The Great River Rendezvous is progressing extremely well, and our plans are starting to take shape. Response to the Meet has been excellent, and we are looking forward to a terrific week in Winona, MN! However, we want to alert all EFV8CA members of several key updates. Simply click on this link Rendezvous Update to obtain important updates regarding the Host Hotel, and several popular “sold out” events.

TCRG’’s annual traditional Junk Yard Tour is a Go on Saturday, April 28th!

That’s right boys, drop that snowblower or lawn mower (each is equally likely this time of year) and grab some wrenches for the latest installment of the traditional and long awaited TCRG JYT! Those of us with unheated garages get mighty itchy this time of year to get working on the flatheads and this is a great kick-off to the season. The date is April 28th. We meet at the Perkins on Hwy 55 and I-494 on the west side of town. We have two choices of final destination and the judges are still mulling this over as this is printed. We can always visit French Lake, hands down my favorite yard in the state, and Floyd and crew have been busy revamping the yard and dragging in new cars for our enjoyment or we can check out a new place. Both have their good points.

Come to the April membership meeting to learn how this works out or simply join us for breakfast at 7AM at Perkins on the 28th to find out where we are going. If you’re not hungry that morning you can stop by before 8AM; we more or less start at 8AM. Call John Titus at 507-744-2770 if you can’t make the meeting on the 4th but want to spoil the surprise.
John Titus

I know this is not very creative for our Spring Tour but we have a lot of work to do before our National Meet. Since the number of people attending has reached epic proportions, I thought we could use this tour for a trial run and we could tie up lose ends.

I have made arrangements to stay at the headquarters hotel in Winona. The date is Saturday May 19, and return home Sunday the 20. I have set aside 12 non-smoking rooms at the Riverport Inn at a cost of $68.00 for Saturday night.

When you call tell them the rooms are listed under TCRG. The phone numbers are 1-507-452-0606 or 1-800-595-0606. These rooms will be held till May 1, 2007. We will meet at a time and location to be announced in the next Rumble Sheet. Let me know if you will be attending. Thank you.
Gary Rosenberger 651-451-2937

The TCRG display at the World of Wheels was a great success. Gary Rosenberger came early on Thursday and stayed most of the day to help set up the display. Ron Goette trailered over Dave Dahlin and his ‘40 Convertible, and they both helped set up as well. Dave’s car sat in the Spot of Honor anchoring the TCRG Banner. Denny Carney drove over and also helped set up as well. Ron Christensen had a few problems early in the morning-had misplaced his truck keys and had to call a locksmith over to his house to make new keys. We think it’s the stress of his new Treasurer’s job! After he got to the Xcel centre his car wouldn’t start while it was in the trailer (“ It always starts on the fi rst pop�, says Ron). Ron also had some concern crawling under his car in the trailer unhooking belts and chains. He was heard exclaiming, “I’m too old for this�. Bill Gillies wiped out part of another exhibitors display while being guided to the TCRG display. So much for having a guide! Jeff Casura showed up late in the afternoon and proudly entered his car in the competition. Unfortunately, he placed 2nd to a gorgeous ‘38 Buick! As in the past, Jack and Joyce DeJoy got us a great spot for our display.

All in all, those who participated in the car display had a lot of fun and some fond memories that will be discussed for months; camaraderie was high and we were all sober! I can’t wait until next year to do it all over again! A huge THANKS for everyone who helped either set it up, take it down your represent TCRG at the table.
Tom Halfpenny

The Twin Cities Regional Group participated in the World of Wheels Security detail all day Saturday, as well as overnight both Friday and Saturday night. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to work. The Club brought in $1200 for our efforts! A huge thanks to Tim Anderson who stayed overnight BOTH Friday and Saturday nights, AND worked a Saturday day shift. Whew! John Titus and I assisted Tim overnight where we learned just how comfortable the back seats are on these old Fords. We also learned how to nap with one eye open watching for “wrong doers�. Thanks also to Tom Campbell and his friend John who drew the lucky security station when they decided WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio was tired of signing autographs. These wrestling fans can be aggressive!

Finally, thanks to Bruce Nelson who did all the legwork to pull the team together before he left for the National Club’s annual meeting. The positive “can-do� attitude of everyone helped made a very long day extremely gratifying. I’m proud to be a part of such a great Club. Thanks again! Mark

I’ve updated the picture gallery to include pictures from the 2007 World of Wheels, and many pictures from last year’s events. Click on the gallery to view some great memories. TCRG Members, be sure to send any pictures you have to the editor / webmaster to include on the website. It’s a great way to share!