From The Drivers Seat

Holden supporting Netball Australia

Mon, 14 May 2012 03:55:00 GMT

On Sunday, my wife Greer, the kids & myself were fortunate enough, as part of Holden’s netball sponsorship, to be the guests of the NSW Swifts as they took on the then undefeated Melbourne Vixens. Of course Sunday was also Mothers Day so my mum came along as a special guest... both Greer & my Mum were definitely looked after!!

I must admit that I hadn’t been to an elite netball match before, even though I had spent lots of my childhood chasing my two big sisters around many netball courts. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was a great spectacle.

The arena at Homebush was decked out in all things red and there were plenty of fantastic activities for the kids and parents alike, it was a great way to spend Mothers Day.

The action on the court was amazing and the Swifts quickly overcame a first quarter deficit to storm home against the Victorians.

You can see why Holden are so happy with their sponsorship of netball - passionate fans, tireless volunteers and a great program that brings physical activity to so many young girls & ladies each weekend.

Part of Holden’s sponsorship of Netball Australia allows affiliated members the opportunity to redeem an additional $500 cash-back off the purchase of a new Holden, another great initiative.

For more details on how Campbelltown District Netball Association (CDNA) members can redeem $500 cash-back, see our Holden Cashback Offer page. For Camden & District Netball Association (C&DNA) members, see our Holden Cashback Offer page on the Camden Valley Motors website.

Sydney to Surfers Ride Day 7

Mon, 07 May 2012 22:58:00 GMT

Well it's over! The 2012 Youth Off The Streets to Sydney Surfers has reached it's conclusion this afternoon in spectacular fashion, with a police escort into the car park at Sea World.

Over the past seven days we've pushed the pedals on the bike for nearly 1000 kms, and I can tell you today it was definitely worth it.

Several of the YOTS kids were right at the front of the packs behind the police escort as they rolled past a big crowd and into the finish. At this stage we're not sure how much money the ride has raised but there is one thing for certain, the kids on the ride have had their lives changed forever.

To summarize the day however we started off at the Kyogle Bowling Club in the early part of the morning. There was some mist around and the temperature was a little cool, but maybe the chill was generated by the apprehension of what lay ahead....30 odd kilometers of hills into no mans land out the back of nowhere....great climbing was had by our trio of Graeme, Sunshine and myself and we rolled into morning tea as the first arrivals...all the better to get the first cappuccinos!!!

Once we had recovered we headed to the intermediate stop of Uki pub, what a great place, the beer was cold and the laughs were loud with everyone cheering each pack as they arrived.

There were several sprint lead outs in this section, but we had them covered all the way. The heart was definitely pumping.... An easy roll to lunch at Tumbulgum set the scene for the rest of the day...we worked really well as a team heading over the heights of Terranorra and into the Gold Coast region.

Spirits are always high at the end of the ride, and today was no different. It was a great trip, everyone got on really well, we all put in our best efforts and were rewarded with the great feeling arriving at the Gold Coast.

Special thanks on the trip goes to Captain Reg, Scatters for the use of his car, Daryl our pack driver and of course Michael Bartley for being our support driver each day.

This year was a ripper and we all look forward to joining our friends again next year.... thanks for reading and following us!!!

Sydney to Surfers Ride Day 6

Thu, 03 May 2012 12:01:00 GMT

Today's stage (Grafton to Kyogle, 130 kms) is by far the easiest of the seven day trip to the Gold Coast. The road from Grafton to Kyogle is long & flat with very little traffic on it which makes it ideal to set an easy pace.

Pack Five's form today was easily our fastest, an enjoyable trip through the countryside with a few tunes playing out of the iPhone in the back pocket.

Team Wakeling once again took out all three sprint stages with Sunshine "Mountain Kat" getting onto the winners board into the quaint village of wipporie.

An easy 50 odd kms to lunch and Badger & myself took off for a long bomb effort into lunch with Captain Reg & his crew having nothing in the tank to fight us off.

The final section of today's ride was a cruisey 30 km into Kyogle. Once again the Beast was able to take line honours with myself a second making it a classic one two finish.

All in all today was great, good weather, good conversations and even Barts was able to get out on the bike for 50 odd kms.

