(Continued from page 8)

We had a RECORD turnout - 46 members with 23 MGs (13 B Tourers, 3 B GTs, 2 Midgets, 2 As, 2 TDs, 1 TC) and 3 Minis & a Morris Minor. Some of us were with a family member - spouse, kid, or grandkid.

After arriving, we were given MG ballots to distribute to members of the public / "the great unwashed" as they strolled by, urging them to vote for their favorite MG. Club members who used to be precinct captains in Chicago were more effective at this.

We also were given directions for this year's Walking Rally.

In past years, the rally was held up and down the street, and required counting paces, being observant, and praying you got it right. A general sense of direction also was helpful, lest one end up in a neighboring backyard.

This time, Bill and Jean decided it was best to keep us on a short leash - so the rally was held right in front of, and in, their offices. The purpose of the rally was to test our "MG knowledge" by identifying MG models, many lesser known with limited production runs, in framed pictures placed within the premises. It was stipulated, however, that accessing the Internet to help was not allowed. (Those of us with flip phones didn't get bent out of shape over this.) The anal among us had to control their drooling over this challenge. This change of rally format worked out well, as not only did no one get lost, but the bathroom was always a short sprint away.

Of course, we also had the chance to sit in our lawn chairs outside while socializing and eating the food - INCLUDING VEGAN :>) - that was catered especially for us. A few impromptu tech sessions for desperate Club members took place, and several of us served as willing ambassadors extolling the driving pleasure of our cars to those who stopped to ask about them.

Around dusk Bill asked that we assemble inside MG Central for the results of the Walking Rally and the favorite MG. Most complied - but sometimes getting MG owners to gather together in one place can be like trying to herd bumblebees.

MG pictures to be identified.

It was very close, but the winners of the Walking Rally were Phil Law (1st), Walt Keiling (2nd), Ray Hansen (3rd). Answers were then provided, as well as a listing of all MG models (with number built), which no doubt was appreciated by those anal among us.

The results of the voting for the Peon's, er, People's Choice MG Award were as follows: Jerry Cihak - TC (1st), Ray Harris - TD (2nd), Bob Lee - TD (3rd). So...one could say this was "The Revenge of the (T-type) Nerds".

The winners then got together for a group picture where they proudly displayed their prizes - large shot glasses with the MG logo. (Someone was overheard grumbling that his was empty, but there's always one complainer...)

Kudos and thanks go to Bill and Jean for once again capably organizing and hosting this fun and lively "mid-week" event for our two Clubs - and thanks to all who supported it!

Safety Fast!

~~ Doug G. Clark