Victorian Great Ocean Road run to Apollo Bay - Pics p.3 #39 onwards

[Todd!]

The Aim:

To UNITE Mini2ers from Victoria ( and afar - if interested!!) to sample what is recognised as one of the best touring roads in the world:

THE GREAT OCEAN ROAD.

The road provides a sensational blend of tight and twistys to challenge you and your Mini as well as panoramic ocean views.

The plan: (Kinda like the Italian Job!! But not!!)

Sunday June 6th 2004

Meet at Shell Westgate (optimax) - 7:30am

Make way thru Geelong to Bunnings Warehouse / homemakers centre in Warn Ponds for regrouping and meet Geelong Minis- leaving 8:45 - 75km approx.

(stopping to regroup and pictures at GOR historic archway and Lorne)

Travel to Apollo Bay for Lunch at pub - 1:00 - 114km approx. (Mobil - Apollo Bay)

Depart for Melbourne - via Otway road - 3:00 - 215km to Melbourne

Total 420km (approx) return to CBD

Drivers can set their own pace between regroup points.

Todd

_those who have returned their permission slips so far_

Red&blackS, wings, Mini_bm, ShermanM, Eltel, Samu, Gripper, CoopeR, New Skool, XMINIX, DJP, MickyD, Zakdoggi - 13 Cars from Forums!! (I am also expecting another 4 Mini2's from outside of the MINI2.com crew and a few non-mini's ~ plus a small group from Doncaster Mini)

Looks like a good day is to be had...

ALL WELCOME!!!

[minigolf]

Don't forget driving through the Otways sector too Todd.

This would be an awesome drive, I'll be disappointed if you don't get a good turn out.

[mini_bm]

Hi Todd,

I think Apollo Bay is too long for a one day drive. If you want to do the great ocean road (and i think we should), i think the best destination should be Lorne. Stop for lunch etc... and then drive back. Sunday would be the ultimate day for this.

However, of you want to do the Apollo Bay run, then yes stop over for the night in Apollo Bay on Saturday night, and do the drive through the Otways or alternate route on the way back.

However, I think the single day sunday drive would attract more minis. What does everyone else think?

Bill

[ShermanM]

Todd,
I'm in if I'm in town. What ever drive it may be.

Sherman

[Todd!]

Sunday sounds good then...

The only this is that we probably cant stop at Peck and Stokes... plus the Sunday Drivers!!

The Great Ocean Road is notorious for them!!

To go to Apollo Bay is approximately 190km from Melbourne.

The main concept behind the trip to Apollo Bay is the nice corners between Lorne and Apollo Bay, which is 45km or a bit over an hour. Also the best part of the otways drive is between Apollo Bay - Forrest - Barwon Downs - Birregurra - Princes Hwy.

Its about 215km from Apollo Bay Melbourne to go home that way back. I would also say traffic would be less.

I had also noticed that the Mini2ers have been to Apollo Bay before...

Todd

[warped]

Quote: Originally Posted by mini_bm

I think Apollo Bay is too long for a one day drive. If you want to do the great ocean road (and i think we should), i think the best destination should be Lorne. Stop for lunch etc... and then drive back. Sunday would be the ultimate day for this.

You have to be kidding I have done Melbourne to Port Campbell, including a few repeat runs of some of the better sections, in one day

Strongly recommend starting very early in the day to avoid the some of the traffic

[eltel]

Yes Todd, we had a great GOR drive in Jan 2003. Lots of fun, as we met in Geelong (Gripper organised the meeting point) and we headed down the GOR to lunch at Apollo Bay pub.

After lunch we headed back but turned inland at Skeenes Creek along a great MINI road towards Birregurra and then back to Geelong. Easy drive for one day, but is tiring on your passenger(s).

One thing I learnt from that day is that you cannot hope to convoy your way along the GOR if there is any traffic at all. Coaches, mobile homes, wary tourists, all add up to make it difficult ot keep visual contact with MINIs in front or behind. There are few points to pull over, so you are better to set your own pace and meet at one or two designated spots after leaving Torquay.

I'd suggest you meet outside of Geelong on the way out, convoy to Torquay, then set off at your own pace and meet up in Lorne for a cuppa, then set off at your own pace to meet at Apollo Bay for lunch.

There are at least two interesting drives back rather than returning via the GOR. 1. Take the turn inland at Skenes Creek, or 2. Take the turn inland from Lorne (just Melb side of the caravan park) to Deans Marsh. Both runs will get you back to the Princes Hwy then to Geelong.

I'd be keen to do it again.

[Todd!]

We will meet at Westgate shell as previously posted, I will have a map for the unsure with details and pictures of where to stop to catch up...

I plan to drive to Melbourne bright and early to meet everyone, for the full cruise as I am from Geelong also.

I'd like everyone to take the drive from Skene's Creek to Geelong, it is far more scenic.

Todd.

[mini_bm]

I agree with you Todd. The drive from Skene's Creek to Geelong, great and I would recommended it too.

Bill

[Samu]

I'm definately in~~ we definately need something like this. As for the traffic thing, i don't think we'll be able to avoid it.... would be great to see the looks on ppl's faces when they see so many minis driving pass anyway...

[mini_bm]

Hi Guys,

Any chance for the Sunday instead of Saturday?

Bill

[wings]

hey guys i will try and be there it sound like a good day

[Todd!]

Date change to Sunday June 6th, the week after is Queens birthday Weekend...

Also we are going tot leave half an hour earlier...

I want to see all Mini2 forum guys and gals there!! No excuses - unless you have a doctors certificate!!

Thanks

Todd

[Gripper]

b there or b □

[CoopeR]

Sounds good to me ... I will be there !!