Ragtop Review April to June 2024

Ragtop Review
April to June 2024
Back to reality after our brilliant Natmeet XV....

Welcome to our April to June online publication.
I’m sure we’d all like to thank Natmeet XV organisers, you’ve left us
with some great memories of our Club and the Darling Downs and
the Natmeet Edition is coming soon. The year has brought us good
times, challenges and great contributions from members.
I trust you’re enjoying the online editions of Ragtop, all are available
on our website and on our FB Members page.
On our website, after logging on, go to MEMBER ZONE.
To download a PDF on Facebook, click the FILES button, found by
dragging the grey buttons (under the blue “Invite” button) across.
Then click the 3 buttons to download, the PDF’s are under 1.5meg.
Bottom line this is OUR magazine. I’m open to ideas so
anything you’d like to contribute or see, send it to Scoop:
magazine@mx5clubqld.com.au
The fine print...
Re contributions:
Views expressed in Ragtop Review by contributors and advertisers
are not necessarily those of the MX-5 Club of Qld.
Re copyright:
No part of this online publication may be reproduced without written
permission of the publisher.
Re advertising:
All advertisments are the responsibility of the advertiser. Advertisments
are accepted on the understanding they do not contravene the
Competition and Consumer Act. Responsibility is not accepted by
the Ragtop Review or The MX-5 Club of Qld for statements made or
failure of any product or service to give satisfaction. Inclusion of an
advertisment should not be construed as endorsement by the MX-5
Club of Qld.

Herbstliche Temperamentvolle Fahrt
By Diana Kelly & Ura P Auckland, Brisbane, March
Chapter Leader & run architect Ura, after designing the first spirited
drive of Autumn, sat down to come up with a theme, and thought,
“Why don’t I use Google Translate to come up with a catchy theme?”
After searching through half a dozen languages, he tried German and
instantly Herbstliche Temperamentvolle Fahrt, or Autumn Spirited
Drive was born.
Who doesn’t love a good Fahrt? (Written by Ura, clearly not Diana).
Our run started at James Drysdale Recreational Reserve at Bunya, just
off the Jinker Track. As run leader Ura arrived (expecting to be among
the first there), it seemed many had either wet the bed or had a very
early night the night before - the car park was brimming with MX5s!
We had 29 cars, it was overcast but fine with showers forecast. Run
Leader Ura conducted the briefing and welcomed the new members
and visitors. The groups set off at 10 minute intervals, mainly with tops
down, hoping for fine and mild Herbstliche weather.

We travelled through some wonderful driving roads in Brisbane’s North
West including Clear Mountain Road and going through the Kobble
Creek area, being careful when going through flooded creek crossings.
Everyone was careful - except for Ura, who made a plume like a ride
at Wet & Wild! Then it was over Mt Mee and down Campbells Pocket
Road, which notably has had its crumbly drop off edges repaired.
There was some rain, heavy at times, so we pulled over for some to put
their tops up. Everyone arrived safely at Woodford for our morning tea
stop and toilet break.
At the bakery both Ura and Royce’s partner Bronte enjoyed their
pretty spectacular vanilla slices, which, if you’re an aficionado of, are
worth a special trip.

After leaving Woodford, we travelled north via Bellthorpe with many
winding roads and hairpin bends. We went down through the Peachester
Esses, which are so much fun, we did a planned U turn to go back and
do them a second time!
Then right into Bald Knob Road towards Maleny and then we had one
final loop to do through Mt Mellum Road, where we lost a few at that
turnoff, then met coming the other way!
Everyone arrived safely at
Patrick’s Irish Pub and
Restaurant for a very
enjoyable lunch. When we
arrived the view was 100%
low cloud and fog, but in a
few minutes it magically
opened up and the Glass
House Mountains gradually appeared before us.
We celebrated St Patrick’s Day with our MX5 friends, some even scoring
a pub bucket hat with green four leaf clovers on it. We all agreed, we’d
had one mighty Herbstliche Temperamentvolle Fahrt!

