GOF Central 2022

July 11-15 | La Crosse, Wisconsin

The premier MG event for the Upper Midwest

GOF Central 2022 has Concluded

The Minnesota MG T Register was proud to host this year’s GOF in La Crosse, Wisconsin.

The Gathering of the Faithful (GOF) is a term coined in the mid-1960’s. The intention of a GOF was then, and remains to this day, a gathering to bring together experienced and novice MG owners and enthusiasts to share technical and parts know-how. The fellowship of like-minded car owners and the sharing of information is the reason for a GOF.  This is the 41st GOF for the Central region.  The first was held in 1979 in Rochester, Minnesota and was hosted by our club, the Minnesota MG T Register.

MGs were present from the six clubs that represent the Central organization. All models of MGs were present. In addition to the Central Region MG clubs, the GOF Central was the National Meet for the North American MMM Register. The Midgets, Magnas and Magnettes that comprise the MMM grouping represent the majority of the pre-war (WWII) MGs.  Some of the cars in attendance were 90 years old and still running.

Also helping us this year were members of our Minnesota “sister” MG club, the Minnesota MG Group (MMGG).

We chose La Crosse because it was more centrally located and made it easier for the other MG clubs and the MMM people to attend.  La Crosse is an old river city located in the Southwestern Wisconsin Bluff Country with many scenic, small valleys and wonderful sports car roads.  People not from the area were impressed with the diversity of the countryside that was untouched by the glaciers of the last Ice Age.

As you can see from the list of events below, there were a variety of things to do and see at the GOF.  Everyone had a great time and had only good things to say about the setting, the events and the GOF itself.  Please look at the pictures in the photo gallery to see some of what transpired during the four days in La Crosse.

I would like to thank all of the people who worked on putting together this GOF and especially Mother Nature for not raining on any of our outdoor events.  There were too many people helping to list all of them here, but I want to give a big "shout out" to Barb Belongia, the GOF Registrar and Treasurer, Paul Lyon, the President of MMGG, and Lew Palmer & Jack Schneider for coordinating with the MMM Register.

Safety Fast,
Tim Crain, Chairman

 Thank You to our Club Sponsors

MNMGT_logo
Minnesota
MG-T Register
MGMinn_logo
Minnesota
MG Group
MGMMM_logo
North American
MMM MG Register

Activities

River Cruise

When: July 12, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Riverside Park (behind the hotel)

MUST REGISTER BY JULY 4

Come aboard the authentic La Crosse Queen paddle wheeler on the upper Mississippi River! GOF Central 2022 has chartered a 90 minute sightseeing tour.

While the La Crosse Queen paddles the main channel of the river, our guide will explain facts and trivia of the historical and present day river, as well as point out local points of interest. Watch for eagles and other wildlife as we cruise past steep bluffs adjacent to the Great River Road — designated by AAA as one of the most scenic areas in America! Then as you near Lock & Dam No.7 in Dresbach, Minnesota, we will explain the locking process to you! Cocktails, soda drinks and concessions are available for purchase. 

Hospitality

The place to gather with friends, get information, and much more: 

  • Calling all artists, crafters and photographers! Consider entering an example of your creativity for a chance to win an award! The pieces will be on display and able to be voted on in the Hospitality room throughout the GOF. 
  • Display your Valve Cover racer here to compete in the VCR Beauty Contest.
  • The Silent Auction items will be displayed and bidding open here through Wednesday afternoon.

Snacks and beverages will be on hand.  See you there!

First Timers Show & Reception


When: July 11, 5:00-5:30 p.m.

Where: Front Street between the hotel and Riverside Park

MUST REGISTER BY JUNE 30

An All-American BBQ will be held simultaneously in the Three Rivers Lodge Restaurant in the Radisson hotel. A cash bar serving beer and wine will be available during the meal. Signup on the GOF Registration form is required.

Tech Sessions

Tech Sessions
When: July 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: Wisconsin Room Lobby

There will be two Tech Sessions both to be held on Tuesday, July 12th – times to be announced at Check-In. The first one will be given by Russ Westfall, a long-time manufacturer's rep in the paint body and equipment industry and a dealer of Meguiar’s Car Care and Rupes products. It will be a class on paint correction using clay, color sanding, and buffing. He will demonstrate both random orbit and rotary buffers, also paint protection using waxes and polymers. Russ will also be covering leather care, engine cleaning, and other upholstery and fabric cleaning.

