MX5 RUN - Magoebaskloof Weekend away

Magoebaskloof weekend away September 2014

A first time venue for the MX5 club, we stayed at Mogoebaskloof Rest Camp, in the heart of the Kloof from Haenertsburg down to Tzaneen, absolute MX5 driving pleasure over a relatively short distance, with more twists and turns than a corkscrew which could be equated to the Blade Runners trial.

Arrived at the rest camp Friday evening with the bulk of the convoy meeting at the Ultra City near Mogapane(Potgietersrus as it was known back in the day) The late comers and stragglers catching up at leisure. The Friday braai , which has become a tradition on weekends away, launched the start of a lovely and leisurely weekend. Breakfast was at leisure, and with no particular agenda planned had everyone going to some of the many points of interest.

From the Forest Canopy slides and climbs, to the more sedate Curio shops and short hiking trails in Haenertsburg, and then onto to the largest Baobab tree in Africa, with a mini-bar inside the tree itself! At the end of the run through the Kloof most ended at the Debengini falls. Really spectacular views and picnic spots on offer. Then off for Sundowners and pizza at the Pot & Plough

. After that back to the rest camp for some time at the spectacular pool or lounge at the cosy pub at the resort.

A latish dinner after cocktails was a very good a-la-carte menu with a large variety on offer. Our host Etienne really looked after us, and went out of his way to ensure our comfort and well being.

We all met for breakfast on Sunday ,departure day and gathered for a photographic session, before heading back home. These weekends away are way to short to really appreciate all the things to do and see. The photo's on the blog, tell it all, a picture definitely is worth a thousand words!

Well it's back to the grindstone and the next outing being the A.G.M. To be held at the bowls arena, at Reading Country Club.

MX5 RUN - Skidpan

Well now!

Skidpan rules OK !

Skidpan on Sunday 11th was the outing of note for 2014. We rolled into Zwartkops with some very dodgy weather on the horizon. Scott sketched out the gymkhana layout, and then we all walked and drove through slowly until the track layout was sorted. The weather got a lot better, and really turned into a summers day ! Meantime Jos and daughter Kaycee arrived via a dodgy 4x4 trail and bent his new mags , bummer Jos must really get a new GPS.

Got in about 6 laps of the timed Gymkhana and on average Kerry won that on 35 seconds average. However Kaycee on debut scored a credible 40 and Wendy also on debut 42. Well done the only 2 ladies in the field !

In freestyle and entertainment Scott had to be the winner, after retiring his MX5 and using the Mazda3 ! The most spin-outs had to go to Jos, must be something about those bent rims or a very heavy right foot! Newbie Eckhard had an absolute blast, must have enjoyed the day.

Well done Kevin,Vaughn and Scott in at 37 seconds, joint 2nd.

In the final analysis the winner on the day was the absolute joy and pleasure of being on the Skidpan. If you haven't taken your MX5 on Skidpan, then you have not experienced the real

 Zoom-Zoom feeling

 Below are the average times, and the track layout ,which unfortunately looks like a phallic symbol!

Zwartkops Skidpan 10 Sept. 2014
	1	2	3	4	5	time
Kevin	38	44	34	33	36	37
Kerry	37	36	34	33	35	35
Ekhard	46	43	39	36	35	40
Gerald	44	51	41	41	39	43
Scott	37	37	37	37	37	37
Wendy	46	44	42	39	39	42
Grey	47	38	38	38	39	40
Jos	50	47	40	42	45	45
KC	41	42	41	41	39	41
Vaughn	44	37	35	36	35	37
Average lap time						39.7

MX5 RUN - Tenpin bowling

Ten Pin Bowling at Galaxy World Bedfordview. 13th July 2014.

This has become one of the more popular events on the MX5 calendar.

Overall top bowler was Carin at 110 scratch score, narrowly beating Wendy at 105 scratch score.

Carin's spare conversion rate just edging Wendy with more strikes and less spares.

The ladies gave the guys a smack, with Mike being the top male, came in 6th place, Jo came in at 101, beating hubby Mike by 4 points. So guys the gauntlet has been thrown out there, for the 2015 challenge. A good day was had by all, and the weary warriors went of to the local Pizzerias for an enjoyable lunch. Score sheets have been attached, so if you are concerned about your poor showing, it is optional to open them!

Fathers Day Run to Cullinan

On our way to Cullinan, the convoy consisted of 7 vehicles. All the way from the Caltex Start Stop in Midrand, to the Zambesi toll plaza in Pretoria where we met 4 more vehicles who joined the convoy. The road was a breeze and in a jiffy, we were in Cullinan.

The first stop, was at Cullinan Junction – the old train station with various little shops and a restaurant. Having planned a wonderful lunch, we decided to move right along to the next stop. We pulled into the parking spot at Piacere Italian Restaurant where we left our vehicles to take a stroll through the once very busy town. Well-known for its diamonds, some members decided to take a walk through some of the ‘now’ restaurants and shops to get the feel of what once was homes.

Street shops, diamond sellers, antique shops, restaurants, etc. were visited and goodies were purchased by enthusiastic ladies.  It seemed like the men were a little stingy to buy small little boxes with glowing diamonds (a girl’s best friend), or maybe a lady or two were surprised that evening?  At 12:30 we all met at the restaurant where we had a lovely Italian lunch. Pitta bread, chicken livers, pizza, lasagne were all on the menu!

A wonderful run ended when we all left around 14:30 to travel home!

FOR SALE!!
Original owner is selling her true red, 2007 Mazda MX5 with electric folding top and only 15,800km's for R150,000. Immaculate condition and serviced annually.
Please contact mazdamx5gauteng@gmail.com for more info and viewing!

FOR SALE!!
2007 MX5 coupe, electric folding roof, galaxy grey, full house, 60000km - R154,000.
Contact: mazdamx5gauteng@gmail.com