Waking up early is something I envision doing when I am well into my fifties and intent on going for a walk to stave off the belly fat. Currently I may have the same issue however I am not waking up early because of laziness. That stops when a private event comes around with the boys and girls from Zen Garage, I kind of skip laziness and go straight to stress… about whether my car is going to be enough to hang with these dudes and their highly modified and very defectable rides.
Strong mocha in belly and I am on the M4 motorway hurtling towards the darkness beyond my windshield, music playing at a medium level with the windows up to stave off the chilly early morning air, it’s 4:55am and I can’t remember the last time I was awake around this time… on a Saturday. Listening intently to my GPS guide and before long I have turned up to a nondescript street in what I think is Leichhardt though I wouldn’t know because this place is alien to me and I don’t know what the fastest way to the cop shop is. I turn into a dark driveway and notice the headlights shining on a far wall at the end of the drive “Zen Garage” it says and instantly I feel relieved, I found the place!
People and their shiny, low and fast tonne and a bit chunks of metal, carbon fibre and polycarbonate turn up. I really felt for the residents of Leichhardt that morning.
After what seemed like 30 minutes the rest of the crew arrived and I got to walk around the garage plus say “hai” to Sergio and his team. I noted a sign that urged respect for neighbours by not playing loud music or revving the engine or doing burnouts… seriously. Around 6am we all headed to the cars and started on the convoy through Leichhardt to Glebe and to the Harbour Bridge revving hard in confined spaces and generally keeping only the most basic semblance of control in high octane guzzling fun-time machines.
As for what happened next you don’t need me your humble narrator, rather pictures that illustrate the moments much better than witty banter:
Waiting at the servo almost immediately after leaving HQ. Time to admire the cars coming for this epic journey
Sergio’s Skyline, dropped lower than a worms winkie
This Odyssey belongs to the Klumps
E30 bimmers are a personal favourite, lovely wheels too
Getting going. 6am and degenerates like us make quick moves
Spit bridge for a quick gather up of the rest of the crew, nice cars abound
Fiat with great stance and a tin opener taken to it. It’s Turbo charged.. you know.
Ok Ok the Focus isn’t exactly low but it is fast and looks like a rally car.. right!?
In good company
That E30 again. My grandpa had a similar vintage 735i in the same colour
This Maloo was loud as in apocalyptically loud.
Great scene
Cool S2000, seems to be the business
Running to Kuringai
A common sight, you overtake and then a Skyline comes raging past
Great car
Not sure if that is legal… aww heck who cares when it looks that good. Full roll cage and everything.
Feels like a touge run in Japan, really just a 2-way in Northern Sydney
Much fuel was burned for the cause that day
Lake side and loving it.
At the end of the run, cars ticking cool. The Focus did admirably
Seems right at home with this lot… I think
A beautiful view to end a great run
Serenity… I will be back for sure
Thanks to the guys at All Stars and Zen Garage for a great morning, I crashed hard after this and slept for ages after getting home safe. See you next time.
