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PAST EVENTS

Torque Tube Register Run to Cannibal Creek Vineyards
Sunday, 24th September 2023
Words: Jon Tiktin

Photos: Jon Tiktin, Owen Wilson, Angelo Monteleone, Wayne Williamson  Click Here to see Image Gallery 


The Torque Tube register was treated to a spectacular spring day* for our outing around the

Dandenong Ranges and Bunyip State Park, finishing at the Cannibal Creek Vineyards for our late September social run.

(*A note to all other register captains. The day’s fantastic weather was apparently organised by Jean, I don’t know if he works for BOM or some higher office, but it’s a fantastic service he offers.)

On the days leading up to my first run as a full blown captain I was surprisingly nervous. Would people turn up? Would the weather behave? Would the roads be both scenic and interesting? Arriving 10 minutes early at the allotted car park to find no other attendees yet, good I’ve not left anybody waiting, I was early and there was a wide arrival window. As the minutes ticked by, I started wondering if I had specified the right place, then Owen turned up in his 968 RS but where was everyone else? Organising to meet at a large shopping centre meant that there were plenty of car parks to assemble in and it appeared that other pockets of P cars had formed in separate corners. We soon amalgamated and the first show and tell session started. It was great to see a good torque tube contingent.

Assembling everyone for the run briefing showed the peril of lack of planning, a disjointed briefing ensued but hopefully the core theme of “avoid the bumps and be nice to others” got across. Sorry to any new members or run newbies that I should have welcomed, it was great to see you all and if you’re reading this, welcome.

As a first-time organiser of a run, it’s a special moment to send everyone off to their cars to start the day, then watch a line of participants head off in completely the opposite direction than was planned. Thanks for the “better” route Google maps. A few extra sets of lights broke the procession up a bit, but we were underway.

Part 1 of the run was through the Dandenong Ranges. Puffing Billy didn’t show itself as we passed by the tracks but the dappled sunlight flowing down through the new spring greenery made for a beautiful drive. Speed limits and traffic kept things slow, who would've thought that others would be out touring the scenic roads on a beautiful day!

Onto our coffee stop at Yarra Junction, past the suggested car park where a community market had popped up, we parked at the oval. Over the road to Nancy’s for caffeine and chat, one new participant noted that the male contingent’s topics included cars and more cars, whereas the other half of the population covered all the other subjects.

Back on the road and heading towards Noojee for part 2 resulted in a slow start for me, first a missing phone (under the seat), police presence (no catching up possible) and camper vans (sub speed limit speeds) meant we had our own individual run with the rest of the group some minutes ahead. It was a chance for my driver for the day to give her new car its first proper outing, apparently a 944 is very different from an Audi A3.

There is a tradition on Torque Tube runs to engage in a little extra curricular exploring. So, despite planning and knowing the route like the back of my hand, I made sure to instruct my chauffeur to take a wrong turn, therefore preserving that important tradition.

The crescendo to any successful social run is good food. Cannibal Creek Vineyards provided the goods in that aspect. Starting with a charcuterie board and wine tasting downstairs, some history of the vineyard and notes regarding the wines we were tasting were provided by our hosts. The grape varieties both paralleled Bordeaux in those that thrive but the wines differed because of the cold climate imparting distinguishing characteristics. After tasting some fantastic wines, it was upstairs to the main restaurant and onto some great conversation whilst consuming the savoury share plates. Ox cheeks, gnocchi (brave move with the Italian contingent in the group), patatas bravas, and green salad all finished off with a sweet treat for those who still had room.

Many thanks to Asha for driving me around today, welcome to the club and new ways to spend your hard earned cash. Thanks to Kirstin, David and Kim at Cannibal Creek for looking after us so well and thanks to everyone who came along, and both alleviated my fears and provided the all-important social element.

Torque Tube Rrun to the Telegraph Hotel

Sunday 23rd April

Story by Caroline Horton Andrews

Photos by Paul Sbrissa, Wayne Williamson & Jon Tiktin    Click Here for Image Gallery 

Question: What could be better than a drive in the country, taking in the autumn colours of the Macedon Shire on a sunny Sunday morning?

Response: seeing all this through the windscreen of your Porsche, and the company of other like-minded members of the Torque Tube Register, that’s what!

As the result of much careful pre-planning by Register Captain Wayne Williamson and partner Alison, the route of 135 kms was picturesque and suitably exciting and rewarding. The schedule gave due consideration to morning tea and lunch arrangements, to ensure the comfort and enjoyment of the 20 or so participants in a dozen superb Porsches. What’s more, Wayne and Alison even managed to arrange the weather, delivering one of the most sublime autumn days imaginable.

