by Zak Gould.

The Vintage car club invited Auckland Minis to join their Daffodil Rally, leaving Caffeine and Classics and ending up in Warkworth, with all proceeds going to The Cancer Society.

The invitation was also open to all at Caffeine and Classics, so there was a mixture of all sorts.

We left on time with Richard Underwood leading, then Aidan Robson , with me in tow - earlier on a few more minis from the club had already left.

Unfortunately just leaving Smales Farm, I heard an unimpressive noise coming from my right front wheel (stone guard rubbing on disk).  To Aidan's despair this was totally unacceptable due to the fact it was louder than his exhaust and that was not on!  (It must have been loud). After several finger gestures at the lights it was suggested that I pull over and fix it (which of course I didn't)! Luckily a few kms later along Beach Road, it fixed itself!  Yes! ... (note: a very rare thing within a Mini’s nature) ... and yes I still haven't attended to it yet :/) 

Following up the East Coast Bays it was like the two minis up front were warming their tyres up for a track day race, raring to go at the drop of a flag. Unfortunately not, as not too far up front was a wee vintage yellow car going the same pace as a horse and cart! Lucky for everyone he had to pull over for an overheating issue a little further on.  Nothing unusual the owner informed us, so it we continued on our way.

The roads were better through Albany and heading towards Waitoki, so the gas pedal went down. 

Soon I could hear a noise from behind - within seconds an Aston Martin came past making me look like I was going backwards! Buggar! ...but hell it sounded great! Mustangs followed but not the same effect.  It didn't take long until Richard and Aidan got passed by the same monsters.

After we had found our pecking order off we went again, with some nice twisty roads while the weather held at bay.  We then met up with everyone at the Warkworth Wharf for a chin wag and a bite to eat .

All in all, a good day and a great cause.

The rally made $1940 for the Cancer Society