Tonight we rest up for tomorrows massive hilly stage through the hills of Kyogle and a great finish into the Gold Coast. Until then, rolling!!!

Sydney to Surfers Ride Day 5

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:29:00 GMT

Day 5 is one of our favorite days as we ride from Nambucca Heads to Grafton. Sadly, we bid farewell to Nathan "Bull" Hayes, who was leaving the Team bound for Paris, a tough assignment.

Due to the sketchy road conditions we started at Urunga. In Urunga we found this delightful cafe at which to have breakfast. The menu was expansive and delicious with Badger quickly settling on the eggs benedict with salmon and a soy cappuccino, we do ride in style!

After a warm hug the Bull left as Michael drove him to the airport. So far so good, until two phone calls change the day.

Firstly, the Bull had arrived at check-in without his wallet! Frantic calls and finally Michael to the rescue as Bull made the plane with only minutes to spare. Call number two came from our motel, an iPad had been left in a room, can you believe it! Socks or undies maybe but how could one of the lads leave such a precious device behind. Again, Michael to the rescue, I hope we aren't paying him by the kilometer!

Back to the ride; as the pack departed Coffs Harbour to the vertical challenge of Bruxner Pass, where Graeme "Beast" Derrig took the honours. Riding through the rainforest on the descent is always such a buzz. At the next T intersection we stopped to wait for the stragglers.

Sunny, discovered to her horror, that she had unwittingly picked up a passenger - in the form of a leech that had attached itself to her seat!!!! We cruised passed Russell Crowes farm and a received a rain shower before we arrived at lunch.

The road to Grafton is unrelenting with various tussles for supremacy. Scott "Machine" Wakeling launched a withering attack and broke away from the lead group, set for the podium he became the victim of an untimely broken spoke - too much power and something had to give.

Disappointed, the Wakeling team rode together and unfortunately missed the vital breakaway. All hope was not lost; the Beast had snuck into the back of the breakaways. The escapees, led by Capt Reg, lined up as the finish line approached, as planned the Beast kicked away to record another victory for the Team!

We rolled into Grafton to pitch the tent and open up another can of baked beans. We spotted five drag queens, was the Mardi Gras in town? That's a story for another day!

Sydney to Surfers Ride Day 4

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:13:00 GMT

Laurieton to Nambucca Heads 132 kms. Our strategy today was to leave Laurieton early enough to avoid the early morning school traffic before we got to the freeway. Sounded good last might but turned out to be the first morning of rain, which somewhat dampened our spirits until it cleared around morning tea, at telegraph point, what a great spot with the compulsory photo shoot on the jetty.

Generally a cruisey day, the fourth day of the ride to Surfers is when the legs start to feel a little lethargic, as a result the pace today was somewhat subdued which pleased everyone. A couple of short sprints into lunch got the hearts pumping and attitudes lifted.

There's a lot of roadworks up this way, and the road into and out of Kempsey is particularly rough as well as the wind being quite strong along the plains. These sorts of conditions make riding much harder and muscles a lot more fatigued.

With a targeted deadline of 2:30 into Nambucca we picked up the pace a little after lunch and the day finished with the usual sprints into town. Once again old fox Reg was outsmarted and out sprinted by the team Wakelings boys.

Of special note today was Michael "Shark" Bartley who made the trip back to Tea Gardens from Laurieton to pick up Burgos reading glasses. He then made the journey into Port Macquarie to drop the Beasts broken spoke off to a bike shop.

Bart's volunteered to drive the courtesy bus for us and today we all appreciated his commitment to our week of cycling. Thanks Barts.

Tomorrow is the massive day, 130 odd km's into Grafton and up through the hills around Coffs Harbour, we're all looking forward to the challenge, should be fun!! Until then, rolling.....

Sydney to Surfers Ride Day 3

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 GMT

Well what a day..... There's normally a day on the YOTS ride that leaves plenty for the post ride summary, hopefully today was this year's day.

Starting out at Tea Gardens, team Wakeling was to have a simple short trip into Bulahdelah. Unfortunately disaster struck with Nathan's bike coming loose off the trailer and falling at speed onto the freeway. Severely damaged, Nathan's dreams of riding today were rapidly fading. Fortunately for Nathan and the rest of Pack 5, our pack driver Michael "The Shark" Bartley had brought along his bike and pretty soon Nathan was able to rejoin the pack.

