Allow me to articulate my thoughts here, as a drive-newbie.
Was very excited about the drive when it was first mooted, but of course, that excitement was tempered by the fact that I was never indeed, a really gung-ho driver especially on these type of roads. Yes, highways and straights are easy, but where's the joy in not being able to test our cars?
I was almost apprehensive too initially. Was so afraid that I would embarrass myself, and slowing down the others unnecessarily, on what would be a rather engaging drive. And yet, after the dust has settled, I am quite proud to say that I really did quite decently yesterday. Of course, I was probably the slowest out there amongst the 30plus cars, but heck, was I having a good time, getting to drive spiritedly and just knowing how my car is able to perform on such roads.
Helped that traffic was light, and the fact that I had a very patient and understandable sweeper [Deep3102] who stuck with me and helped calm my nerves. Do you know how soothing it feels to see those angel eyes behind me when all I see in front was an empty stretch of tarmac? Yeah, everyone ahead of me was long gone even before 1/4 of the run was completed. :4:
Many thanks to Badrul & Serjit for organising such a wonderful drive. It turned out to be quite a success didn't it? Added bonus was the additional cars that came, and the mini-Bimmerfest at the Awana carpark, which probably summed up just how passionate we are about our rides.
I also want to thank Greg, Yazmeen and Ray for their kind words and encouragement. Sure made me feel super comfortable despite my lack of finesse and experience on such roads. Even Yazmeen called me midway thru the run to ask how I was coping... Malu lahhh... Hahaha. But it's these little things that make it all the more worthwhile. Oh yes, I sweated a lot, and it probably made an amusing sight for Serjit, Ray and Meen when they saw me at the rendezvous point.
Imagine being surrounded by an orchestra of exhaust notes all over when everyone started their dash up to Awana and the Helipad. And my gosh, Bundy's M3 with that unique shrieking was simply a delight to listen to. And oddly enough, I felt satisfied with my performance. Sure it wasn't a drive it like I stole it kinda performance, but I learnt so much more about the car this time, compared to my previous drive up last year on my own. And this, I gotta thank Greg for guiding me and providing me with valuable advice on how best to tackle the climbs and descents.
I kept in mind what Serjit and Mizhan said here, in that one should always prioritise safety when tackling these sort of roads, and I held true to those wise words when I made my way down. Perhaps one day, I could be as fast and brilliant in tackling those roads. Most enduring moment, seeing Bad reach the other end of the slope in a few seconds just when I was reaching the apex of the beginning of that very same stretch... :4: And of course, on the way down, seeing T2ribena's spirited attack of the corners with his E87... :top:
Although I came back on my own, I still couldn't wipe off that silly grin on my face as I finally reached sanity and getting stuck in heavy traffic... Back to reality, but I knew I had been part of one of the best ever drives. Will definitely not be the last time I participate again in such memorable events.
Thanks again everyone!
