Midweek Flowerdale 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 48
PORSCHE PARADE
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
Fabulous food and fabulous views at Flowerdale Estate 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! DAY TWO Tempted to title this one: some roads are best taken alone! So following a brilliant day one I was ready for more driving on day 2.