The second session, “The inside story of the MG transmission,” will be given by Steve Blomberg.  Steve is a long-time dissector of MGs and he currently owns a TC, a TD and a 72 Midget. He will be assisted by Gary Krukowski, purveyor of MG parts and owner of a J2. This Tech Session will be a primer on how that mysterious box of gears get its job done. Like most of us the internal workings of the gearbox in our favorite car seemed to be a mystery. We will try to help you understand what happens when you move the shift lever and what can (and does) go wrong. Great visuals and hands on parts will make this Tech Session well worth your time.

Swap Meet

When: July 12, 12:30-4:00 p.m.
Where: Wisconsin Room Lobby

Bring your MG treasures to sell or trade to other MGers who are looking for just what you are offering.  Sign up on the GOF Registration form.

Vendors will also be in attendance that day to display their products or services. They will be in the same lobby area. Sign up on the GOF Registration form.

Sip & Paint

When: July 12, 1:00-4:00 p.m.
Where: All Glazed Up, 313 Pearl Street

MUST REGISTER BY JULY 8

No experience needed! Come and relax with friends while an art instructor leads us step by step through painting a pre-selected scene. Feel free to take liberties and paint in your own style – release your inner artist!  Everything we need to create our own work of art will be provided. 

Beverages (wine, beer, soda, water, and a few mixed drinks) are available for purchase.  Each painter will receive a special gift created by one of our members.

The class lasts for 2 hours. Aprons are provided. Dress for comfort and probably don’t wear your Sunday best (the paints are acrylic). All Glazed Up is a 3-block walk from the hotel on Pearl Street.  Signup on the GOF Registration form is required.

MMM Member Dinner & Meeting

When: July 12, 5:00 p.m.
Where: Fayze’s RestaurantMMM Member Dinner and Meeting

The Bibulous Gallimaufry will be held Tuesday evening, July 12th at 5:00 PM, at Fayze’s Restaurant.  Members of the North American MMM Register only, please.

Car Show

When: July 13, 9:00-12:00 p.m.
Where: Pettibone Park, Barro Island

Pettibone Park is a short (2 miles) drive just across the main channel of the Mississippi River and can be seen from the West side of the hotel. A photograph of you and your car will be taken as you enter the show area. This photo will be available for pick up at the Banquet.

Awards will be given for the following car show categories and other contests:

Trophy Classes

First in Class

 

Class

Comments

Triple - M

         

  Early 4 Cylinder

X

 

X

Before 1934

  Late 4 Cylinder

X

 

X

1934 & After

  Early 6 Cylinder

X

 

X

Before 1934

  Late 6 Cylinder

X

 

X

1934 & After

SVW

X

 

X

   

TA / TB

X

 

X

   

TC

X

 

X

   

TD

X

 

X

   

TF

X

 

X

   

MGA

         

  1500

X

 

X

   

  1600

X

 

X

   

MGB

         

  Chrome Bumper

X

 

X

   

  Rubber Bumper

X

 

X

   

MGC

X

 

X

   

Midget

X

 

X

   

Variant

X

 

X

All other MG's

Premier

X

 

X

   

Other British

X

 

X

   

Funkahana

         

  Before 1956

X

 

X

   

  1956 & Later

X

 

X

   

Rallye

X

 

X

   

Long Distance

         

  Before 1956

X

       

  1956 & Later

X

       

Photo

X

 

X

   

Craft/Art

X

 

X

   

Valve Cover Display

X

       

Valve Cover Races

         

  12lb & Under

X

 

X

   

  Open Weight

X

 

X

   
           

Most Loved

Special

       

Could'a been a Better Day

Special

   

Paul Johnson

Special

       
Funkhana

When: July 13, 1:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Where: Oktoberfest Parking Lot (Oktoberfest Strasse off 2nd Street N.)

The Funkhana is a competition that challenges the teamwork of driver and passenger as they navigate through a closed course while trying to complete some tasks along the way.

The winner is determined by having the best time with the most accuracy completing tasks. Time penalties are assessed for each task not completed – such as trying to grab a golf ball off a T-Ball tee as shown in the picture. Other tasks could be throwing a hula hoop over a traffic cone or throwing a basketball into a garbage can. It is much fun for the spectators as it is for the participants. Many a team have had hours of silence between them after competing in a Funkahana. So team up and come try your luck. 

Auctions

There will be a Silent Auction that will be held in the Hospitality Suite. The silent auction will be open for bids when the Hospitality Suite is open (see schedule). The Silent Auction will close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 13. People with the winning bid(s) will be able to claim, and pay for, their item(s) in the Hospitality Suite immediately after the Live Auction which will be Wednesday evening.

The Live Auction will be held in the Ballroom on Wednesday evening starting at 7:00 PM.  Our Auctioneer will be Art Wilson from Michigan.  A cash bar will be available for refreshments during this auction.