After Chelsea's massive win last night Burgo was in fine spirits as the day began. It's interesting each year cycling through Bulahdelah to see how far the roadworks in the area have progressed, everyone thought not much had changed in the last 12 months as the pack rolled out and into the hills.

We made good time into morning tea at Nabiac where once again Mick & Trish fooled the riders into believing that a Coffs Harbour farmer had perfected a strain of bananas that come pre sliced...

The ride into lunch was equally uneventful for the riders with the exception of an accident on the freeway that gave everyone pause. We're not sure if anyone was seriously injured but it didn't look pretty.

The Bull led the sprint into lunch with Trish finishing strongly taking the honours. Day 3 usually means a fast finishing sprint into Laurieton after the turn off at Kew. This year team Wakeling had decided that we should attempt to climb the mouth watering North Brother.

So, the resulting sprint into Laurieton was missed by our gang but competed most comprehensively by Mick Salter and Reg with the captain finally getting a stage win....the negative for Reg was the effort made him vomit at the end so his usual celebration was somewhat subdued....

Back to north brother...this hill is massive.... 4.7 kilometers of agony averaging over 10%. One thing to be said is that of our group of four riders attempting the climb only one completed the entire climb without walking a little bit.

Graeme (The Beast) Derrig once again proved to be King of the Mountain and lived up to his name... Burgo, myself and Bull all had to walk at stages with the steepness of the hill proving extreme. Our bike computers showed gradients over 30% massive... Once we got to the top the views were magnificent. Testament to the effort the crew heard words from Nathan that we thought we would never hear... "I don't even feel like a beer right now...just oxygen".

A few quick pics and back down the hill we came. Graeme's effort had overworked his wheels and he blew a spoke early in the descent so he jumped into the van and caught a lift down, well deserved. Unfortunately for me the hill proved a little too steep on the way down with my rear tyre locking up into the final hairpin, I had no choice but to "gracefully" dismount into the scrub. A few quick curses and we were back heading home...

Reflecting on the day everyone agreed that today was a big day, 130 odd kms done and with the promise of another big day into Nambucca Heads we are all looking forward to a nice feed and a big sleep. Until tomorrow....rolling...

Sydney to Surfers Ride Day 2

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:15:00 GMT

Saturday night was held at Morisset Bowling Club, as we feasted on a Chinese banquet and were presented with our 2012 riding kit. Red, yellow and black were the colours and it was arguably the best kit yet.

On the way back to the sleepover we took the opportunity to replenish the carbohydrates with KFC, and an ale or two to wash it down.

Day 2 began under a glorious blue sky as we rolled out of the bowling club at 8.00am. Spirits were high as the 21 riders of Pack 5 rolled out under the guiding eyes of Captain Reg Young. The pack settled into a good rhythm cresting a few of the testing hills as we made our way back to the highway.

With morning tea approaching Badger launched an attack, testing Capt Reg's legs.

After the usual refreshments and the wind at our backs the riders started rotating at the front pushing the pace. Looking north the outlook began to change, the sun had disappeared behind ominous clouds. With 5kms to go to lunch at Koruah the heavens opened and we were comprehensively saturated.

Lunch was spent hiding under a small shelter as the rain drove down, blown sideways by the wind. Some were starting to resemble smurfs. As the conditions got tough the hardy set off and the weak put their bikes away and climbed into the support vehicles.

The final 45kms to Buladelah were really tough in the wind and driving rain. Scott Wakeling, Nathan Hayes and Paul Burgess spent time helping others as riders started dropping back.

At Buladelah we changed into dry clothes, climbed into our support vehicle, skillfully navigated by Michael Bartley.

Awaiting us at Tea Gardens was a welcome massage, local seafood, a choice steak and a bottle of red. Good company and a couple of games of footy on the tv, enough to appease the aches of the day.

Sydney to Surfers Ride Day 1

Thu, 03 May 2012 11:16:00 GMT

Hornsby to Morriset - 117 klm

It's amazing how quickly friends who haven't seen each other for twelve months catch up. This mornings start at Hornsby saw the reunion of some 180 plus riders who participate annually in the ride to the gold coast organised by Engadine Rotary raising money & awareness for Father Chris Riley's Youth Off The Streets.