Setting out from beneath the tall gums of Eltham – the air crisp and full of bird song, the assembled cars included 944s, 928s, a 968, 911 and a couple of Boxsters (986 and 718) which travelled in convoy, revelling in the first stage from Eltham through to Kilmore. There were some hills, some sweeping curves, the obligatory narrow bridge, and many beautiful snatches of scenes of cattle grazing on hillsides and idyllic hamlets. It was full of opportunities to experience the brilliant engineering, balance and handling that is Porsche. It was also thrilling to see and hear other cars in motion: their vibrant colours vivid against the hues of the autumnal countryside on the road ahead and behind.

The refreshment morning tea at the Kilmore Bakery was well timed and participants mingled leisurely over coffee and took time to chat and appreciate the assembled cars, basking in the sunshine. It was also a chance for those club members doing their first ever register run (welcome!) to get better acquainted with like-minded enthusiasts.

With the second stage completed, the convivial atmosphere continued at lunch when talk around the table at Gisborne’s Telegraph Hotel focused on the highlights of the westward course across to Lancefield and then around the iconic Hanging Rock, up over Mt Macedon with its tight hairpin bends down the south face (bedecked with visitors taking in tours of the Autumn festival) and on to charming Gisborne. Leaving the lovely fleet parked together under the oaks, hungry drivers and passengers converged on the pub for a generous meal of good country fare, more stories and great company.

Each year The Porsche Club has various social runs, so members have a choice of options. Register runs focus attract similar cars and therefore provide opportunities to exchange important mechanical wisdom, seek advice and generally build camaraderie with owners of similar cars.

The rascals I sat with at lunch suggested that I make a comment comparing Torque Tube and air-cooled Porsches. I will not be falling for that! I know that the Porsche Club of Victoria is a broad church, and different groups just love their favoured cars!

Highly enjoyable Torque Tube Register runs like this are only possible because of the energy and dedication of people like Wayne Williamson, and he deserves our heartfelt thanks. We look forward to the future involvement of Jon Tiktin as co convenor of the Torque Tube Register in planning future runs.

 

Torque Tube Run to Lancefield

25th September 2022

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We had our second Torque Tube Register Run gathering for 2022 which commenced with a congregation of the faithful at the McDonalds Restaurant at Ringwood. It was nice to see my predecessor Angelo come along on the run today. I always enjoyed his facilitation of former Torque Tube events.

Thirty members gathered for the usual meet and greet before the run briefing which was given. The twenty cars included three 968’s, a solitary 928 (GTS), five 944s, a Cayman, with the remainder being 911s, Boxsters and a very active 914 which ended up leading the group on our way to YEA.

The weather forecast for the day could not have been more favourable with stable conditions, light breezes and a comfortable nineteen degrees forecast maximum.

Departing the meeting place on stage one a few minutes ahead of schedule, we briefly headed east on the Maroondah Highway to pick up Warrandyte Road to point the mob in a northerly direction. The route took advantage of the back roads and light traffic through Warrandyte and crossed the Yarra to pick up the Eltham-Yarra Glen Road. On the Melba Highway, we continued north before a hard left turn onto the Healesville-Kinglake Road which was loaded with more than a few pot-holes for us to weave around. At Kinglake a right turn took us though Kinglake West to the intersection of the Whittlesea-Yea Road. The road from there to Flowerdale was good but slow (80 km limit) given the quality of the bitumen and the ease of the terrain. After Flowerdale it was full stem ahead to Yea for our “coffee break”.

Stage two of the drive pointed us in a westerly direction on the Goulburn Valley Highway until our first turn onto the Upper Goulburn Road. This is where our cars came into their own on this winding, hilly section. After the turn at Tallarook, under the Hume Highway and a sharp turn towards Pyalong the pace was exhilarating under blue skies. The bitumen road narrowed in a few spots and we encountered a couple of singe carriage bridges. Apparently a couple of cars missed the turn at Pyalong into the Lancefield-Pyalong Road which I believe was the only navigation error for the day.

Lunch was a two course meal at the ‘The Lancefield Lodge’ (Motel, Home Bar & Kitchen). We were assigned to a cosy private dining room with a well fuelled fireplace.

A special thanks goes to Paul Sbrissa for watching over my shoulder and covering a few minor things (like photos) on the day itself.

 

Torque Tube Run to Warragul

Sunday 24th April 2022

Story & Photos by Wayne Williamson.

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Eleven months to the Sunday since the previous register event to the Apple Shed in Main Ridge, we had our first Torque Tube Register Run gathering for 2022 which commenced with a congregation of the faithful at the McDonalds Restaurant at Endeavour Hills.

