The Noosa Beach Classic Hill Climb: the perfect day out for both nature lover and revhead ...
Most days I pose as an environmentalist of sorts - I do stuff like keep chooks, say "no" to plastic bags, and plant a hell of a lot of trees. That said, I'm not averse to roaring engines, or the squeal of tyres on tarmac as someone takes a corner a tad too fast. I'm glad Oliver talked me into going. As he says, it's different (i.e. better) to most race meetings in that:
1. You're not sitting in the scorching sun
2. You're not even sitting (unless you so choose) - you're walking up a hill and through the bush, getting some decent exercise whilst inhaling the heady mix of eucalyptus and racing fuel.
3. There's decent food. This is Noosa - I'm talking Merlo coffee and gelato.
4. It's not too crowded - plenty of room to spread out and find your perfect vantage point.
There was a fabulous lineup of cars - Austin Healey, Ferrari, Lotus ... and of course, the 1955 Citroen Light 15 driven by our favourite semi-retired hoons, Lance and Alec. The weather was hot, with just enough cloud cover to take the edge off. Dads and grand-dads were there with the kids. Someone had a close shave with the edge of a cliff. A great day - next year we might go again, with a picnic basket, blankie and the papers.
The photo above is crap, and proof that it's time to upgrade the camera to one with a faster shutter speed than the time it takes to make a cup of tea, but hopefully it gives the general idea of trees, hills, tight corners and classic cars. Besides, there's more than enough high quality action shots at the Noosa Beach Classic site. I did, however, take some reasonable pics of what was, for me, the day's most desirable car - this stunning, sky blue Aston Martin. Sure, the number plate's a bit of a w.... but I wouldn't mind slipping on a Bond girl outfit and sliding behind the wheel.