Raiders of the lost Yowie
by Carl Eksteen, Gold Coast, March
Like our SEQ summer, the Gold Coast in March had a few days of “will
it or won’t it rain” in the lead up to the run. In the end, the weather gods
partially relented as 26 cars & crews gathered at a new start venue, Stocklands
Centre in Burleigh, under grey skies but in good spirits.
Once everyone had left the coffee shop, Trevor completed formalities.
welcoming new members Kevin and Suzanne Richard, Martin Bell and
those down from Brisbane.
Carl as organiser, went over
the route, hazards and most
importantly, how to identify
our chosen prey the Yowie,
and how to avoid Bunyips!
With that, Group 1 set off,
but drizzle kept roofs up.

The other groups followed out onto Reedy Creek Rd. The run
wound over the back end of Burleigh Hill, under the M1 and onto
Tallebudgera Creek Rd.
I’m sure navigators were asked about “missing” the ususal turn onto
Tallebudgera Connection Rd, however the route ran further into the
valley and new territory for many, before veering off and through a
steep, tight section over the ridge and back down the next valley, joining
Tallebudgera connection Rd
at The Man on the Bike Shops.
In the interim however, a certain
editor who shall remain
nameless, had neglected to zero
his odo and took a little off track
adventure in the company of
two other cars. They ventured
via a dirt track and low level
causeways, all the way to the
Gorge Falls waterfall car park at
the head of the valley!

Concerned about their diminished group and lack of comms, Trevor
and Helen backtracked to look for the lost cars and first timers Kevin
and Suzanne stepped up as substitute leaders.
Talk about being pitched in at the
deep end - but within 20 minutes,
order had been restored!
The groups continued on through
Currumbin past the airport, before
turning off onto the twisties
again via Bilambil, Hogans
Rd and Chillingham, where we
turned toward Tyalgum.
The road had been denied to us
for several years, thanks to flood
damage and then ensuing
roadworks.
Bill from NSW
was unable to drive
after a European
skiing accident, so
he kindly hobbled
over to take photos
as we turned left
and waved hello.
Whisps of cloud
clung onto cliffs
and surrounding
forests, adding to
the majestic
scenery, dominated
as always by
Mt Warning.

The bathrooms at the tea
stop at Memorial Park in
Tyalgum proved surprisingly
popular, perhaps thanks
to the large pre-run coffees
in Burleigh? Easter being
around the corner, chocolate
eggs and hot cross buns
were a welcome supplement
to normal fare in the mildly
chilly weather.
Recharged and refreshed, the groups set off once again, this time along
the Tyalgum Rd, winding toward Kyogle Rd and Uki. A loop along
Smiths Creek Rd, over the Rail Trail at Stokers Siding and back to Murwillumbah
followed, before Tomewin Mountain Rd was tackled in the
less usual, reverse direction.
At the base of the mountain, all that remained was a slow roll along Currumbin
Creek Rd to the waterfront deck at the local RSL, where tasty
meals were consumed and tall tales told of navigational challenges, wet
roads and Yowies sighted - but sadly, not photographed.
Many thanks to all who played along on the day, particularly the group
leaders; Trevor & Helen, and Kevin & Suzanne (both sets!) as well as the
tail end charlies.

What happened to the missing raiders?
By the editor: Group 3 had only been on the road for 15 minutes
when a safety car got in front of Martin, effectively separating him,
myself and Ralph and Janelle (our tail end Charlies) from the rest of
Group 3.
No big deal, radios were working and we were making good time
through the roadworks and drizzle - until a truck got in front of the
safety car.
After another roadwork, Ralph and Janelle disappeared......but I
felt lucky as we passed a sign saying “ROAD NOT FLOODED”.
Conditions didn't allow us to overtake, so we continued to
follow along. I didn’t realise radio chatter had stopped and as the
tree canopy grew more dense as the road got more narrow, rougher
and lower towards a creek, I thought “Nice road Carl”.

