Wellington Monthly Drive

The scene, McDonalds car park at 9:00 on an overcast Sunday morning. 8 MKII MR2’s can be seen parked elegantly in a row. The mission for the day, a trip over the Rimutaka Hill to Martinborough, then on to Lake Ferry.

The day started with the typical cardboard breakfast, found at your local McDonalds. After force feeding ourselves, we set off on a peaceful drive for the summit of the Rimutaka Hill, where Peter from Masterton was awaiting our arrival. Among the cars we had a good mix of colours, turbo’s vs. N/A, T-tops vs. Hardtops, we just lacked a MKI. Upon arriving at the summit we lined the cars up to attract the attention of any passing MR2 driver (which kind of happened, a motorcyclist request contact details), meanwhile we were attempting to decide on how we should go about filming our cars in action on the hill. Not long after 8 cars were attempting to perform a U-turn on a narrow hill road, which we achieved without incident. I have not seen the result, but Grant tells me its not bad.

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After this session of incredible driving for the camera, we set of for Martinborough. Or that is the rest of the club did, I was trapped behind a very slow truck, thanks to a slow cameraman (I’ll have to teach Dave that when he sees a truck coming, he is to run to the car so that I don’t get to follow the F#@!ing thing down the hill). So I can not comment on how their trip was, mine was at a brisk pace after finally passing the truck. Lunch was found at the local, pub that is, while the local kids took great pleasure for examining each of our cars. Jeremy proved that kids and your MR2 can co-exist, by bravely opening his for two local kids to enjoy, better his than mine!!

When lunch was complete, the vote was passed that we will cruise down to Lake Ferry. On the way out more video footage was taken of the various cars, at the risk of both my car and my neck (what fun!!!). The pace was above cruising when we reached Lake Ferry, everyone was starting to let their hair down and open the throttle up. The return trip to Featherston saw more throttle movement, which I believe all enjoyed. A very brave Brae was doing the filming on this leg, I was glad I only had to cope with the pace. Brae you did well.

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On the return trip over the Rimutaka Hill, we came across a stranded MR2, of course on the other side of the road. Yes you guessed it, this lead to two more U-turns on a narrow hill road. After discussing the situation with the lady and examine her car, we happily sent her on her way. The day ended at Kaitoke go-cart track, where I did over hear talk revolving around placing a couple of the MR2’s on their extremely smooth track.

The day seemed to be a success and we had a great turn out of cars. I hope that everyone who came enjoyed themselves and will join us on Sunday the 21st June for a run up to Southwards Car Museum and on for lunch. I also want to thank Grant, Wayne and Brae for their efforts in organising the Wellington Chapter of the club.

Damon Smith