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Mitsubishi 4WD Owners Club of Qld (Inc) |
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City View 4WD - Feb '07 |
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City View 4WD Park - Feb '07Check out these great pics from Anthony Zandvliet with the assistance of Google Picasa : Plus a few specials from Chrissie and Greg Conlon:
City View 4WD Park 24-25 February Trip Leader: Alan Hughston Participants:
The distinct advantage that City View 4wd Park has is its proximity to Brisbane. In one hour flat I had negotiated my way from North West Brisbane to the golden arches of Beaudesert. As I am effectively between cars, I was a passenger in Matt Dyer’s new 100 Series Landcruiser (as was Harrison – Matt’s two year old son about to embark on his first 4WD/camping trip). After gathering us all together, Alan Hughston, who had arrived the night before with a few others, directed us towards the park’s entrance. There were 14 cars in total – 3 x 100 Series, 1 x Nissan Patrol, 1 x Triton, 1 x Nissan Pathfinder and 8 x Pajeros. The variety of cars (and traction aids) added to an interesting weekend. After negotiating the Park’s complicated pricing structure, we headed towards our camping ground to set up camp. While our camping ground was quite picturesque, I thought that the amenities were lacking, particularly when compared to some of the other parks that we have been to recently. The portable toilets that were available looked down right scary and I felt the lack of shade. We were able to gather firewood in close proximity to the camp ground though – a pleasant surprise. For the rest of the day, we hit the tracks. The first obstacle out of the camp ground was a short hill with a solid rock base that kicked up quite abruptly on the left (causing the cars to kick to the right). As it was early days, each car was given three attempts. Many of the cars needed the three attempts. For the sake of a story, I will note that Alan had to bow out after his three attempts (round one to the hill). After meandering our way through a number of the tracks, we headed down a track that was marked extreme. The major obstacle along this track was a significant rock step (down). With careful guidance from Errol Gordon and Greg Conlon, most of the cars (some had headed back to camp) were able to negotiate the step. Not without plenty of banging and scraping though! Mental note – the next car is to have steel protection everywhere. During our lunch break, some of us headed to the 4WD competition that the Park was hosting. Here, we were eventually able to get close to a number of specially built vehicles performing some great tricks (after Matt and I got the group terribly lost). The highlight after lunch was a long steep hill with plenty of undulations. It is on these hills that you notice the benefits of tractions aids – traction control or diff lockers. Plenty and plenty of right foot got most cars up. The drive of the afternoon went to Steve Fleming in his older shape Pajero. While not having any traction aids, Steve showed heaps of determination to get his car up the hill. Keen to show off his new wheels, Steve went most of the way up with one wheel proudly in the air. Happy hour that night was as you would expect from the Mitsubishi 4WD club – a nice evening of good conversation, exaggerated stories and plenty of laughter. Thanks to Greg, we even had some great tunes playing in the background. Sunday was not a full day, with most of us heading off just after lunch. The highlights of the morning were as follows: · Alan Hughston. Down one nil, Alan went back to the hill from day one and got his revenge. After some expert advice from Errol, Greg and Russell Kennedy, Alan ended the weekend on top – twice! · Philip Loy. Philip won my prize for the most wheel spin of the weekend. A great drive to get up Alan’s hill on the second day. · Errol Gordon. After watching Russell walk up a hill that many of us had seen a Nissan Patrol stranded on the day before, Errol had a go. The difference in wheel base proving to be an issue. After much determination and a huge bang (my technical interpretation), Errol eventually made it. Matt, Harrison and I had an absolutely fantastic weekend. A special thanks should go to Alan for his detailed planning of the weekend, which made it a thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Thanks also to the senior members of the club that are always happy to encourage and guide us more junior members over those daunting obstacles. Michael Fenech Back to Top
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