Well what can I say it was an awesome morning drive.

We ended up with 5; Myself, Snoo, NRVOUS and friend, Z88M and Richard with some very spirited driving.
The cruise started at Thornleigh Mcdonalds and the progressed onto the F3 and on to the old road. The time of day was perfect for really putting the cars through their paces and throwing them through tight corners and long straights. I must say the bikes just could not keep pace at all.
After a quick sprint down the old road we then headed out towards wisemans ferry. More sweeping corners and pedal to the floor straights.
We were making fantastic progress until Grampa in his little crapbox decided that the middle of the road was the best place to sit and that a safe speed of 45km/h was ideal for all. Two of the longest kilometers of our lives passed until he finally got the message and pulled over.
Another quick run to a ocal cafe and the first photos:

 

From the cafe we noticed Grandpa had passed us again so off we went towards the ferry. More fast corners quickly led us to the bumperbar of Grandpa again, this time he was very curtious and pulled stright over letting us through, however the holden Astra (or similar) that was directly behind him thought that he could mix it with us, needless to say that as soon as the strights presented themselves the Astra was soon banished to a shower of gravel.
More spirited driving and even more spirited braking led us to the ferry and a casual journey across the Hawkesbury:

More photos would have happened on the ferry except for the rules that drivers must remain in vehicles combined with an over zealous ferrymaster who was hell bent on enforcing it.

 

Off the ferry we headed up to the local cafe on the Windsor side of Wisemans Ferry. Grabbed a bite and took some more photos:

We then headed off down the Old Northern Road back towards Castle Hill. It was smooth sailing until we got caught behind a ute towing a boat, he was driving like an insane man making the boat jump all over the road. The process of passing him was a little heated after he feigned pulling over to let us pass then proceeded to bombard us with a torrent of abuse and middle finger action. I wish to emphasise that we at no stage tail gate drivers or drive in an agressive manner to warrant such a response. (This is not a sarcastic comment it is the facts that some other road users are a little volatile).
From here things got a little interesting. Nrvous and I were slowed up by the ute and his boat and as such the other guys got away from us. We did like any law abiding drivers would do and proceeded to catch up without breaking the speed limit . After about 15km of "speed limit" driving we were stunned that we had not caught them, until we discovered that they had taken the pitt town turn off and left us chasing nothing but fresh air. 5 minutes of cooling our heels on the road side allowed the others to find us and from there we continued on sedately back to Dural and from there we parted company.

It was a fantastic day and an awesome experience.

Thanks to the guys for a brilliant morning and I look forward to doing it all again.

NOTE: We discussed some other cruise day opportunities so stay tuned we will keep you all informed of what we have planned next. However don't let this stop anyone else organising a cruise day.

Gibbo.

 

Gibbo,

You've summed up the day beautifully mate! Richard was the guy in the Black 8.
It was an awsome spirited run, with an orchestra of screaming rotors........

The Putty Road is awaiting our blessing! maybe we can throw some dates around as I'm sure most of you have busy schedules!

 

Gibbo

Great report & photos. Sounds like you all had a ball

Timbo

 

Guys,
Z88M & myself needed another rush and continued on to attack the Royal National Park after departing company from Wisemans, it was a duo slalom event with some fun drifting thru the twisties.......... Z88M is one serious steerer who has a passion for testing the limits of adhesion!......Mate the tire companies would absolutely love you as their endurance test pilot!
Cants wait for that day;16K of twisties thru Darky Forest; PUTTY RD!

 

some nice pics there guys, baby8 i saw you at uni a few weeks back!
nice wheels man

 

Yes NRVOUS thanks for that. New tyres are going on tomorrow after 15,000 easy kms - need them to stay up with you!

Sticking with the Bridgestones RE040 - Racing Beat reckons they are the best overall tyre for the RX8 anyway based on their tests with 6 other high performance tyre options -"change the Bridgestones if you want to go slower".

Looking forward to the Putty Road run soon ...

 

Z88M,

I was impressed with the sound & craftmanship of your Racing Beat Exhaust.. By far one of the best systems available.
HaveUheard of Kaminali exhaust systems, these are a full titatnium system absolutley feather light, High Octane Racing have complete system for a 350Z www.hioctaneracing.com.au I believe they also make one for the RX8, with the weight saving alone you will gain more power!........ kaminali are at the extreme end of the market with cat back systems costing $2-$3K.

 

I was up at Mount White on Sunday but must have just missed seeing all the RX-8's! This is a great ride / drive mid week, hardly any traffic.

Pick up my RX-8 this week (hopefully). I should make the next drive.

Steve

 

Trader,
I agree midweek is great fun, you dont have to contend with any weekend traffic, congtrats on joining the RX8 fraternity. You will be quite impressed with the calibre of owners who drive these machines the way they were intended with DSC OFF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Always keen for a midweek slalom run! Z88M knows this stretch blind folded.

 

Sorry -- quick thread hijack

Z88M, interested to hear there are some RE040's in the country. I've been told there are none, and Bridgestone weren't able to say when the next shipment was due...

Where are you getting them from, and at what price?

 

Actually they told me I got the last 2 RE040 tyres. They are $390 fitted from Bridgestone tyre centre.

I presume they will get more in soon.