It was a bright sunny morning and 30 or so members gathered at St. Agnes Shopping Centre, most of them in Triumphs plus one “Mini” Triumph.

We headed off through Tea Tree Gully, Inglewood, Kersbrook heading to Gawler where we had a lovely morning tea at Cafe Nova.

We then headed towards the Northern Expressway where drivers could put their foot down and blow some cobwebs away.

At the end of the expressway we  headed for the Tramway Museum at St. Kilda where we enjoyed a club sponsored barbeque of gourmet sausages and freshly baked rolls.  After lunch we were free to look at the Museum and have rides on the trams.

It was a very enjoyable day, with perfect weather and company.

Thanks to Bob and Lorraine Cini for organizing the run and to Bill and Rory for cooking the barbeque and Margie and Sue  for preparing the rolls and condiments.

Cheers,

Lorraine P.

Peter Davidge had fun at the skid pan event near Gympie Qld as part of the 2013 Qld Nationals. The day was a hoot! Best fun ever!

This month is the first time the Committee is sending an electronic newsletter via email. Maybe you prefer to get it in paper, that is still possible and over the coming months naturally there will be lots of changes as we set this up, alter it, add things, take things out, update email addresses and tune it up, all in the name of keeping you up to date about the important things you want to know, or need to know in a timely manner. If you have access to email, then it will be fast, hence our initial thought of naming it FastTrak.

I like the name, not just because it describes how quick you can get the condensed Trak, but also I think because I like to go Fast on the Track and after fitting and rebuilding my brakes, I will be happy to report my results again soon. This year I am hoping there will be a few other Triumphs, or TSOA members joining me, Geoff Burdon has sorted out some issues in his TR7, Bryan Young continues to amaze all with his sleepy looking Vitesse, and I know Robin George is rebuilding an engine, hopefully in time for the 6 hr Relay. A new member Richard is also keen to get his Datsun out at Mallala. But be it participating in Motorsport, or on a Social Run, I hope to see you all and your Triumph soon.

Duane

Ian Rigby at the start line for a lap of the Bathurst race circuit.

For a look at the history of Triumphs racing at Bathurst (yes, they did . . . early Saloons and later on, Dolomites) and other competition history, go to the Shannons website using http://www.motorsportretro.com/2014/03/triumph-20002-5pi-from-mount-panorama-to-mexico-city/ and register as a member – you can then have a look at some wonderful stuff, including a photo of a Mt Panorama start that seems to have two Mk 1 Saloons dragging a V8 Studebaker Hawk! Who would have thought!!

We had our first formal meeting for the year earlier this week and it was again great to see all the usual faces and even more great to see a few new members again that have recently bought a Triumph. 3 new faces and wonderful new members, enthusiastic about their new pride and joy. They likely won’t believe it, but I think the regular members all know that that pride and joy somehow never leaves you when you own and drive a Triumph and are involved and participate in this club. Hopefully in many years to come they will know this to be true! It seems “Stu” already has got lost on a Club run, so his initiation is complete and he has learned who and who not to follow. It will be great to see many more new members in their Triumph on a run, or even longer term (was going to say old but didn’t want to be misread…) members that have finally completed restorations or rejuvenations or simply just blown off the dust.

I always encourage you all to also display your Triumph on stage, in any condition at an upcoming meeting. Sure we have had some absolutely amazing examples of Triumphs on stage, a few non Triumphs too, and even my humble little Spitfire has graced the stage twice over the past decade. It has rust, scratches, panel gaps and that bootlid… by the way I have another bootlid to go on now, just needs a bit of work and a coat of paint, so it is on what is a rather long list of Triumph tasks & projects, but until then I will still proudly drive it around as is, bruises and all.

It was exciting to see Bill Jones GT40 project this week. I couldn’t have asked for a better example to help nail home my IKEA message about building it yourself and how good it feels to put some effort in and see the reward at the end. I know a build from kit project does require some extra special skills above that of the average home mechanic, I would love to think I could do all that work myself but there are so many things that are best left to the experts. Plus if we did all the work on our Triumphs I’d hate to think of what the quality or knowledge of tradespeople would be like in the future. It is already becoming difficult to find a Mechanic under 25 y.o who knows what Twin SU’s are, let alone how to tune them!