Within about 15 minutes this morning most of the re-united pack 5 had caught up on stories about grand kids, new babies careers and of course bike fitness..most of the bike fitness stuff was severely exaggerated. Unfortunately this year "uncle" Phil salter wasn't able to join us, he will be with us in spirit and it's was good to see him this morning.

Rolling out quickly we headed north and were ably led down Berowra by the local police and up and over Mount White we went. As opposed to last year today we were blessed with great weather and were able to maintain a reasonable average speed. The Bumble hill descent was controlled and trouble free and with lunch in our bellies we headed to our final destination Morriset.

There's usually a sprint finish into Morriset caravan park, and today the traditional rivalries bubbled to the surface. Nathan "bull" Hayes and Graeme "the beast" Derrig were able to fend off a late surge by Reg "captain" Young. It's worth noting however that Reg let his teammates down by not stopping to help Mick "the dr" salter. Having let his team mates down he was left high and dry when it came time to get help....and finished a distant fourth.

There is a great spirit amongst our pack, it's great to be part of a team that enjoys their riding and has fun along the way. There's a long way to go but I couldnt think of a better crew to be riding to the gold coast with. Until tomorrow stay safe!!!

Holden's Guild of Excellence

Sat, 05 May 2012 07:35:00 GMT

Staff Excellence, it’s something that every employer looks for when they hire. It’s something every customer appreciates when they experience it. It’s also something that six of my staff received recognition for last Saturday night at the annual Holden Guild presentation evening.

Throughout the year, Holden measure each dealership's staff in areas such as customer satisfaction, target achievement and business performance. For Paul Wakeling Holden’s Ross Taylor & Camden Valley Holden’s Matthew Kime the title of Sales Managers Guild of Excellence was deserved. Steve Fox & Rocco Scuteri from Camden Valley Holden also received Guild of Excellence in Used Car Sales Management & Service Management respectively; in fact Rocco was ranked No.1 nationally!

Jason Voncina from Paul Wakeling Holden & Tony Veljanoski from Camden Valley Holden also received Sales Guild of Excellence. Most pleasing on the night were two additional awards, Zone Premier Awards for Customer Satisfaction (for Best Salesperson, Best Sales Manager in NSW respectively), were received by Jason Voncina & Matthew Kime.

Congratulations to all, your hard work & dedication to your customers & your workplace deserve to be acknowledged.

Sydney to Surfers charity ride

Tue, 08 May 2012 07:04:00 GMT

Around this time of year for the past four years I’ve participated in the Rotary Club of Engadine’s annual cycle event which takes us from Sydney to the Gold Coast.

Once again this year I’m undertaking the journey, along with another 180 odd riders. The ride raises much needed funds for Father Chris Riley’s Youth Off The Streets Program. Last year the ride raised in excess of $200,000. As you would expect, riding the nearly 1000 km’s does give you some aches & pains but these are easily forgotten with the camaraderie I enjoy with the other riders in the event.

There are around 20 odd local Macarthur cyclists who enjoy the event each year and we all look forward to catching up on everyone’s past year. This year Paul Burgess & Nathan Hayes are joining me from our Dealerships and we are looking to once again raise somewhere near the $10,000 mark for the ride.

If you’re interested in helping support us and Father Chris all you need to do is head to their website.

Driven VIP Cocktail event 29th March 2012

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:02:00 GMT

Last week Wakelings teamed up with Macarthur Financial Planning and P&S Michael to host an evening at The Cube, showcasing finance, fashion & some of our finest cars.

The evening allowed us to highlight some of the growing range of vehicles that we have on offer, lots of the features & benefits that can often go unnoticed, and join with some special clients to have some fun at the same time.

With our association with Hyundai we were lucky enough to secure the services of Ian Luff who spoke about what special characteristics it takes to succeed from the likes of Mark Webber and other famous achievers. As usual Luffy also brought home his safety message in a colourful way, which left many in the audience craving for a chance to participate in his Drive To Survive course.

