As mentioned, the CMGC and VMGCC will drive our MGs on a long weekend trip to and around the Rock River valley this spring.

Our base motel will be the Paddle Wheel Inn, just north of Oregon along the bank of the Rock River.  We have a block of 30 rooms reserved for three nights (Thurs. 16th May - Sat. 18th May).  The room rates range from about $70-$130 per night, but most in the block are $110-$130 per night.  (A discount of 10%-20% could apply - at checkout - depending on number of reservations used.)  If you cannot reserve a room for all three nights...that's OK - then reserve a room for one or two nights.

To make a reservation within this block of rooms, call (don't send an e-mail to) the Paddle Wheel Inn:  (815) 732-0900.  Be sure to tell them you are part of the MG car clubs.  The block of rooms will be held through 4/16/19.

WHAT WILL WE DO ALL WEEKEND??

It starts with a 6:00 p.m. dinner at a steak house right next to the motel on Thursday (16th May).

Friday's activities will include visits to some historic sites in the area, a buffet lunch, and "dinner" at a local drive-in.  Of course, we'll drive our MGs on good roads.

On Saturday's agenda - so far - we will visit a motocross course and dragway (with more fun driving).  For dinner, we'll eat on the Rock River - on board a cruising paddleboat, that is.  (No need to worry about seasickness - although, it could be dysentery, per the previous newsletter and e-mail blast...)

We'll say our goodbyes on Sunday (19th May) after a drive to and breakfast at a state park lodge.

If the weather's nice each evening, rather than tailgate in the car park, schmooze on the river deck (although you have to buy your drinks from the restaurant), or from outside your room on your patio or balcony - for those who have a riverside room.  (I have my reservation already - it's for the best room:  facing the river, on the top floor, with a corner balcony - so I can throw my water balloons in two directions...)

Some reservations will be needed for meals and places we'll be visiting.  We can wait on those for now; details will be forthcoming in April, with the numbers for each needed a week or so before the weekend.

Once you decide to go:
- make your motel reservation
- let me know your arrival and departure schedule

I then will reach out to all MGers for the needed reservations.  (Except of the dinner cruise, the numbers can be approximate).

The one-way distance and travel time to the motel should be about 75-100 miles and 1 1/2-2 1/2 hours, respectively.  Once there, and before heading home, we'll drive another 100 miles or so - easily doable in an MG, including in a T-type.

Keep your eyes peeled for more enticements via e-mail blasts and newsletter updates.


Doug G. Clark
VMGCC and CMGC
Safety Fast!

~~ Doug Clark