Twenty nine members (including some new members) gathered for the usual meet and greet before the run briefing which was given by Angelo's replacement register Captain.

The sixteen cars included four 968s, two 928s, a 944, Paul’s magnificent Cayman, with the remainder being 911s and Boxsters.

The weather forecast for the day could not have been more favourable with stable conditions, light breezes and a comfortable nineteen degrees maximum.

Departing the meeting place on stage one, we headed east towards Berwick and had our first taste of ‘sports car’ heaven in Payne Road North Beaconsfield.  A brief unexpected delay was incurred with the group encountering a Police ‘Drug Bust’ as we turned south into O’Neils Road.

Back through suburbia as we headed towards the South Gippsland Highway which took us around the coast of Westerport Bay as we made our way to Korumburra for our morning coffee break at Kelly’s Bakery where we had our cars lined up for the great photo shoot.

Stage two of the run took us to Leongatha and then onto the Yarragon-Leongatha Road, up through Wooreen and Halston where we joined the Grand Ridge Road for some spirited steering wheel control inputs as we navigated our way north.  The quality of these roads were surprisingly good considering the remote location.

We encountered a minor slow down as we passed some cattle grazing in the “LONG PADDOCK” at Ellinbank.  From there we continued north west to pick up the Korumburra-Warragul Road for the wind down into Warragul.

Lunch was a two course at the ‘NEWMASON’, a fairly new cafe’/bistro in the heart of Warragul.

A long-standing PCV member commented that this was the best run that he’d been party to other than a Targa, which I took as a qualification of the drive.

A special thanks goes to PCV Register Director Paul Sbrissa for guiding me through the required preparation and procedures on the day itself.

 

Torque Tube run to the Old Apple Shed, Red Hill 

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23rd May 2021

I've always said that a Melbourne Autumn is the best time of the Winter ahead, and it was a wonderfully sunny crisp Sunday for the inaugural  Torque tube lunch run of 2021 with 52 people and 28 Porsches gathered at Naked Racer café  Cheltham for a coffee and de-brief of the run ahead.

At the briefing , I announced to the group that this day would be full of surprises , and the first one was to my brother Tony who had flown across the ditch from NZ to join us so it was a double surprise for many . There were also a number of newbies to introduce to the team and it was wonderful to see so many loyal members that have attended the TorqueTube runs in all the years I’ve been Register Captain.

The assortment of Porsches was extensive with 356, 944’s 928’s,968, Boxsters, 996,997,991 and most of the 911 carrera range were present to view and enjoy.  The standout for me was Peter and Toni’s Kopanidis tangerine orange 1973 911T because I'm such a classics guy .

The additional Classic car was a white lancia fulvia that brother Tony was driving because his clutch pedal went to the floor on his 944S2CAB after it sat dormant for 14 months.  The Lancia Fulvia attracted quite a bit of attention curious to find out what was under the bonnet.  They were most surprised to hear about the lancia's engineering prowess, with its slanted V4 engine in a 1966 car.

The first part of the run lead us thru the back of Cranbourne, following backroad as much as possible to avoid suburbia traffic . Having made it safely thru to the morning pitstop in Hastings at the Waterfront Café I collected all the ladies of Porsche for a group picture which I count 22 ladies. What a great result for womens participation.

Leaving Waterfront, we headed into the hills of Mornington Peninsula and I soon found myself playing cat and mouse with Kane Wilson and his fabulous Boxster GTS with that sweet crackle sound that could be heard from over the hills and as he chased me up Arthurs seat usually whiplashing his passenger at every corner.  I later asked Kane if he wanted to kiss my behind at lunch as he almost did a few times across the drive. That got a few laughs at the table.

The good news story is that we all made it without incident and everyone was stoked at the fantastic weather and the conversation continued inside with lots of wine and cider tastings from our host Kate the proprietor of the old apple shed.

As mention earlier,  my second surprise announcement was that I was stepping down as Torque Tube register captain after 10 years in the job.  It's been a wonderful journey with thanks to my co-captain Ivan Romanic and all the PCV  members that have supported us throughout the last 10 fantastic years of fun and adventure. Myself and Co-captain Ivan would like to personally thank everyone that have attended many of our runs and for making our last run so special .

Some of the highlights and trivia that formed the Torque Tube DNA were:

-Mandatory U-Turns at least one per event

-Run notes that were sometime not accurate and got people lost

-Raffles and prizes for the attendee’s that usually involve the Winery picking their favourite car.

-Bribery to get things done like check runs, or someone to write the story.

-Mandatory photos with me usually front and centre in some crazy way.

