A simple guide to in-car etiquette: Part Two.

A couple of weeks ago, I wrote about good in-car etiquette for passengers – not messing with the controls, taking your rubbish with you when you go, and so forth.

But it’s just as important for drivers to be aware of how their behaviour impacts upon their passengers. A lot of talk about being a considerate driver focuses on courtesy toward those outside the car – but what about those inside?

So in that spirit, here’s Part Two, good in-car etiquette for drivers …

Read more at https://practicalmotoring.com.au/voices/a-simple-guide-to-in-car-etiquette-part-two/

Agostini's, Kingston, Canberra

There’s nothing like a vacant space in a busy location and a few ‘under construction’ signs to build anticipation. Since the popular Ox Eatery at East Hotel closed down last year, locals and hotel visitors alike have been keenly waiting to see what might come next.

No one moreso than chef Francesco Balestrieri, a familiar face on the Canberra restaurant scene, who was quietly plotting away from behind the counters of his tiny kitchen in Joe’s Bar just across the foyer.

With the full support of owners Dan and Dion Bisa, Rome-born Francesco embarked upon his ninth career restaurant build, setting out to turn the blank canvas into a stylish but family-friendly venue that also paid tribute to their own families and heritage. Indeed the name, Agostini, comes from the family – it’s the maiden name of Bisa family matriarch, Marisa.

Read more at http://theyumlist.net/en/2017/05/agostinis-kingston-canberra.html 

5 reasons (and 3 hot tips) for getting along to the National Capital Rally this weekend

I’ve written previously about why I think rallying deserves more attention and more support.

We’re lucky here in the nation’s capital, to have such an effective and professional local rallying organisation, pretty good support from the local community, and some of the best tracks in the country to boot.

So you really shouldn’t need any more persuading to get along to the National Capital Rally this weekend. But just in case you do…

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/5-reasons-and-3-hot-tips-for-getting-along-to-the-national-capital-rally-this-weekend/204724 

A beginner's guide to driving on sand dunes

 Photo by Robert Pepper / Practical Motoring.

Driving on different surfaces challenges both your driving skills and your ability to actively manage your motor vehicle and its features. Pursuing different conditions is, therefore, a great way to help build your skills and learn more about how your car works.

My first experience of driving on sand was in 2015 when Isuzu launched its iVenture Club with a trip to Moreton Island.

It was an incredibly valuable experience, where I learned a lot – and it was also a heck of a lot of fun.

Moreton Island is relatively flat, however, so I earned my sand-driving chops along the beaches and inland 4WD tracks.

Read more at https://practicalmotoring.com.au/4x4/beginners-guide-driving-sand-dunes/ 

A simple guide to in-car etiquette - how many rules do you break?

Most of us understand the importance of good manners in everyday life – not least of all because we’ve had them drummed into us from a young age …

So why do so many of us seem to leave courtesy at the door when we step into an enclosed space like a motor vehicle? There’s has been plenty written about people behaving badly on aeroplanes, but what about in cars?

I wonder whether – when we’re learning all the important stuff about driving, safety and navigation – we shouldn’t be taking a lesson in motor vehicle manners as well. People who are more courteous inside the car might be better behaved on the outside as well, no?

Read more at https://practicalmotoring.com.au/voices/a-simple-guide-to-in-car-etiquette/

What to look for when buying a car

As far as first car horror stories go, mine is a cracker.

It was a long time before I could even look back with enough fondness to give her a nickname. And even then, the nickname of choice was ‘The Hyundai Deathtrap’.

No offence to Hyundai, of course. It was the individual car – rather than the brand – that was the problem here. Or more specifically, the dodgy dealer.

Bought from one of the (then) larger and seemingly well-established yards on Newcastle Street in Fyshwick, she was a well-priced 1991 Excel hatchback. I congratulated myself on making such a sensible choice.

Read more at https://the-riotact.com/what-to-look-for-when-buying-a-car/201150