A Southern Run had been proposed and needed to offer something different. Surprisingly, in this day and age and if we rule out the major ‘ fast food outlets’, venues at which to start or end an evening cruise can be difficult to find.
While McDonalds and others provide improved fare, sometimes it’s nice to support small businesses and enjoy a variety. ‘Front Page Café’ on Marion Road at Plympton was chosen as our starting point and provided great coffee, pizza and burgers for those who arrived early.
The objective set for this Run was to enjoy a good drive that allowed members to enjoy their cars on some longer stretches of road and without losing any cars/members (a not-too-subtle reference to the northern run, if you’ve already browsed that story).
Warren and Ty joined us, bringing the latest Mustang from Adrian Brien Ford, along with members Dave, Chris and Stuart who brought along their new vehicles so the old and new were well represented and with a great range of colours.
An advance courtesy call to Bracegirdles in McLaren Vale warned staff how many people were headed their way and, true to their word, our group was made to feel welcome. The Mustangs looked (and sounded) superb as they travelled along the Southern Expressway while Milton and Renata, in their freshly painted coupe, made sure we all arrived safely.
Previous Runs mention the importance of having members who are willing to act as ‘Tail End Charlie’ to ensure everyone arrives at the destination.
Tasked with that role on this run, our thanks go to Milton & Renata who cleverly managed to increase our numbers by picking up a blue Mustang travelling along Marion Road. We added on a new, silver Mustang at the end of the Expressway as we headed south.
As we were soon to discover, Main South Road is not as smooth as the Northern Expressway and the newest solution introduced at Aldinga was to reduce the speed limit. We can only assume this is cheaper than repairs to the road and offers the ability to generate much needed revenue by having police and cameras checking those lower speed limits.
The roller coaster ride along that stretch of road certainly checks that suspensions are working and reminds those of us in older cars that we must look at that squeak or rattle when we get home.
Just before Myponga, turning onto Pages Flat Road, we added on a black Mach 1 Mustang to bring the total of cars to 19. We headed towards the top of Willunga Hill and then down into McLaren Vale.
The road was smoother but those famous point-to-point cameras ensured that (almost) all of us complied with the local limits.
A few cars left the group at McLaren Vale but most went into Bracegirdles for coffee and a treat. With a variety of great desserts (most containing Bracegirdle’s famous chocolate), the service, given the sudden influx of customers, was excellent.
That, combined with everyone sitting together at one long table, added to the atmosphere. I’m sure some members will be returning to sample more from the menu!
After an hour or so the group headed for home. While some lived close by, we farewelled members from as far afield as Victor Harbor, One Tree Hill, the western suburbs and most points in between so we really did have the compass well and truly covered.
Thanks to all who came along – each of you helped make it a really enjoyable Run!