Fast flowing water had left gravel on the three concrete fords we
crossed and it was feeling more like an Indiana Jones adventure than
a Club run. I thought “Wow Carl, this really IS like Tomb Raiders!”
I wondered how far the gravel track would go. I was waiting for
Humphry and his African Queen - or a yowie - to appear.
Then the safety car stopped so Martin stopped and I stopped.
Then the penny dropped - the road had stopped too!
Martin and I got out and looked at each other as the people from
the safety car went off to visit Gorge Falls waterfall. We were in a
gravel parking area, feeling uncertain and looking sheepish - now
without internet or mobile signal and neither radio was in the mood.
I don’t know what Indiana Jones would’ve done, but we did what
Gold Coasters do - a U turn and read the run sheet. Five minutes
later my mobile was back and we were on track when Trevor called.
So next time you’re on Tallebudgera Creek Rd and want to look for
a yowie, crystal skull or visit a waterfall, don't turn left at Syndicate
Road.....but do yourself a favor, check for high water, take a cut
lunch and a compass, just in case.

Brisbane River Headwater Run
Steve Hodgson, Brisbane Chapter, June
A whopping 37 (yes 37!) cars assembled in eager anticipation of the last
Brisbane Chapter event for June 2024 and what an event it was!
Ura, our Chapter Leader had posted a teaser on FB the week before
when he and Peta-Jane did the recce and at that point, he’d suggested
that it would be a run to remember.
Suffice to say it was – we all enjoyed a super selection of winding roads,
with a mix tight and open corners with fast and slow sections and
everything in between, all of it being tailor made for the sports car of
choice, that being the Mazda MX-5 in all forms.
And all forms were in attendance, when we assembled in the carpark of
the KFC Big Fish at Caboolture for the start of the run.
It’s interesting to note how the mix of models have changed over the last
6 years – back in 2018 NA and NBs were in abundance - however NCs
and particularly NDs now seem to prevail with the RF being the most
popular variant of the latter and more often than not, in Soul Red!

Kilcoy was the destination for our morning
tea stop and I’m sure I wasn’t the only
one surprised at just how busy it was
on that particular Sunday, it was full of
camper vans, caravans, bikie clubs and
car clubs!
It seemed all viewed Kilcoy as the ideal
rest stop, so parking on the Main Street
was tight and crossing the road was quite
interesting !
Suitably refreshed, we continued our
way and sure enough as advertised by
our leader, we did indeed cross the river
12 times on the way up to the river head.
It’s interesting to note that when you’re
this far up the river, it really is quite
blue, as opposed to the brown tint that it
acquires by the time it reaches Brisbane.

Shortly after reaching the River Head, we all assembled back at the
Linville Hotel for our lunch - and I have to say, what a winner that was!
After several hundred Ks, many of us were ready for a beer, so imagine
my surprise when the barmaid drew my attention to draft Guinness –
how good was that! It seems that the owner is Irish, hence Guinness (and
Kilkenny) were freely available and a suitably refreshing Pint it was too!
Rest assured the tucker was damned good as well, which was served
with a smile and arrived in surprisingly good time, considering just how
popular this fabulous Queenslander hotel was, and justifiably so.
Like the roads on the way there, the conversation flowed over lunch, with
a mix of old and new members and on this occasion, we were joined by
member of the Sunshine Coast and Darling Downs Chapters as well.
An excellent turnout for an excellent run with what I would suggest was
perfect weather conditions for some top-down driving.
Thanks Ura for designing a brilliant run and thanks John and Marion
Tait for setting the spirited pace that Group 3 thoroughly enjoyed!

The hills are alive with the sound of MX5s!
Richard and Pat Varley, Gold Coast, April
A few clouds lingered in the sky but a resilient rainbow was seen as a
positive sign for good weather for the day ahead as 21 MX5s gathered at
Reedy Creek for a day of mountain climbing and winding roads.
We were pleased to welcome returning member, Trevor, and it was good
to see our friends from Brisbane who had come down to share the day
with us.
We set off in three groups to tackle some of the hills and mountains
around southern Queensland and northern NSW.
The hills certainly did come alive with the sound of MX5s, a la Sound of
Music, as Group 1, at least were treated to a short rendition, thanks to
Mark, though sadly, we were unable to encourage him to try yodelling!
We were blessed with an unusual lack of ‘Sunday drivers’ and enjoyed
an uninterrupted run up both Tomewin Mountain Road and Hogans
Road, before making our way to Murwillumbah for morning tea at
Knox Park.