Computers in cars controlling everything are here to stay and becoming more and more popular. So to are computers in our homes. In future, maybe you will be reading these reports on a computer screen as the switch to faster communication continues to creep into our everyday lives. Having just moved house, I now have all of my bills delivered to me ‘online’ or via email. Maybe one day mail boxes will be a historical item. It is impossible to imagine where what life will be like in 10 – 20 years. We have now made a decision to reduce the printed number of Trak magazines to bi monthly, and where possible, it is my intention that we keep you all updated via our Website, or an email of hello and our important upcoming events. I know many of you don’t mind this at all as you are already comfortable with this technology. The Committee welcomes your feedback as to how you all find this, good or bad, as we will review it at the end of this year.

The end of the year is also being filled up with other Triumph events. The WA team are hosting the National Meeting in mid to late October, November is our Day of Triumph, the Observation Run (and a Presidential Wedding…. ) And the Christmas Dinner date is set already.  But well before then I hope to see you all in your Triumph soon.

Duane

42 Vehicles were registered by the TSOA members at the All British Day on the 9th February, making us the 4th largest club display on the day.  Add on 4 entries from the TR Register and 8 from the Stag Owners Association – the Triumph marque was well represented. Extremely lucky with the weather on the day forecasted at 35 degrees as the day before was 42 degrees with catastrophic fire warnings and a large fire at Crafers and 40 degrees on the day following the event. (It was hot work marking out the ovals on the day before the event – I’ll tell you!)  850 cars and motor bikes were entered but the public attendance fell short on the day which the organising committee feels was due to the hot weather conditions, and will result in a financial loss for this year’s event. However we do feel some good gains were made in the overall management of the event.

Over 60 people attended our February General meeting with lots of new faces which is great.  Let’s all ensure our newer members are made to feel welcome. The GT40 kit car owned by Bill Jones certainly created a lot of interest.

Margie and I travelled to the Copper Coast last weekend (22nd and 23rd February) to plan this year’s Club Weekender. We ended up with what we feel is a great program, food and accommodation. Twenty Motel rooms have been booked (maximum) so get your application in early to avoid disappointment. Extra rooms will need to be off site. We have again done some great deals with the smaller locals and at $110.00 per person (plus the club subsidy of $20.00) the weekend represents great value.

Ian Rigby and Bob Cini have put together March and April club runs.  See flyers in this issue for all events.

Busy, busy, busy……………..

Till we meet again.

Bill Berlemon.

Come along and join us for a weekend of fun in the Copper Coast of South Australia.

Departing Whitehorse Inn, Pt Wakefield Road, Bolivar at 9.00am

Saturday

*      Morning tea at Popes Café – Pt Wakefield

*      Visit to Ducatoon Park Horse Stud, Kadina

*      Lunch at Wallaroo

*      Wallaroo self drive tour around the historical township

*      Wallaroo Heritage and Nautical Museum (for those who are interested)

*      Travel to Kadina to book into Gateway Motel

*      Happy hour by the Pool from 5.30pm (BYO drinks,, food supplied)

*      Dinner on site at AN POBEL Bistro at 6.30pm with the usual fun and frivolities.

Sunday

*      Breakfast at the Motel in the Bistro from 8.00am -8.30am

*      Free time to explore Moonta and visit Moonta Mines Museum (for those who are interested )Moonta Mines Sweet Shop, Moonta Tourist Office at the Old Railway Station  (fantastic souvenirs and gifts)

*      Meet at the Moonta Tourist Railway at 11.45am for our exclusive train journey through Historic Moonta Mines.

*      Travel back to Pt Wakefield for Lunch at Salt of the Earth Café and Gallery

Cost: $220 per couple payable by the April meeting. Singles and Families to be negotiated. Final numbers need to be confirmed by the end of April.

