I can't believe another month has passed. It is getting cooler now and I fear the driving season is coming to an end all too quickly.
Ann and I joined the annual caravan to Abingdon on the 7th. We had a great drive out even after being called "sissies" for driving it with our top up. It was below fifty degrees that morning. We got on the road around 10:30 for the drive out. Barney was leading in his A. We drove through Ottawa on our way to the Starved Rock hills, but the road was closed at the entrance to the park so we turned around, backtracked through Ottawa, and went west on the north side of the river. The tour was fantastic. Lots of fun two lane roads just made to enjoy a British sports car. We had lunch in Kewanee at Goods Furniture. It is one of the largest furniture stores I have ever seen. They have acquired buildings on both sides of RT 34 and connected them with a second story pedestrian bridge. On the lower level of one of the buildings on the east side they have a really nice restaurant and wine shop. We continued to Galesburg, checked in at the hotel and registered with Bob and Holly. We had an absolutely wonderful weekend. There is more on the actual event in this issue. On Sunday we headed back home on RT 34 with three other cars. We stopped at Bishop Hill for coffee and pastries and shopping. Then we drove on to explore Lock 21 on the Hennepin Canal before stopping in Mendota for lunch. We stopped at a restaurant named Ziggy's. After lunch we drove on home. Most of the drive was new territory for Ann and me and we really enjoyed the drive and the company. I want to extend an enthusiastic THANK YOU to Bob and Holly Schultz for putting together a great weekend. Every one who attended enjoyed themselves. This was our first Abingdon Weekend, but several of the veterans said it was the best ever. Bob and Holly have agreed to repeat next year so start planning your calendar now.
We have had the October Autocross on the 23rd. I am sure Wade will have details of the event.
The Halloween Rally was on October 30. Bob Simon has agreed to be my navigator again. Ann and Pat came out to join us at the end of the rally for lunch at Quigley's Pub in Naperville.
I want to thank everyone who made this year great. We had three exceptionally fun tours this year including the drive to Abingdon. Our West Coast Trip to MG2005 was absolutely unforgettable.
We had five rallies this year. I know from experience the time and effort that goes into putting one of these events together. The rallymaster has to make several trips along the route until every turn and question is just right and well documented. It is not an easy task and the rallymasters deserve special thanks for their efforts. I also want to thank the members who brought their cars out for the rallies. I appreciate the support they show the people who make them possible.
We had monthly autocrosses planned for this year. Wade ended up hauling the cones to them. The cones and timing equipment had to be set up for each event. Thanks to Wade, Barney and everyone else who took the time to set these events up.
Thanks to Jim Evans and all the volunteers who made our annual swap meet a success.
I am certain I missed some people who helped make this a year to remember. I do want to thank them as their efforts are greatly appreciated and make club events work.
This is also the time to nominate and elect officers for next year. All positions are for one year terms and must be filled annually. If you or someone you know is interested in giving back to the club, let us know at the next meeting. Ballots will be printed and sent out in the December Driveline.
There will still be many days this fall for some fun drives in our MGs. Try to get your car out to enjoy them as often as you can.
See you on the road!