We then carried on through Numinbah, making our way back to
Queensland. Unfortunately, by then, a memo must have gone out to all
‘slow/leisure’ drivers to hit the road ahead of Group 1.
We could do little but count our blessings for the great run earlier in the
day.
Our ‘mutterings’ must have been heard by someone with a higher
authority because as we turned into Pine Creek Road to drive up to
Springbrook, the slow driver ahead of us didn’t turn!
But our delight and unbridled joy proved to be short lived. Flashing red
and blue lights appeared towards the top of the hill where police were
stopping traffic.
After a short delay we were allowed to continue on our journey and saw
just one, not too mangled, motorbike being carted off on a tow truck.
Hopefully, it was just a minor skirmish.

We made our way down Springbrook. No sooner had someone
mentioned that it looked like we may be driving into rain, than the
heavens opened and soaked us - in the brief time it took to get our
roofs up.
Slightly damp but without further incident, we drove through Somerset
Drive, Varsity and Broadbeach Waters into The Varsity Tavern for a well
deserved lunch.
We hope those who had made the effort to drive down from Brisbane
enjoyed the beautiful lush green countryside we have the privilege to
call ‘our back garden’.

Darling Downs and Brisbane enjoyed the
David Hack Classic in Toowoomba
Our May run coincided with the David Hack Classic, so we polished up
our cars and drove over to meet club members from other Chapters.

The day was a great success for organisers with over 500 vehicles and
aeroplanes on display and a large number of paying visitors that came
to enjoy them.
The organisers were on the ball, they even provided a cake to celebrate
the 35th anniversary of our great little cars.

Another successful Darling Downs Chapter board meeting

Ura led some of the Brisbane Chapter over to the event as well, their favorites included...

Our MX5s were
popular too...

Lets Twist again!
By Eric and Steph McColough, Gold Coast, May
I can't say I wasn't nervous.
We'd done this run 2 years ago and some suggested it was a bit
long, so version 2.0 was 30 min shorter which was fine - unlike the
weather forecast.
The BOM were suggesting rain, so giving them more credibility than
they deserve, most layered up with coats - which I'm happy to report
were soon put in the boot.
So 37 pleasure seekers from the Gold Coast and Brisbane in 23 cars
gathered underneath the Worongary Town Centre and were got on
famously. And yes the pic above is of another place and time...
After Trevor introduced prospective member Vic (and reminded us
of his pop-up run in June into NSW), it was my turn to mention
potholes and speed hump surprise at morning tea parking area.

All too soon I was leading the first of our three groups off, making sure
to - this time - zero my odometer!
You probably know reading the run sheet over the radio can have its
challenges, but Steph did a great job and fortuitously, road works we'd
seen on the recce 4 days earlier were now gone.
There was plenty of blue sky as well
as safety cars, motorbikes, single
lane bridges, cyclists, roundabouts,
speed limits and more motorbikes
which sounds messy, but the run
across the Beechmont ridges to the
Settlement Day Use Area was great
fun.
Drone flying by
Andrew Williams
Many said they enjoyed the green
rolling hills, the long distance
views and twisties, even though the
canopy makes spotting “shade
camouflaged potholes” tougher.
The wider lanes on the fun, twisty and Pine Creek Rd were well used.
Groups of pedestrians (where are they going?) stared as we zoomed by.

