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View Full Version : Sydney XC Drive Day Report - Blue Mountains mud



PJ810
06-07-2009, 03:31 AM
A quick photo to kick this thread off. 232 photos were taken. Lots of mud, lots of bush and lots of fun. More later as we're on our way home having stopped for dinner...

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay191.jpg

Matters
06-07-2009, 07:14 PM
Looks great! I'm in Sydney, would love to join you next time with my XC70. I'm expecting it to arrive in the next 10 days or so and figure that eventually I will have to take it off the beaten path. My only proviso is that I want it come back in once piece!!!

How did the XCs handle it? What sort of terrain did you encounter?

sydneyv70xc
06-07-2009, 09:16 PM
Its an easy track and your 2009 XC will be fine. I have had a few cars and travelled on similar roads and can tell you that nothing handles like the XCs. Amazingly well composed, no rattles and just plain comfortable. Only drawback after such a great trip is the....washing up! Nothing the Karcher can't handle as you will see in these pics.
So come with us on our next trip! Cheers

PJ810
06-08-2009, 03:37 AM
How did the XCs handle it? What sort of terrain did you encounter?

The tracks were VERY muddy. We drove very carefully of course - don't think we ever went over 60km/h on those roads, mostly stuck to around 40km/h. I experienced no slippage at any time, although SydneyV70XC reported a minor "power off" controlled slide. :D The ride quality was great. Responsiveness when dodging deep puddled potholes was quite impressive too. A couple of times I yanked the wheel rather hard and it just turned without any fuss.

On these drive days we won't take the cars on any road that a 2WD sedan can't handle. It's just a lot nicer (and safer) to negotiate them with a vehicle that's so very suited to those conditions. And loads of fun.

Hayabusa
06-08-2009, 04:18 AM
Looks awesome. Just in case I miss it, please PM me (if you can remember to) when the next one is on!

PJ810
06-08-2009, 04:33 AM
Looks awesome. Just in case I miss it, please PM me (if you can remember to) when the next one is on!

Why didn't you come yesterday? I'm keen to set up a solid database of Sydney/NSW-based XC owners.

Interested parties I've spoken to thus far will bump numbers up four fold already.

Between now and when I get some more photos up, I'm open to suggestions whether this should be a thrice yearly thing or quarterly. First Sunday of the month? I think it is sensible to lock in the next three or four dates and start thinking about some routes. There's so much in the Blue Mountains yet to discover, but there's many other places as well, either South Coast or between the Central Coast and Newcastle.

Hayabusa
06-08-2009, 04:52 AM
Book me in Patrick. Sundays are going to be tough for me though as there's generally family stuff on... Saturdays would be ideal as I can take time off work with some notice...

Whatever suits most is best though... so let me know the dates when you got 'em!


Cheers,
Pan

sydneyv70xc
06-08-2009, 01:24 PM
The tracks were VERY muddy. We drove very carefully of course - don't think we ever went over 60km/h on those roads, mostly stuck to around 40km/h. I experienced no slippage at any time, although SydneyV70XC reported a minor "power off" controlled slide. :D The ride quality was great. Responsiveness when dodging deep puddled potholes was quite impressive too. A couple of times I yanked the wheel rather hard and it just turned without any fuss.

On these drive days we won't take the cars on any road that a 2WD sedan can't handle. It's just a lot nicer (and safer) to negotiate them with a vehicle that's so very suited to those conditions. And loads of fun.

The "controlled slide" was xcelerator off going into the corner @ 40km/h and power out of the corner :D and the effect is [thumbup]

PJ810
06-12-2009, 04:40 AM
OK, finally some more pictures:

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay029.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay032.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay042.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay035.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay064.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay073.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay079.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay083.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay085.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay086.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay129.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay139.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay185.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay192.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay199-1.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay202.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay209.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay225.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q289/pj810/XCDay237.jpg

sydneyv70xc
06-12-2009, 04:33 PM
Hi All,

Got my windows tinted today from a professional who works the weekends and come to your house/office! Renzo had done a couple of cars for me in the past and workmanship is excellent. And to top it off he is half the price as what your local Volvo dealer would charge you. Here's Renzo at work and the XC after tinting.[cool2]

Matters
06-18-2009, 05:51 AM
Why didn't you come yesterday? I'm keen to set up a solid database of Sydney/NSW-based XC owners.

Interested parties I've spoken to thus far will bump numbers up four fold already.

