Chicagoland MG Club Back to Archives Submit an article Cover Intro & Club Officers The Steering Column The Passenger Seat August Meeting Rept Welcome New Members The Rally Corner 2001 Roster Information Late Summer Rally - RM Late Summer Rally - 1st Go Brit Baby Tech Sess Siemens Autocross Illinois Air Test Silver Anniversary Party Donald M. Healey Rally All Brit Get Together BCU Dinner Reservation BCU British Car Festival Lucas Night Rally Speedi-Sleeve Tech Day Halloween Rally Regalia Items Available Regalia Order Form Elkhart Lk Vintage Fest Something Old/New Abingdon Trials Results Abingdon Trials-Goebbert Abingdon Trials - Lieb Abingdon Car Show Abingdon Gymkhana Ode To Abingdon Just A Simple Wrench Amtrak Road Trip 2002 Classified Information Classifieds CMGC Events Back Cover   TALES OF THE MONGREL "ODE to Abingdon" From Chicago our caravan departed. It was “On to Abingdon” that we all started. Tops were down on a hot summer day, Illinois scenery along the way! MGs in a straight line we drew, …and as we traveled, anticipation grew, …at the end of our journey everyone knew, …a “Party” was there - with an MG crew! We got to Jumers and we all checked in, We got our packets, registration within. I took a shower and shaved - put on clothes that were clean, Friday’s Natter “N” Noggin - a place to be seen! They were all there drinking Old Speckled Hens, Clubs from all over, new faces, new friends. Stayed up too late, and drank too many beers, Don’t want to be late for next morning I feared! Mongrel started up and to the show I went, Ray took my picture as I arrived - great gent! I found my row and backed into my place, Thinking about the Gymkhana, around cones they would race. The weather was warm and the sun was high, Oh yeah baby, the throat’s pretty dry! I went to find a cold drink but was distracted, When I noticed John Twist, as judge for “Sterling” he acted. Damn, those cars were nice!!!   The Gymkhana was prime, town’s people came out, As MGs ran the cones in support they would shout, The “Famous” Abingdon Gymkhana as Jim would tout, Measured up to be great, what our MGs are about!! The sun began to ebb, so we mounted our steeds, Back to the hotel and grand dinner indeed. Good food and new friends, John Twist featured guest, Show awards and the Sterling Prize did people quest! Oooooooo, that was good. A must-do for next year, Just got to remember, not to drink so much beer! Ralph Arata ©2001 Chicagoland MG Club, All rights reserved.