Of course one chapter closes and another one opens for the person whom will be the New Torque Tube register captain and they have my full support and advice and many more adventures to be a part of as a participant . Keep safe and I hope we can all be together soon.  Signing off, Angelo Monteleone and Ivan Romanic . 

 

Torque Tube Register Run to 400 Gradi, Yarra Valley

Sunday 15th September

Story by Nigel Watson          Photos by Angelo Monteleone

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On 15 September 2019, 38 members and friends gathered for a four year anniversary run to the location of the PCV 40th anniversary celebration on 20 September 2015.

Unlike the beautiful spring day 4 years ago the day greeted us with icy Antarctic winds and rain showers. However, we warmed up over coffee and noisy chatting at LaManna in Essendon fields. Our register captains Angelo and Ivan called us to order for a briefing.  They were elated that there was a good mix of Torque Tube cars and many more other models

Angelo was pleased to welcome three new members. Graham Gooding and his son were relieved to have their 928S on the road after some restoration, Gary and Lyn Morgan told us how they left Frankston in sunshine but were still pleased to join us in their 968, and Brian and Margot Bourke whom were returning members after a 4 year sabbatical in the UK.

Mario Malavisi, a torque tube run regular with his 996 had checked our route with his wife Stef and prepared the clear and accurate navigation directions which is quite a welcome change to the usual U-Turn challenges from previous runs. Mario chose some great roads which took us out towards Sunbury, onto Lancefield, Romsey, Wallan and into Flying Tarts at Pheasant Creek for our morning break. We had driven a variety of open roads, sweeping bends, narrow bridges and a few tight corners. We were congratulating Mario on his route but he said, ’just wait, the best is yet to come!’ He was right as our second run took us along some great twisty corners along the Myers Creek Road into Healesville and then a short cruise to Rochford winery.

Mario brought along his twin brother Renato and his wife Suzie in their Cayman. Mario was into Porsche well before Renato but Renato boasted that he at least owned some Porsche caps well before Mario. Must be a twin thing to play one-up as I fondly remember Angelo and Tony doing the same thing as well.

Brian and Margot Burke were on their first run after 3 years in the UK. Their 968 Cab had been in storage and they were thrilled to blow out the cobwebs with such a great run. Their only regret was that they were not brave enough to drop the roof but understandably that was a sensible decision given the weather.

Lunch was at 400 Gradi at Rochford Winery. This is a new building with a tasting area and large restaurant .The building has views across a lake and over the area where our cars were displayed in 2015. We had the exclusive use of the upper level of the restaurant where we were treated to an excellent selection of share plates with a welcome salumi and formaggi board followed by different pizzas and pastas.

Congratulations to Angelo, Ivan and Mario for a top day which was thoroughly enjoyed by us all.

 

Torque Tube Run to Avenel

Sunday 10th February

Story by Brigitte Bolonis                Photos By Angelo Monteleone

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The first Torque Tube Run of 2019.

Meeting at Degani Cafe, University Hill, we excitedly exchanged greetings, initiated introductions and commented on the brilliant day Melbourne had presented us.  36 people and 20 cars rocked up as Angelo welcomed us, handed out the course directions, explained the events of the day. He then went on to mention Ivan’s misfortune the previous day. His side mirror on his 928, whilst parked in the Safeway carpark was damaged and taken off. Now if Ivan truly loved his Porsche why didn’t he park in the furthest corner away from any other car! Or was this just a ploy to get one of the prizes of the day?

The sun came out as we headed down Plenty Road.  A convoy of Germany’s finest engineering   marvels. Heads turning as the engines roared, that sweet symphony of aural noise. Taking the lead was Mark in his brilliant blue Cayman S.

As we headed to Yea, through Kinglake West & Flowerdale, the clouds began to warn us that the previous day’s Porsche wash and polish may have been in vain.  This however would not deter the group, as we picked up speed and broke away into 2 groups – the heavy footed and those that were happy just to be out with their machines, partners and friends.

The sun then began breaking through the tree lined countryside. Road signs warned us of the Australian wildlife nearby. We saw an eager group of mountain bike enthusiasts making the most of the glorious summer’s day and passed some keen road cyclists pumping hard to get up a steep incline. It made me feel like I should be exercising more but it quickly left my mind as the enjoyment of driving was far greater.

As the tyres became one with the road we became one with the car and a harmonious flow began. Leading the pack the first 4 cars, comprising of 2 Caymans, a 964 and a Boxster, enjoyed some     spirited driving, separating them much further from the main pack.