Enquiries to Bill and Margie 0438836837

Weekend Feature: Ducatoon Park is one of South Australia’s leading Horse Studs. Principal Peter Toole has been in the horse breeding business for 52 years. We will be shown around a working Horse Stud which specializes in race horses and rearing of foals until yearling stage. We are also invited to wander through the extensive gardens, large walk in aviary and Peter’s Brag room showcasing his award winning woodwork.

Firstly thanks to the girls who have put their names on the Supper roster.  We still have spaces so if you can help please let me know.

In regards to the Supper, as we have between 50 -60 members at each meeting, can I ask that we don’t have pies /pasties/sausage rolls?  These are expensive and we really need to have 2 pieces per member and the budget does not extend that far.  It is more appropriate to have sandwiches/cheese/dips etc to ensure all members have a choice of savory items. If making sandwiches please ensure you make 2 loaves which makes 80 quarters. Thanks girls.

Bill and I have spent the weekend in the Copper Coast organising the weekender for May….boy it has been an interesting time…no-one gives discount for 40 people to go anywhere in the Copper Coast except the Kadina Gateway Motel, which is where are staying! Anyway we had fun and hopefully you will enjoy the weekend – remember the Motel only has 20 rooms….so book early and you won’t miss out!

Margie Berlemon AM

Ice Cream run – Sunday 26th January.

Well we met at Super Cheap on Port Road on a barmy night….everything was going well until I had a call from Lorraine Page (the advanced party) to tell me there was absolutely no parking anywhere near Noonies…our ice cream destination! Lorraine and Greg had circled for half an hour to no improvement so we had to discuss our options and put plan B into place in case of emergency!

We set off down Port Road and wound our way down to the Port and the Expressway, over the bridge and then onto Outer Harbor…(some STAG owners…not mentioning any names….went bush bashing!!) and then into the activities at Largs Bay, Semaphore and Semaphore south….wow never seen so many cars….the roads were ok, but if you wanted to park..think again….oh well after stopping at Noonies and advising not coming, plan B came into effect and off the Café de Vili’s we went.  Car parking easy, not too many people and service was good.   Then the Holden Car Club came as well…overheard a  conversation…they had intended to stop at Largs Bay…but no car parking and their plan B also came into action! It was a good night and even the STAG owners had a good time!

Margie Berlemon.

Gee the year is racing by. It is February already and all that time I had to fix those Triumph issues came & went with all those jobs are still waiting to be done. Can anyone relate?  I have a cracked brake disc on the TR7 (Neil says I need to do more cool down laps before parking) and the first competition event is on the 23rd February so I am sure I will get it done at the last minute. Having a deadline is a good thing!

Maybe you made a New Year Resolution to undertake something on your Triumph or drive your Triumph more. Maybe we can help you stay accountable to that. Send a photo of your Speedo in now and each month for the magazine so we can see how many km’s you are covering. Maybe you are intending on finishing that big job before the Nationals, or just before a certain date? Whatever the goal or plan, it is often easier with the help of some friends and there are plenty of them in this club. I know many of you have some very close friends in the TSOA, and with a few Triumphs changing ownership recently hopefully you all have room to extend it to include a few more. We had a couple of new members at our January meeting, and some others join recently so if you don’t have a New Year Resolution to do something on your car, maybe you can make it a resolution to get to know someone new in our club. Maybe sit in a different spot at the meetings, with a different group at a lunch, or take a minute to stop and have an in depth chat with someone new.

I am sure the year ahead will be a great one for our club, but we still rely on the same people over and over again, so maybe this year, YOU can set a run somewhere, mid week, Sunday or even break tradition and go for a Saturday or Friday, whatever the members want. Maybe you can volunteer to assist in a sub-committee for us hosting the upcoming National Event in just over 2 years. Maybe you could run it. If you have never done it before, have you ever bought anything from IKEA? How did you feel after you finished building it? This is the secret behind the success of not just IKEA, but packet cake mixes. By doing some work, putting something into it, you have a lot more pride in the outcome.  When we all join together and everyone does a little bit it makes the club run so smoothly and keeps us all TSOA proud.

My new year started with moving into our own house and I now have my own shed, so its going to be a great year for me, I hope it is a great year for all of you and I look forward to hearing of all your success and fun in your Triumph as the year progresses.

Duane