Could I keep up? Would I do it again? Well sadly the title probably gives the game away but let me fill you in on a few details:

From the get-go I was lucky enough to meet some lovely people. Parked next to the first lovely couple (clearly veterans) who immediately introduced themselves and told me where to go and what to expect next. Ok, great start I thought.

Not long after that, the lovely Alison introduced herself. Nice she took the time to find me, I thought.

Following a short briefing we were on the way. While the procession of gorgeous cars of every vintage and description made their way out of town, I soon spotted my pace car. Something about this driver told me to stick close, he (or she) had something to teach me. And teach me they did. By pure luck I picked the perfect car to follow. Not too fast as to freak me out, not to slow as to bore me to tears. Something told me I was following a skilled driver too. As I tried to keep up I noticed he barely touched the brakes, just smooth and consistent through corner upon corner. Not unlike watching the synchronicity of a skilled skater carving his way on the ice, painting a picture of poetry in motion. There is truly nothing more beautiful than watching a car being navigated perfectly to do what it is designed to do.

Well that was a great start, but could the afternoon measure up? I mean wasn’t I owed a less than sterling second half of the day just to balance the score? As it turns out, no. Got out a bit late … that’s what happens when you get side-tracked taking photos of a plethora of perfect vehicles. But I found my way back on the roads and onto our next destination. Some pretty perfect route choices I might add, although this time sans pace car, I confidently navigated my way to our final destination with the help of InRoute. Honestly this App is brilliant for anyone who doesn’t like maps and / or doesn’t have a passenger to help navigate.

Once again I arrived at my destination pleased that the roads, the car and the club had delivered on an awesome driving experience.

Finally, and possibly the most daunting, the booked dinner. Truth be told I almost cancelled. Was dreaming up excused like headaches and fatigue to get out of the awkwardness of walking into a room full of people who knew each other, completely alone. Realising those were just super lame and super sad excuses, I mustered up the courage to walk up to the restaurant. I walked in. Didn’t recognise a soul. Walked up to the bar. Figured I could work out my next move once I had the comfort of a wineglass in my hand. Mind racing, I get a tap on my shoulder. It’s Alison. Omg, a familiar face, yes! She says, “hey, we are just through here, I’ve saved you a seat at the table too if you’d like it!” I cannot tell you how good that was to hear. With my glass now in hand I knew exactly where to head and what to do. Once again I felt looked after and I knew I could take it from there. The rest of the night I literally did not stop laughing, grinning or chatting.

So yeah, I guess this from this newbie:

Did I feel like I could fit in? Could I keep up? Would I do it again? The answer is Hell Yes, see you at the next one!

Fabulous food and fabulous views at Flowerdale Estate

DAY TWO

Tempted to title this one: some roads are best taken alone!

Our large luncheon group at Flowerdale Estate

Having given the driver’s briefing some serious thought I decided to tackle what I would consider the most technical part of the drive, alone. The great thing about the club is you get to pick and choose when you want to drive in formation and when you want to break away. There is great flexibly and so on a two day drive you really get to experience it all.

So while the rest headed in various directions, I decided to get an early start on EJ road! 60km of twisties. And it turned out to be a great decision. I literally had the road to myself the entire time and near perfect conditions to practice smoothly moving through the corners. At times it felt like I was gliding and without the pressure of other cars around me, I could focus on the apex, vanishing points and keeping my hands in position on the wheel. (I have a nasty habit of moving them around too much and I learned on a recent track day that if you keep them in the right position, you really have a much better idea of where your wheels are pointing at any given moment. Super handy when you are turning a lot!)

It was a sensational drive and actually made the later twisty section, the Black Spur, incredibly easy to conquer … can I add, at some pace!?

All in all an epic two days! Thanks to all at the club who make these days possible. One of my favourite aspects of the brand is that it really attracts individual who love to drive. Was thinking on the way home as I joined the masses back in town that there are two types of drivers, those who use a car simply to get to a destination, and those who find destinations in order to use their cars!

Additional words from Murray & Sharon Pivac:

Oh what a beautiful venue for lunch. Tall autumn coloured trees abounded the Flowerdale Estate.

A yummy 2 course lunch, then said goodbyes to members not travelling further. landscape with tinges of green grass after the summer and mainly beef being farmed. Flowing corners, not too sharp. From Highlands the roads were a little damp.

Along a plateau with wide views, 33kms from Euroa. Yarck Road had a few sharp corners.

Maroondah Highway had dull weather, sheep farming and corellas! Very pretty entrance into Mansfield.

An enjoyable afternoon’s drive arriving at The Sebel Pinnacle Valley Resort, Merrijig at 4.30pm.