Between now and when I get some more photos up, I'm open to suggestions whether this should be a thrice yearly thing or quarterly. First Sunday of the month? I think it is sensible to lock in the next three or four dates and start thinking about some routes. There's so much in the Blue Mountains yet to discover, but there's many other places as well, either South Coast or between the Central Coast and Newcastle.

My Wife is about to give birth in about 7 weeks. So, I'm going to have to wait until after then. But after both my girls settle down, I am very open to a quarterly jaunt.

Patrick, on a separate note, your signature leads me to believe that I might know you. I suspect we have a mutual friend, Mr. Mar. There can't be too many architects with Peugeot 605s.

Matt

PJ810
06-18-2009, 08:08 PM
My Wife is about to give birth in about 7 weeks. So, I'm going to have to wait until after then. But after both my girls settle down, I am very open to a quarterly jaunt.

Patrick, on a separate note, your signature leads me to believe that I might know you. I suspect we have a mutual friend, Mr. Mar. There can't be too many architects with Peugeot 605s.

Matt

Good luck and congratulations to you and your wife. :D

There aren't too many Architects with 605s, as there aren't too many people full-stop with 605s! However, there is at least one other Architect in NSW with a 605 believe it or not! But yes, I know Mr Mar well. :D

Franxc06
06-19-2009, 05:54 AM
Hey guys very nice pictures of the BlueMountains and the XC70s ofcourse,before I started this TAFE course some times use to go to GlenBrook and do some cycling with mountain bike.Very nice area and will get the blood flowing with the cycling especially up the hills. I'll be honest I can't see myself going through that mud with my XC70.
I had my 06 XC70 only for three weeks now, they seem to be well built, have you guys had any problems with yours?

Cheers
Frank.

PJ810
06-23-2009, 12:16 AM
The first thing you want to do is get it dirty!

More dirt and scratches mean more fun. In fact, you'll pick up more scratches and dings at your local shopping centre carpark when you're not watching than when you're negotiating soft mud. My car is virtually SPOTLESS and it has seen heaps of bush tracks.

Problems? The odd minor thing, nothing major. If yours is an '06, you should be fine.


Hey guys very nice pictures of the BlueMountains and the XC70s ofcourse,before I started this TAFE course some times use to go to GlenBrook and do some cycling with mountain bike.Very nice area and will get the blood flowing with the cycling especially up the hills. I'll be honest I can't see myself going through that mud with my XC70.
I had my 06 XC70 only for three weeks now, they seem to be well built, have you guys had any problems with yours?

Cheers
Frank.

sydneyv70xc
06-23-2009, 02:37 AM
Hi Frank,

Like you I was not too keen on getting mine dirty and stuff. But since I have had 4WDs and been out bush, there's always that fun factor[thumbup]. And my XC performed well with no issues. It is a very well composed rig and you will enjoy it. AND if you like sliding, its not a bad bus to do it in as long as you know what you're doing!
Hope you'll join us on the next one.
Cheers....Michael

myzomela
06-23-2009, 06:05 AM
G'day PJ810.

I'm in Canberra and would be interested in any drives you do south of Sydney. Something in the Southern Tablelands might be ideal. I should get onto your database.

I've just acquired a MY01 XC70 (what a change from a 145!) and had a couple of little trips into the Brindabellas. So far so good and so fun.

Matters
06-24-2009, 05:47 AM
So, by my count there are six of us who are potentially in for a NSW drive day. Good on you Patrick for creating such a hub-bub with your pictures, you are the kingpin in this outlaw Volvo gang.

sydneyv70xc
09-22-2009, 04:41 AM
MATTERS: How about some pics of your MY01 XC please?

Patrick & allcon: What say U'All we do one on the Oct long weekend from Sydney to the Highlands? :cool:

Hayabusa
09-22-2009, 05:11 AM
MATTERS: How about some pics of your MY01 XC please?

Patrick & allcon: What say U'All we do one on the Oct long weekend from Sydney to the Highlands? :cool:

Hi guys. Let me know if you're doing any "coffee meeting nights" around Sydney... would be nice to meet up. Very busy with family on weekends, but let me know about trips anyway...

PJ810
09-26-2009, 05:35 AM
Coffee night and small drive would work well for me any time with a few days notice.

Oct long weekend is out for me.

Later in Oct or early Nov could work fine for a weekend day or full weekend (2 day trip).

Been crazy busy with work and family commitments. Should ease up around November.

