Freedom at last
Lockdown has eased! After a total of 262 days of being locked down, we can finally roam free within the city. Naturally, people made their way to friends houses, bars, restaurants, cafes and shops. However for people like myself, We hit the road for a Sunday drive after what felt like 2 years. Organised by Scott from Outlaw Garage, the route was planned and cars slowly turned up to the start point. Melbourne to the Peninsula. The rain was nice enough to ease up just as we all met up in the morning, the sun made a welcomed appearance shortly after and we where off.
The feeling of being able to drive places again rather then 5km to the shops, work and doctors and back is something you do miss. Having your car sit there, waiting to be driven. Everyone had a huge smile on their faces. A lot of people having rebuilt, restored or even purchased their new Sunday toy prior to lockdown could now finally enjoy them. After chatting amongst people it was clear. All we want to do is cruise with friends. Car, Bike, Passenger, it doesn’t matter. Just the pure freedom of getting out and about is great.
Departure
After departing inner Melbourne, we ventured down the Monash freeway onto Eastlink, then to peninsula link. A great way for everyone to open up their cars and show off a little bit. Absolute gems where out. Lotus Exige, Porsche 356, 930, 964, 996, 997, 991 and 992, Harlequin Golf and a Royal Enfield bike. After stacking more polish then miles, it was nice to change that around. Leaving the city the rain was easing to a light drizzle, nothing to deter anyone. Not even John on his beautiful Royal Enfield.
Coffee Break
Arriving down on the BP service station along peninsula link outbound, we met the other members joining us for the drive. You guessed it, more Porsche’s. A spicy little Lotus Exige also came along for the cruise. Whilst driving behind it spotting a top mount cooler, it started me guessing what was really under the bonnet. With a quick coffee stop, it was time to have a look at what else would be joining us. With a quick meeting and discussion about the next leg of the journey, everyone hoped back into their cars and got them warmed up. We are off again!
Scenic run
Another blast down the freeway was thoroughly enjoyed. We then turned off the freeway and entered the twisty roads of Arthurs seat. This is where the real fun began. Following a bunch of sports cars in a diesel station wagon wasn’t the most ideal situation I can assure you. With the tighter corners, the steeper inclines and the bumps through the straighter sections, I was surprised to find out how well the wagon actually went. Mind you I would rather have been in one of the other cars for this leg. Passing many of the lookout points on the sides of the road, people turned and looked at the roaring convey of motorists driving passed.
Main attraction
After arriving at Arthurs seat lookout, it was time for the cars to cool down. Trust me, smelling some of the cars as I walked passed, they needed it. This was also a chance to have a closer look and catch up with some of the owners, sadly I didn’t have enough time to catch some and chat about their cars. Multiple other car clubs also drove through the lookout, or spirited drives through the hills could be heard in the distance. The pure noise was putting a smile on everyone’s face. The atmosphere was fantastic. It was fantastic to see everyone out and about with smiles. All the cars dusted off, cobwebs blown out and legs stretched.
Home
Upon leaving the lookout, most travelled further on down through the hills. Whilst others jumped back onto the freeway for the cruise home. A solid 297km traveled for the first drive out into freedom. The freedom was thoroughly enjoyed by all and will be the first of many many more.
Author