Since our recce, the gravel road and speed hump in the Settlement Day
Use Area had been graded - which was a great relief - thankyou!
Andrew had his drone up taking pics and after a cuppa, we twisted back
the way we'd come.
Soon we were running up Henri Roberts Drive to find another perfect
skyline, this time featuring the Gold Coast. I knew the run was over
when we had to slow for pedestrians at the popular Tamborine School
market, just up the road from the Fortitude Brewery.
Within minutes of arriving couple of guys asked me who we were, then
shared their ideas of putting a V8 in an MX5.
Group 2 (led by Kevin and Suzanne) and Group 3 (led by Trevor and
Helen) used the exclusive parking area Trish at the brewery had kept for
us and soon we were all ordering food and drinks.
With another run complete, we did what MX5 drivers do very well, we
ate, drank, laughed, talked about our cars and got back to getting on
famously, which is why there’s no pics of us enjoying ourselves! DOH!!

Mid week pop-up run to
Brunswick Heads
By Trevor and Helen Dixon, Gold Coast, June 12
At 10am on Wednesday June 12, the morning was bright and crisp on
the Gold Coast and to celebrate, 11 cars and crews met at Woolworths
Reedy Creek for a great little midweek run over the border.
While we waited for a late comer, Group 2 was first away. The day was
all winter sunshine and our smiles only grew larger as we enjoyed a lack
of Sunday drivers, motorbikes and minimal roadworks on some of our
favorite roads.

The later start spelt “sleep in” for most after which we enjoyed some of
our favorite roads, zooming past Tomewin, Stokers Siding and Mooball
on our way to Brunswick Heads for lunch.
The groups stayed together and made good time without speeding (lol)
through the picturesque NSW hinterland to arrive at Hotel Brunswick
for a lovely lunch in their Sun Room.

The food was first class. Eric was very adventurous ordering
Octopus balls that came with a feathered topping the chef called “fish
flakes”. The heat from the dish caused these delicate flakes to “wave
on the plate” and made the dish look very much alive. Impressive but
disconcerting for those that came to look, many were glad they hadn’t
ordered it. Eric had to stab a few balls with his fork before he was
convinced it was ready for eating, before assuring us it was delicious.
Thank you to Group leaders, tail enders and everyone who came along.
Note: Maybe you’ve had
octopus balls before and
know they’re more of an
entree than main. Since I
hadn’t had breakfast, that
was fairly sad news to me.
So I’d like to sincerely
thank Carl for donating
one of his tasty, double
serves of chips from his
man size meal above!

Cars and Coffee in Mudgeeraba
By Carl Eksteen, Gold Coast
A few of the Gold Coast members had occasionally been attending this
monthly meet at 238 Mudgeeraba Rd on an individual basis, before
Trevor Dixon decided to invite the broader membership to join the fun.
The idea being that we could show the public what a proper sports car
looks like, attract some attention to the club and gain new members.
Numbers have varied between 5 and 11 cars over the months, with
the early start proving a stumbling block for some, especially as winter
comes around.
Our colourful cavalcade of burbling MX-5s arriving and parking
together has attracted plenty of favourable attention, to the point where
attendees suggest we could be the month's featured marque club.

The meet is held on the 3rd Saturday of the month, at the Mudgeeraba
Heritage Centre, which houses several car and motor cycle clubs.
It’s open to any interesting vehicle and aside from a drool worthy selection
of Euro exotics, yank tanks and oldtimers, there’s plenty of more
accessible, older vehicles and the words most often spoken are some
variation on; "I/my dad/my grandad had one of those back in the day".
While it's difficult to gauge the success of our attending from a marketing
perspective, plenty of club business cards have been handed out and
many attendees engage in conversation.
I’m aware of a few members who have already joined up as a result of
meeting us there. At least one of the classic car club members, with an
already enviable collection in his shed, is also seriously contemplating
adding an NA to the fleet; "because you seem to have so much fun with
your cars".
For the moment Trevor is arranging club attendance every other month,
publicised in the usual way. We meet at Worongary shops with a 6.40
departure for the short run down Mudgeeraba Road to the venue,
before cars, coffee, bacon ‘n egg rolls and conversation take over.
Join us sometime.