Beer Tasting - SOLD OUT

When: July 13, 4:00-5:30 p.m.
Where: Snap Turtle Brew Pub (across the street from the hotel)

SOLD OUT - Contact Barb to be added to the wait list: 715-781-0360 or [email protected].

One of the MNMGTR's favorite and best attended summer club events is the Honnigford's Annual Beer Tasting. Join us for a recreation of this contest at the Turtle Stack Brewery, a small independent craft brewery located right across the street from the Radisson. Sign-up cost gets you a sampling of 8-10 Turtle Stack beers and an entry into the contest (see details below), as well as a gift pack. Snacks (pretzels, chips, etc.) and water will be provided. Space is limited, so sign up early on the GOF Registration form.

Contest details: Each contest entrant will receive a sheet of paper listing the names of all beers being sampled during the contest with blanks next to each beer's name. A tasting of a beer (everyone gets the same beer at the same time) is presented to all participants in a glass with a letter on it, and the participant must taste the beer and mark their choice for which beer they think it is by writing the letter from the glass in the blank next to the presumed beer's name. Each subsequent beer is brought out for tasting and choice marking until all beers have been presented and consumed. The participant with the most correct guesses wins the pride of 2022 GOF Beer Tasting Champion! Tiebreakers will be settled by British penny coin flip.

Norskedalen Drive

When: July 14, 9:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Where: See below

MUST REGISTER BY JUNE 30

Enjoy the winding roads of La Crosse and Vernon Counties of Wisconsin with a stop at the Norskedalen Nature & Heritage Center for a tour and lunch. The tour will depart the hotel parking lot at 9:00 a.m. Upon arrival, we will be greeted by Norskedalen volunteers to help guide us through the Bekkum Homestead and the Thrune Visitor’s Center Museum and Immigration Story exhibit. The gift shop will also be open. A hot sandwich buffet will be served at 11:30 a.m. in the Shelter House. 

Take a step back to the mid-nineteenth century and experience the lifestyles of the Norwegian Immigrants in the Coon Valley area of Wisconsin. Norskedalen means “Norwegian Valley.” The land for the center was donated by Dr. Alf Gundersen (son of the founder of the Gunderson Health Services) and his wife Carroll as an outdoor laboratory and arboretum in 1977.  Since then the site has grown to 400 acres of wooden coulee, goat prairie, springs, creek and fields, and crossed over by 5 miles of nature trails. Original log farm buildings, built by Norwegian immigrants in the region, and artifacts inside the buildings were donated by local families with the financial support of Owen and Dorothy Bekkum.

The first buildings were moved on the site in 1982. The Thrune Visitor’s Center was also constructed in 1982 and houses the museum where you can learn about these Norwegian immigrants and why they stopped here. The mission of the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center is to preserve and interpret the natural environment and cultural heritage of the region, as well as to make people aware of and sensitive to these resources.   

Don’t miss the Benrud Little White Chapel or the Gundersen Arboretum honoring Alf Gundersen’s mother, Helga Isaksaetre Gundersen. Nature trails allow for additional exploring of the site.

The return drive takes you through Coon Valley, Chaseburg and Stoddard, Wisconsin.  Signup on the GOF Registration form is required.

Valve Cover Races

When: July 14, 1:00 p.m. (clinic followed by races)
Where: Hotel Ballroom Lobby

Please visit the Valve Cover Race section for details and rules.

Lee Jacobson of the Michigan club was going to hold a Valve Cover Racer clinic at the 2020 GOF which, obviously, did not happen. He has offered to do the clinic at our GOF. Bring a valve cover and leave with a highly competitive Valve Cover Racer in about an hour.

The cost is $30 paid to Lee at the time of the clinic and is to cover the cost of the wheels. He also supplies the chassis and axles which is ready to add wheels.  Gary Krukoski has valve covers available for a nominal cost ([email protected] or 763-226-5789).

The first eight people to sign up via the GOF Registration form learn how to attach their valve cover. All others are welcome to watch. Please indicate on the Registration form if you want to participate.

Awards Banquet

When: July 14, 5:00-9:00 p.m
Where: Ballroom 1 & 2

MUST REGISTER BY JUNE 30

The evening will begin with a cocktail hour in the Ballroom Lobby with a cash bar. Obviously, the awards will be handed out for the car shows and other GOF events. There will also be the Special Awards such as the Paul Johnson award, the Could’a Had a Better Day (Hard Luck) award, and the Most Loved award. Our keynote speaker will be Tom Wilson from Indiana who will also make a presentation for GOF 2023 in Indiana. Signup on the GOF Registration form is required.

