Oils ain't oils

Oils run#8
Oils run#1 Oils run#7 Oils run#6 img_0108.jpegOils run#5 Oils run#4 Oils run#3 Oils run#2

24 April 2023 / Words by Frances Wood. Photos by Lili Chi, Rob Walk, Rod Nicholas

Saturday 15 April 2023

The Perfect Trifecta! The company, the run, and the venues.

A textbook autumn morning presented and the carpark at Gold Creek Maccas kept filling and filling until it was spewing forth with glistening MX-5s! A hello, a chat and a run sheet received and we were on our way.

Wow, what an impressive line-up for road sharers to see. A continuous stream of MX-5s, 20 in all, powering across country, tops off, heaters on and big smiles beaming! We must have made an imposing sight.

First stop Boorowa, where our cars graced the street, in military file parking. We looked majestic. We wandered through the township in search of a refreshing drink, and food of choice if so desired. After a relaxing hour we headed for our next stop at The Terracotta Restaurant in Murrumburrah, the sister town to Harden.

Once parked we flowed into the restaurant, where we were greeted warmly. We dominated the interior with two long tables of hungry chatter. Amazing as we had really only just supped at Boorowa.

For such a large group, we were all watered and fed with remarkable speed.

From what I observed the meals were well enjoyed, and the service was prompt, and pleasant. Such a great establishment to visit.

The day was not rushed, so after lunch we had some time to look around and continue our catch ups.

All aboard for the next stop LubeAlloy at Harden. We meandered at the usual MX 5 pace towards Harden, just a short jaunt up the road.

Our cars filled the carpark, and everyone clustered at the doorway in anticipation of our tour. Darren Garnon greeted us warmly and we began a very instructive tour. He is an industrial chemist and the company’s owner and director whose expertise is the refinement of oils and greases. During the tour of his plant, we learnt about its operations, its uses, and the products’ interactions with various engine types. His oils are widely distributed and used locally and nationally. Darren spent a considerable amount of time explaining the mechanics of his industry. Many questions were asked and detailed responses were given, much to the delight and fascination of the magnetised group. He was most informative, and everyone learnt a lot from this engaging delivery. We all gained a lot of knowledge resulting from this visit.

Then it was over. We thanked Darren for taking his time on a weekend to educate us all on his product, its manufacture, and its uses, not forgetting its global distribution and current and futuristic prospects.

It was time to return as the day drew to a close, so we headed home.

We took a different route back to Canberra which complimented the originating departure run.

This outing was well worthwhile, informative, convivial and conducive to opening the mind to multiple oily possibilities of mobility and onward.
* Darren has invited our club members to write to him should they have any enquiries relating to our cars and/or his products. His contact details are:

There are heaps more photos from Lili Chi and Rob Walk on our Facebook page, as well as Rob's ReLive video of the run. 

Frances Wood