Get Tuned for June
Kevein and Suzanne Barnes, June, Gold Coast
Don’t you hate surprises targeting your best laid plans?
Let me explain. After planning our morning tea stop and lunch venue,
we found out our lunch venue, the Beechmont Hotel, was holding their
Beechmont Fair on the same date!
We couldn’t see our MX5ers lining up for face painting or a pony ride,
so instead of going on our final reccie on the Sunday prior, we found
ourselves looking for another lunch venue to accommodate us all.
Some hours later we felt our mission was accomplished as we indulged
in a drink and snack at the Merrimac Tavern, who I must say went out
of their way to accommodate the group at such short notice.
Our attention now turned to our final reccie on Monday. All went well
till we arrived at the venue for our morning tea and found a sign in the
carpark “SUNDAY MARKETS THIS WEEKEND”.
What more did we have to do, to get this run underway? But it worked
out well, as the sign had been left out in error with no markets planned
for our run date. Our successful reccie came with smiles of satisfaction
after overcoming obstacles.

On the day, a quick shuffle of run leaders saw our three groups depart
on time at 8.30. The day was cold but perfect with clear skies as we drove
up through the Panorama, showing the silhouette of the Gold Coast
against the shimmering water as the sun rose.
The roads were busy on this great driving day, everyone was out. The
coffee line at one of the French patisseries we passed at Tamborine was
unbelievable, what some will put up with for a coffee and pastry!
The drive back down the mountain was obstructed with a vehicle wanting
to use the break peddle at every opportunity, however the drive past
the piano up on the rock was great. I’d have broken into song if I wasn’t
concentrating on the rear of the vehicle in front.
We drove in silence past the Bearded Dragon, not wanting to awake
the monster that may be inside. Not long now and we would be at our
morning tea location.
Coming up the mountain, the three groups had a stories of brain dead
drivers in the same location. We all know the type. Deep thinkers that
drive in the right-hand lane when not overtaking - and then, won’t yield
and move over for those behind. But all managed to pass safely.

We all found a sunny position at the morning tea rotunda to warm our
bodies, most removing a layer of clothing before departing to lunch.
The roads were again busy, but we all had sections of the run where we
could make our 5’s shine unencumbered.
I must say that a “U” turn is normally compulsory on a Gold Coast run,
and although no Gold Coaster took up the gauntlet, one of our northern
brothers took a longer route to the tavern via a misplaced exit onto the
highway.
Our experience at the Merrimac Tavern was 1st Class. We all managed
to park within the grounds, with the first group sending a text to the
second that parks were still available, then second texting the third as
parking was very limited at this venue.
Our host Brett made us welcome, when we arrived the first group had
already settled, enjoying a beverage and talking about the days run.
We all agreed that the meals were of a high standard, appreciating that
the venue had gone to great lengths to make us welcome given the short
notice we provided.
A quick thankyou to all of those who attended. It’s your support and
comments of thanks that’ll keep us volunteering to organise club runs
into the future.
Remember TOPLESS IS FUN !!

Tail-end Charlie...
A lady goes to the doctor and complains her husband is losing
interest in sex.
The doctor gives her a pill, but warns her that it's still experimental. He
tells her to slip it into his mashed potatoes at dinner and that night, she
does just that.
A week later, she’s back at the doctor and says, "Doctor, that pill was
amazing! I put it in the potatoes and within five minutes he jumped up,
raked all the food and dishes onto the floor, grabbed me and ravaged
me right there on the table!"
The doctor says, "I’m so sorry, I didn’t realize the pill was that strong,
we’ll gladly pay for any damages."
"Thanks” she says, “It's okay, we're never going back to that restaurant
anyway."
Photo credits...
P 1 Twigge Media and Banpei.net
P 6 Tomb Raiders Movie
P 7 Aussie Bushwalking
P 9 Travelling with Tom
P 10 Funny Truck signs
P 12 Kilcoy Tracey Hadfield
P 13 Linville Hotel
P 15 David Hack Facebook
P 21 Beechmont Travel Guide
P 22 Fortitude Brewery
P 26 Travel2next
P 27 Mazda Australia
P 30 The Real Estate Conversation
P 33 Publocation
P34 Joke: The laugh factory