The evening was made complete when a fine young violinist, Sarah Moir took to the stage to wow the audience. Sarah has performed with stars like Ronan Keating and will soon perform with Seal! If you get the chance to listen to her I suggest you should, she was fantastic. For some pics of the night head to our Paul Wakeling Motor Group Facebook page.

Campbelltown District Netball Association's annual march past

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:04:00 GMT

On Saturday I was lucky enough to be invited to attend the Campbelltown District Netball Association's (CDNA) annual March Past, which celebrates the beginning of the netball season.

As I’ve written about in the past, Wakelings sponsor the No Cost Netta Program which allows for the next generation of netball players to learn the basics of netball for a very low cost. I took my daughter Centaine to the event and like me she was very impressed by the effort all the clubs went to in the March Past.

This year celebrates CDNA’s 40th year, a great feat. In 1972 the CDNA started out with 10 clubs and 104 teams playing on 21 grass courts. Now, with the help of the netballing community and sponsors, they have more than double the number of clubs, lots more players and with approx 40 all weather courts, I think it's the best facility in the state!

The winners of Saturdays March Past were Ingleburn RSL who, like many clubs, produced a great visual march with balloons, streamers, hats and a large Dragon above their squad.

For more information on Holden’s association with netball, visit our Holden Netball Drive page or go to Holden's website.

L-Plater driving courses to slash 20 hours off practise

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:05:00 GMT

News today suggests that the state government is looking at changing how L plate drivers obtain their licence. Currently they have to record some 120 plus hours of supervised learning with the new guidelines recommending these hours be reduced if learners utilise a government sanctioned driver training course.

Having completed a few of these training courses over the years, I’ve got to say, I’m a huge fan of allowing L plate (in fact all drivers) the opportunity to see how their car reacts under different circumstances and knowing how to handle the vehicle in a safe manner.

People like Ian Luff for ages have suggested quality training is important to give everyone an understanding of their vehicle and the environment in which it operates. Hyundai, for example, have partnered with Ian for a few years now to show how class leading safety and technology has been incorporated into everyday vehicles and how much driver aids, such as Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS) assist in ensuring a safer road environment.

It reminds me of how I first learnt to drive, associated with newfound freedom, I remember how scary & daunting those first few months on the road were. If I’d had the chance to have a driver training course beforehand, I’m sure the introduction would have been far smoother, and I dare say safer.

Do you remember when you got your P’s? Do you think driver training courses prior to this would have changed how you drive today?

Grand Master winners again!

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:07:00 GMT

Camden Valley Holden – Grand Master winner again!!

We had great news in the organisation last week when Holden officially informed us that Camden Valley Holden had been awarded Grand Master status for 2011. Not only did the team in our newest dealership qualify for the prestigious award, they were top of their category to be awarded the “Chairman’s Award”.

The Holden Grand Master’s Program scores each Holden Dealership nationally in categories such as sales achievement, customer satisfaction, service growth and facilities criteria. In order to achieve Grand Masters, a Dealer must demonstrate excellence across all areas of the Dealer operation.

Those who are given the esteemed title of being a Holden Grand Master must be astute business managers, demonstrate excellent leadership skills, steadfast dedication to superior customer service and have an uncompromising commitment to quality whilst delivering an overall superior sales and aftersales result.

It’s great recognition for the hard work that Dealer Principal Nathan Hayes, Managers Steve Fox, Matthew Kime, Chris Parker & Rocco Scuteri and their teams have put in over the past 12 months.

24 hour indoor cycle for Ikhaya Le Themb

Tue, 08 May 2012 08:11:00 GMT

Over the weekend I was fortunate enough to participate in a 24 hour indoor cycle challenge held at Hillbrick Bicycles Club Cycle Studio in Smeaton Grange. The event was organised by Steve “the Wiz” Wisbey and its aim was to raise funds for the Children of Ikhaya Le Themba, a School in Africa that prioritises students impacted by HIV.

To say the event was a success sells it short. Starting at 7pm on Friday about 15 teams set of on a 24 hour journey of sweat, songs and suffering… There were a few crazy dudes who attempted to do the 24 hours solo, which is a massive feat. There were also teams that changed over every hour or so.

It was a great night/day and I’m really proud of all of the team Wakeling participants.Well done to Steve Wisbey & friends and thanks to the Hillbricks for hosting such a great event, we are in again for next year guys!!