Our South Australian correspondent Andrew Stevens kicks off the year with a bumper edition of South Australian Lotus Torque. Read on, and enjoy!
SA Lotus Christmas Bash
As the year drew to a close and the weather warmed in preparation for Christmas, the need for a blast across the Murraylands from Adelaide to Younghusband once more settled upon the SA Lotus community. With Richard and Heather Knight once again offering the use of their balcony overlooking the mighty Murray, we wended our way north to see the benefits of the environmental flows being delivered by the Murray Darling Authority, and break bread (and open a few Stelvio caps) in pursuit of peace to all men, and pursuit of the perfect cornering line. Our destination, perched between the open expanses of the Murray River and the bush of the eastern bank is a seriously idyllic spot, and we are grateful for Richard and Heather’s willingness to share their little stretch of heaven with us.
Thanks to Chris Burton’s excellent organisation and route planning, everyone actually made it to the destination this year (apart from the recalcitrant who was 10 ½ time zones away – a feeble excuse). The somewhat unseasonal SA weather continued its wayward trend, with somewhat overcast and cool conditions – perfect roof off weather for those who could.
After departing the Sikh Centre, Chris had mapped out a convoy route, with the obligatory coffee stop along the way, arriving at Younghusband in plenty of time for socialising before lunch. The vittles and lubrication essentials were quickly extracted and before long the barbecue had been cranked up to provide the motive power for lunch.
Chris regaled the ensemble with stories of extracting the Exige from the wilds of Mallala (it’s boring staying on the black stuff!), while Joe and Rich Cave confessed to having been partying the previous night. Despite the boys showing off their Lotus polo shirts, Jan Hopper kept herself rugged up awaiting proper hot weather (all that time in the tropics really does spoil you Jan). David and Edwina thought that the weather was super, being not too hot to challenge the cooling limitations of their English climate Lotus Cortina.
In keeping with “bash” mentality, our local Lotus dealer DB Motors sponsored the raffle, with Dealer Principal Tim Pitt sending all the SA Lotus community his best wishes, and the hope that you’ll all book your car in for service at Main Rd Medindie in the New Year.
All too soon, the snags had been burnt, steaks cooked to perfection, lap times lowered, salads tossed, RWHP inflated, and afternoon naps consumed. The original plans for some skiing fell foul of time and non-ideal conditions but in the Christmas tradition, “it’s the thought that counts”.
A huge thanks to Richard and Heather for once again hosting the mad bunch of Lotus owners, to Chris for his impeccable organisation, and to Tim Pitt and DB Motors for their ongoing support.
Photos courtesy Chris Burton.
Starting 2019 – Our January Run Kicked Off the Year in Style
While January is usually a slow start, this year was the exception with over 20 cars rolling up for our first congregation for 2019. It was great to welcome three newbies to the run, and see the latest additions to Lotus in SA (two Elises, an Evora, and a Caterham).
Obviously, finding the Sikh Centre car park at the bottom of the SE freeway isn’t quite as easy as we thought, as we watched one of the new arrivals sail past, before reappearing 10 minutes later after a run up and down to Crafers. At least you’ll know the place next month Ed. Our apprentice Lotus owners, the Tyes, brought their Aston and their sense of humour. It’s OK – the upgrade to an Evora is still achievable.
After an extended New Years’ catch-up, admiring all the new machinery, and with the lycra crowd out ahead of the TDU, we headed off to Strathalbyn. It’s one of our favourite destinations, with a beautiful drive through the eastern Adelaide Hills, a picturesque destination, superb weather and a convoy of Lotus headed for coffee and morning tea. With 20 cars in the car park, the exodus up the freeway towards the hills was a spectacular affair. If only our photographer had remembered his camera.
All British Day Sunday 10th February
February in Adelaide means the annual All British Day at Echunga in the Adelaide Hills. This is one of the year’s highlights, and the Lotus display is always the most vibrant and popular. The ABD committee do a wonderful job and this year is celebrating British Motorsport Heritage. There’ll be a full report next month.
Ghost Mushroom Run
CLA Sydney and Anne Blackwood are organising a multi-state run, with a destination in the South East of SA to visit Coonawarra and the Ghost Mushrooms on May 30/31. We’re planning a reciprocal run on Thursday/Friday May 30/31 and the June 1st weekend to meet up with the tourists. More details soon.
Sunday Runs
The SA Lotus community gets together at the Sikh Centre car park at the bottom of the SE Freeway, near the tollgate, on the first Sunday of every month. Anyone with an interest in Lotus is welcome to come along and say ‘Hi!’ or join in the subsequent drive. Whether you want to show off your new toy, seek out some advice, or just share the moment with fellow enthusiasts, you’re all welcome. It’s very informal, but please remember to park up at the top end of the carpark to avoid upsetting our hosts. Meet up by 9:00am and join in the fun.
Happy Lotusing,
Andrew Stevens
CLA SA Delegate