Saturday July 21 was the day for the ‘virgins’ and other Bash cars to get out on some dirt and test out those brakes, radios, horns and crew skills. Littles Pigs had two test ‘virgin’s pigs along for the day friends of Tracy’s – Alana and Charlie. Charlie is from the fair USA so enjoyed seeing some of our great convict heritage and countryside.

This was our fifth year and the biggest group so far. 22 Bash Cars – including 7 ‘virgin’ crews and 4 – 4WDS as back up enjoyed a challening and lovely day in the Hawkesbury area. We left from Dural Village Car Park and had our traditional coffee stop at the Old St Albans Cemetery with delicious coffee provided by K9 and the Trojans.

Lunch was at Settlers Arms Hotel est 1863 and it was a leisurely stop, with some enjoying the stone rooms at the back of the pub by the fire and others braving the cool weather outside.

The obligatory raffle raised almost $700.

From St Albans we went up to Bucketty, via Mogo on a great stretch of dirt, windy roads along the McDonald River and a steep climb to a quick stop at a piece of the Great North Walk.

This year we added a section through Murrays Run Road and the Watagan National Forest with another stop for coffee at Olney State Headquarters.

A few mishaps provide some variety 66TP had an axle fail in the morning, but all fixed in half an hour and another ‘virgin’ crew which will rename anonymous ran out of fuel – “I was sure the second tank was full!!”

A great day was had by all. Plenty of ideas for next year’s adventure day out!