Sliq Run Up The Putty Road
24 January 2020
Sunday 19th January saw a hardy group of BreakFast Clubbers take on the Putty Rd in some welcome January rain. Typically the bane of a roadster enthusiast’s existence, the precipitation was happy relief from the oppressive heat of January and the constant fire threat around Sydney and NSW. Indeed, all participants in the run were able to witness firsthand the devastation these fires have wreaked on communities along the Putty and into the Hunter. Drivers saw plenty of scorched flora and melted road signs and barriers. The evidence of the sheer ferocity of the fires was obvious to all and made for a solemn journey through certain sections.
Whilst the fire may have decimated the natural environment here, it seems to have left the road surface relatively unscathed. Albeit from a short section through the canyon that was restricted to 60km/h due to some risk some rock fall, the rest of this great roadway was open for business as usual. And business as usual is exactly what the BreakFast Club did, taking great delight in the deserted road and the variety of corners. Some caution was required due to the slippery conditions, however this only added to the mystic and adventure this road supplies time after time.
Oscars was the breakfast venue of choice upon arrival at the Hunter Valley Gardens. Although it’s been some time since the BreakFast Club has visited Oscars, it’s easy to remember why this has been a firm favourite. The staff here are warm and and love nothing more than to connect with their guests on a personal level. The breakfast fare is spot on here too, with a good variety of dishes to suit all tastes. After some hearty conversation (a BreakFast Club staple) some of the crew headed back to Sydney the scenic way – via Wisemans and the riverside hamlets of Spencer and Mangrove. This is yet another part of NSW that has been touched by the bushfire crisis, with the scorched leaves providing a great contrast to the gently rippling water’s edge.
Finally, a big shout out to some special participants who joined us on the run. Gerardo and Maria’s company is always cherished at BreakFast Club runs with Gerardo’s superb driver craft a welcome sight to behold from fore or aft. Artur came along during his Sydney holiday which was a big effort considering he’s living in Hobart these days. Brett came along as a guest and had such a good time he’s promised to join up and join us again! Lastly, it was great to have Ted & Tyler along in their red “works” NA. Ted tells us a lot of work has gone into it and it’s a work in progress, we look forward to following the developments. Tyler did a sterling job of leading the group into the Hunter Valley amidst some tricky conditions with excessive sun glare and an unseasonal plethora of roadkill providing some challenge at times. Great drive Tyler!
