Winter had arrived as we assembled at the old Toll Gates at Berowra and so had the local highway patrol, not that they bothered us. As a warning whilst waiting for the start time to click around we witnessed hundreds of bicyclists passing by, all going in the same direction as us. With the driver briefing completed we headed out onto the Old Pacific Highway. I must say it’s no mean feat to stay on the Old Pacific Highway as all signs and the GPS lead to the M1 Pacific Motorway. Even more complex are the series of intersections leading to Calga, Mt White, Peats Ridge and on to Mangrove Central.
Everyone had some interesting passing moves to accommodate the bike riders on the sometimes very narrow Old Pacific Highway. Eventually we arrived at the two lane 110 kmh area and opened the lungs of the Zeds so they could finally appreciate the cold air fuel mix.
First stop was Jerry’s Café where we met a 100 or so motor bike riders enjoying a coffee. It was a machine extravaganza for all concerned, although a lone D-Type Jaguar seemed to attract much attention as did many of the bikes.
From here the trivia questions began. There was much celebration that the prizes for the winners would be some very special Presidents Run jams and John’s much sort after Tomato Chilli Relish. Some of the teams (knowing what the treats were) wanted to buy these on the spot. Adding to the mix was the offer for participants to buy answers to questions. Arriving in Wollombi the race was on to search out the trivia answers. I couldn’t believe how competitive some of the ladies were! Some members fell in love with the charm of Wollombi and this will be a favourite place to return to. Leaving Wollombi our overall speed increased significantly to the delight of the navigators (NOT) and all had great fun on the never ending corners for a little over an hour. The Zeds really got a workout on this road….
Arriving at Harrigan’s Irish Pub for lunch we were able to park in a discrete Zed parking area. The hotel were organised with our tables ready. Everyone had a hearty meal and then with much anticipation it was time to announce the trivia winners. The results were very interestingly as we had a draw for first place with Mark and Kathy and Jamie and Joanne both dropping only ½ a point who received a very delectable selection of the President Run prizes. Third were Brad and Darrelle, forth Andrew and Sophie, followed by Andrew and Ester. The President then made sure that all attending received some of the treats as a thank you for supporting the event.
The afternoon saw us all distribute to various places across the Hunter Valley for wine tasting and then onto the Foghorn boutique brewery for a tour, I believe some of the ladies enjoyed bubbles and cheese. I could not believe how good the Slatted Magpie Porters was and the Ginger and chilli beer from Foghorn were. Just amazing! Dinner was arranged at The Mighty Pub (Previously called Potters) with all enjoying excellent food and company.
Sunday morning we travelled the short distance to the Hunter Recreational Flying Club for a huge breakfast and then a tour of the hangers and Flying Club member’s aeroplanes. Joy flights in club member’s planes was an enormous success. The smiles were intoxicating particularly when Lawson was offered the pilot’s seat to fly the plane, his younger brother Cam was also given the same opportunity.
Of course the best dressed Zed club members wore the President’s Run commemorative shirt!
It’s always good to see new comers come along with Andrew and Sophie, Mark and Kathy and Scott all attending. Scott certainly kept me honest negotiating the corners at ridiculously sensible speeds (Ha!). Anyway thanks to everyone that attended and made a positive contribution to making this a great event.
Cheers