The Joy of Driving

The mundane drive to work, to the shops, to the relatives and back home has made driving a joyless task. For many people this is what they perceive driving to be which is compounded by the choice of vehicle to “get them from A to B” mentality.

Driving in itself can be an enjoyable experience that takes the individual from their worries and cares and let them enjoy the freedom the open road provides. The act of driving in itself is pure pleasure when taken on with a different mindset in that you focus on the drive. You become one with the car, the road and your surroundings to complete a puzzle that changes and bends with your environment.

Simple Rules to have an enjoyable drive:

1) Ensure you get plenty of sleep
2) Ensure car is good working order ( pretty obvious or else ensure RACV membershipis up to date) :P
3) Check the weather to ensure you are prepared
4) Bring the Melway or GPS navigator ( sometimes you can go off track)
5) Plan the general trip in terms of the suburbs/towns and the total time you estimate it will take
6) Bring a water bottle ( essential item) and snacks if you want
7) Petrol Petrol Petrol
8) Take regular breaks, especially if driving challenging or long distances.

Now the other thing to note is that the car you drive will make a difference to your enjoyment depending if you want a pleasant Sunday drive or you are road maniac.
Whatever car you have, remember to stick to the speed limits and drive accordingly to the road conditions.

Remember to have fun and company on these trips is almost welcome. :)

Good Locations for that nice drive:

1) Great Ocean Road ( Whether you are young or old, crazy or not, this road is one of the best scenic and twisty roads by far)

Warning:
- Watch out for slow cars and fast motorbikes
- Sand and dirt can cover the road

2) Black Spur – Marysville, Lake Mountain and Warburton (The fresh crisp air and mountain roads make for awesome drive).

Warning:
- Watch out for rain and snow, especially in the cooler months (rapid weather changes)
- Watch out for fast motorbikes along these roads
- Wildlife will cross the road

3) Arthur’s Seat ( Victoria’s troubled chairlift presents an awesome twisty road)

Warning:
- Steep incline up and decline down , ensure you stay at a safe speed
- Cars with smaller engines , with auto gearbox and fwd will struggle up
- Motorbikes frequent the area
- Ensure brakes are in good working order, especially going down –make use of manual gearbox if applicable.
- When wet can be slippery up and down the hill

4) Great Alpine Road (Victoria’s Snowfields)

Warning:
- Usable only during the summer months ( winter will require snow chains fitted)
- Bushfires in that region can occur
- Rapid weather changes in the mountain region

5) Strathbogie (before the township, turnoff towards Euroa off Melba Hwy)
A great stretch of twisty roads up rocky hills and mountains.

Warning:
- Wildlife loves to cross the road
- You can get lost easily in that region
- Facilities are scarce if you get into trouble

**Caveat: Please take this guide as a recommendation and not a definitive guide on what occurs in these areas. Always check local news and use discretion and common sense when driving in any area. Please follow the speed limit and local laws and stay safe and have fun. Comments made are based on personal experiences through these areas.**