Southern Highlands sounds great. It's beautiful down there at the moment. Just have to find at least one unsealed trail so we can kick up some mud.

ifnt420
09-27-2009, 12:38 AM
Hi guys.

Sorry to thread hi-jack, but is that Scooby hood scoop really installed on the XC90? :D

Hayabusa
09-27-2009, 04:26 AM
Sorry to thread hi-jack, but is that Scooby hood scoop really installed on the XC90? :D

Ha ha! I was wondering if someone would comment on that [thumbup].

I put the scoop on for the photo only. I took the photo to scare my wife. Emailed it to her and told her I'd cut a hole in the bonnet too. She rang up and abused me... :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/pansta/Pan/XC90scoop1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v300/pansta/Pan/XC90scoop.jpg

ifnt420
09-27-2009, 09:51 PM
I see, I thought you had the same intercooler setup as my buddy's XC90 2.5T.
He's got an air duct for the top mounted Intercooler. [thumbup]

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o12/ifnt420/DSC02118Large.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o12/ifnt420/DSC02117Large-1.jpg

Hayabusa
09-28-2009, 12:40 AM
I see, I thought you had the same intercooler setup as my buddy's XC90 2.5T.
He's got an air duct for the top mounted Intercooler. [thumbup]

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o12/ifnt420/DSC02118Large.jpg

http://i116.photobucket.com/albums/o12/ifnt420/DSC02117Large-1.jpg




...in my dreams! :rolleyes:

I'd love to know more about making my 90 go quicker. If you have any suggestions or people to talk to, please let me know...

PJ810
09-28-2009, 05:47 AM
Please don't tempt me guys. I'm known to do silly things... :D

Hayabusa
09-28-2009, 09:30 PM
Go ooooooon...

JRC19S
11-02-2009, 01:54 PM
The drive in the Bluies looked nice and muddy but those roads can be driven easily in a conventional car even if muddy. I've taken my 9k in and out of kanangara, Anvil Rock and Perrys, Newnes etc.

Have any members done some of the steeper trails eg Patterson's Fire Trail or Gardens of Stone; or rutted stuff like Mtn Lagoon ?

PJ810
11-03-2009, 12:47 AM
The drive in the Bluies looked nice and muddy but those roads can be driven easily in a conventional car even if muddy. I've taken my 9k in and out of kanangara, Anvil Rock and Perrys, Newnes etc.

Have any members done some of the steeper trails eg Patterson's Fire Trail or Gardens of Stone; or rutted stuff like Mtn Lagoon ?

Our XC drive days are sensible and safe - you should join us! The aim is to travers conditions a normal 2WD car can cope with, but do so with more safety and comfort. I have taken my XC where a 2WD will NOT cope. I've used the steel bash plate I have fitted under my engine bay when the ground clearance of the XC was insufficient.

Driving a little bit more quickly on unsealed roads quickly highlights the strengths of an XC70 or similar type of vehicle over a conventional 2WD car. The fun factor of safely controlling drift on such loose surfaces should also get the thumbs up.

JRC19S
11-03-2009, 02:49 AM
Thanks Patrick; wait until I get used to the car then we can plan a nice little jaunt.

JRC19S
11-03-2009, 02:59 AM
So, you've never had the car fail to deliver drive while going uphill or any knarly stuff ? I have to say I don't generally try things that are ridiculous; but I am hoping for more capability than the old 240 wagon!

BTW where does one get the steel bash plate ? Did you make it ? The car I'm looking at has a pretty useless looking black plastic plate under the entire engine!

PJ810
11-03-2009, 03:16 AM
So, you've never had the car fail to deliver drive while going uphill or any knarly stuff ? I have to say I don't generally try things that are ridiculous; but I am hoping for more capability than the old 240 wagon!

BTW where does one get the steel bash plate ? Did you make it ? The car I'm looking at has a pretty useless looking black plastic plate under the entire engine!

The useless looking black plastic cover is making itself useful against the wall of my workshop. I ordered the proper optional steel bash plate from Volvo. It's got all the necessary ventilation grooves and bolts straight in. :D Cost about $500 though if I remember correctly. :eek:

I've never been stuck with the XC but I haven't tried anything ridiculous. Been stuck only once with the 240 (in Roseville believe it or not!!!). The 245 wagon (manual) went everywhere. Nothing beats a 240 wagon because as an owner you'll have the nerve to take it where it shouldn't go and give it enough acceleration so it'll make it. An XC70 will see you using too much caution. [thumbup]

PM me if you want to see my bash plate. I live about 5 mins from Lindfield.