We arrived at our first stop, the Yea Bakery. There was lively chatter consisting mainly of Porsche stories, as new friendships were being forged over a few coffees and tarts.  Back to our Porsches, we zeroed our speedometers, opened sun roofs and roofs down on the convertibles as we began the drive to our final destination Avenel.

We headed down the Goulburn Valley Highway before taking a turn into a 68km road of pure driving bliss - a smooth, wide, sweeping road with very few crossroads and no one coming the other way. We awakened sleeping cattle with the methodical loud hum of the Porsche brigade which accompanied our entourage.

Passing the Old Jug which boasted 1000+1 jugs, we slowed from an exhilarating speed to just 50km. As we began to increase our speed again, locals pulled over to let our procession of classic Porsches through. Cockatoos flying overhead, the picturesque landscape and the sun coming though made truly brilliant conditions for a Sunday drive.

The first 5 Porsches arrived at Avenel in good time. Dead bug inspections in the air intake vents and headlights were carried out. Accolades were made about the drive, while we waited for the second group to turn up.

Once we all arrived, we made our way to the tables arranged for our group in the tranquil gardens under a beautiful massive old tree, at Bank Street Wood Fired Pizza and Gardens. We continued the ideal chatter, the story telling, the laughter becoming louder and friendships became stronger.

Angelo presented prizes for the day. Phillip & Brigitte for volunteering to write this diary entry. (We’ll let you be the judge as to whether it was worth a prize!) Nadine our hostess for the day was asked to choose a worthy recipient of a prize based on which car she liked.  After a close inspection she chose Carl’s 356 Super 90 stating she is a classic kind of girl. Last prize of course went to Ivan for parking too close to non-Porsche lovers. Ken made a speech. Photos were taken. More eating and drinking. More laughing and mingling. Then it was time to say good bye and head back home.

Thank you to Angelo for his organizational skills, hard work and diligence and the route organizers Mario & Stef Malavisi for a marvelous back road blast.

We may not all know each other but the one thing that connects us is our Porsches. Until we meet again happy travels.

 

Combined Boxster/Cayman and Torque Tube Run to Flinders Ranges

Sunday 18th November 2018

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Boxter/Cayman and Torque Tube Run to Flinders Hotel.

Story by : Yannick Anderson

McDonalds Mulgrave carpark was a buzz with 26 various Porsche's  jostling for a carpark as we arrived in our 964. I immediately said to myself- This is going to be a great day out. 

Angelo and Richard gave our briefing and new members were welcomed. 

Angelo informed us that he had not done the drive notes for this run; therefore we were all in for a good day with no excuses for getting lost. If however, someone did manage to get themselves lost, we were to blame Richard.

The drive took us on some great roads east towards Upper Beaconsfield. 1st Stop was  Tooradin Bakery for coffee and a regroup. Tooradin Bakehouse was situated near the. Koo Wee Rup Tarago Reservoir which is a lovely spot for a picnic  under the tree’s . 

Being locals we found ourselves leading the pack along familiar roads towards Flinders. Arthurs seat road is always a challenge,  depending on your timing. Mine was bad with a slow car in front, but Angelo tells me he was behind Jane Hallam's Ferrari 599 and Kane Wilsons Boxster GTS, howling and crackling  up the curves enjoying the sound and watching many day trippers spinning around from their view of the peninsula . 

Some members had not been so lucky with Glen Smith’s 928 accelerator getting stuck full throttle and had to pull out and Andrew and Elizabeth‘s Boxter and I quote as it was said to me” broke down and ran out of drive and went into crawl mode”

They were hopeful that they could make it home.

Fortunately the Flinders Hotel  Peninsula room was able to accommodate all 52 of us , which as a very large group meant we could catch up with old friends and made new ones over a few pre-lunch drinks.

We were given a choice of seven mains and four deserts which all promised to be excellent. My seafood Linguine was to die for! Overhearing comments from the room it seems that everyone was satisfied with their meals.

After the main course Angelo and Richard organized the raffle .The prize being two rare peninsula wines and two wines from Europe, which were kindly donated by the Flinders Hotel,

The happy winners were Carlo Fasolino, Carlo Cimino, and Tony Federico all very content with their top shelf wines.

I gracefully volunteered to write this story when Angelo put up a rare Austrian Riesling. Ok so I can be bought. …Lets move on.

We all enjoyed desert and after sharing some more “Car Talk”etc. it was time to head home.

Having helped with many Porsche runs over the years I appreciate how much time and effort goes into these runs. I would like to say thank you to Angelo Monteleone, Ivan Romanic, Richard Catchlove and Kane Wilson  for their efforts  resulting in a fantastic day for all who attended. Keep up the good work guys.