Woke up on Sunday…YEP, still there, YEP wheels still on (boy I’d be paranoid if I’d sprung for the 18”s). Had a nice brekky with Mrs. Madder. Then it was Bunnings-Time to commence the first project of Operation MadMobile… wire-rope harness systems for the dogs. Don’t want them bailing out when they here the growl of a dominant beast. Fortunately the roads had dried out (momentarily) so it was time to hit the test-track for some “spirited driving” (love that term, used often in the Owners Manual). Cruised along the 70-80k roads that wind through the back hills to the road in question. Noted just how grippy and well planted the ute feels on these smooth, well-made roads. The second of these roads winds through some really nice overhanging forest and ends with a roundabout. The left curves steeply up-hill even as you’re leaving the roundabout. This is where I’m going. As I’m leaving the curve the power is on. Being so steep the rear just digs in as I plant it and I hear the tremendous rush as the Boss hauls 1900kg or so to 80ks by the time I reach the top. Ease of over the crest and give it some more up the next hill. Doesn’t work so hard this time. Down through a tightish bend. Not too adventurous here as the road’s rough as hell along with a smattering of loose gravel. Bend empties into a downhill straight. Nothing to do but coast down into the valley at the bottom. Valley curves to the base of another steep hill. And the Boss gets a workout again. Crest the hill at 90 and then it’s a couple of gentle down hill curves leading to a long downhill straight. Use the shifter for a bit of engine braking down to the roundabout at the other end. Do an about turn and tackle the long uphill straight the other way taking it up to about 4500 in each gear. Music to the ears (strangely enough I haven’t once felt the urge to use the stereo in my first week of ownership). Didn’t push it to hard going back but was heaps of fun none-the-less.
I did eventually make it to Bunnings by which time it was raining, talk about timing. On the way home took it out onto the highway, three lanes clear, nothing in front or behind. Gave it some up the hill and…hear we go…engine revs big-time as the rear-end snakes. Being the average driver that I am I’m glad to have an auto. Both hands on the wheel is a must as the rear momentarily struggles for traction and direction. Ease off quickly and cruise home. So continues the unfolding relationship between brute and driver. Not sure just which one is in control here.
Backed the ute into the garage, took the tonneau off and sat in the back for a good part of the afternoon working on the industrial grade harnesses with the windows down, stereo blaring.
Later took the neighbour (ex AU ute owner, had to sell to buy a work van) around the hills in slightly wetter conditions than the morning. Fishtailed up the first steep hill took it a bit easier for the rest of the run.
All in all an awesome first weekend in the MadMobile.
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Stay tuned for the next chapter of the MadMobile Chronicles. Same Mad time, same Mad channel.
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