Self-Guided Tours

Maps for Self-Guided Tours will be available at the Registration Desk and the Hospitality Suite.

There will be driving tour maps for the scenic areas around La Crosse and the West side (the Minnesota side) of the Mississippi river. There are historic sites to see, many cultural places such as the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the Hixon House Museum, and good driving roads for our cars. U.S. Lock and Dam No. 7, on the Minnesota side, provides a panoramic view if the river and bluffs as does Grandad Bluff Park on the Wisconsin side.

There will be information for walking the downtown area of La Crosse. There are many historic buildings and boutique shops. There is also the Dahl Automobile Museum within walking distance of the hotel.

We will have signup sheets in the Hospitality Suite for people to list their names for the tours. This way other people interested in the same tour can drive or walk together.

Schedule

  • Monday, July 11
  • 12:00-5:00 p.m. | Registration open | Lobby
  • 12:00-5:00 p.m. | Hospitality open, Photo & Craft, Silent Auction | Wisconsin Room 1 & 2
  • 12:00-5:00 p.m. | Car Wash open | Parking Lot
  • 5:00-7:30 p.m. | First Timer's Show & Reception - All are welcome | Front Street & Hotel Restaurant
  • Tuesday, July 12
  • All day | Car Wash open | Parking lot
  • 9:00-11:00 a.m. | Tech Session Steve Blomberg | Wisconsin Room 3
  • 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Vendor Sales | Wisconsin Room Lobby
  • 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. | Registration and Hospitality open, Photo & Craft, Silent Auction | Wisconsin Room 1 & 2
  • 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Lunch on your own
  • 12:30-4:00 p.m. | Swap Meet | Balloom Lobby
  • 1:00-4:00 p.m. | Ladies Event: Sip & Paint | All Glazed Up, 313 Pearl Street
  • 2:00-4:00 p.m. | Tech Session Lew Palmer | Wisconsin Room 3
  • 5:00-7:00 p.m. | MMM Member Dinner & Meeting | 4 Sisters Wine & Tapas, 100 Harborview Plaza
  • 5:00-7:00 p.m. | All others dinner on your own
  • 7:15 p.m. | LaCrosse Queen River Boat Ride | Riverside Park, north end
  • Wednesday, July 13
  • ALL day | Car Wash | Parking Lot
  • 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Car Show | Pettibone Park, Barron Island, 700 N. Pettibone Dr.
  • 12:00-2:00 p.m. | Lunch on your own
  • 1:00-5:00 p.m. | Hospitality open, Photo & Craft, Silent Auction | Wisconsin Room 1 &2
  • 1:30-4:00 p.m. | Funkhana | Parking Lot, 711 3rd Street N.
  • 4:00-5:30 p.m. | Beer Tasting | Turtle Stack Brewery, 125 2nd Street S.
  • 5:30-7:00 p.m. | Dinner on your own
  • 7:00-10:00 p.m. | Live Auction | Ballroom
  • Thursday, July 14
  • 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Self guided tours; lunch on your own
  • 9:30 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | Norskadalen Drive with lunch
  • 1:00-2:00 p.m. | Valve Cover Clinic | Ballroom Lobby
  • 2:00-4:00 p.m. | Valve Cover Races | Ballroom Lobby
  • 2:00-4:00 p.m. | Hospitality open, Photo & Craft | Wisconsin Room 1 &2
  • 2:00-4:00 p.m. | Steering Committee Meeting | Restaurant
  • 5:00-9:00 p.m. | Awards Banquet | Ballroom
  • Friday, July 15
  • 8:00-9:30 a.m. | Winner's Circle | Hotel parking lot

Accomodations

The Radisson Hotel LaCrosse is situated along the beautiful Mississippi River and is close to downtown restaurants, charming shops, and nightlife. It offers free Wi-Fi, a restaurant/bar, heated indoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and 24-hour business center.

GOF Central 2022
Radisson Hotel LaCrosse

200 Second Street
LaCrosse, WI 54601

Important Facts
  • We have reserved a block of 55 rooms at discounted rates (shown below).
  • These rates are guaranteed for the available block of rooms through June 11, 2022.
  • You will need an event code to get the discounted rate for your room reservation.
  • Once you have completed and paid for your GOF registration, you will receive information about how to book your room.
  • Please do not contact the hotel until you receive the code. It must be used at the time you make the reservation.   
Room Rates
  • Single King Bed (City view), $119.00 + tax per night
  • Double Queen (River view), $129.00 + tax per night
  • Special early arrival Sunday night only, either style room, $99.00 + tax
  • Room rates may be offered three days prior to July 11 and three days after July 15 as space is available
Online Registration

If you complete your GOF registration online, you will be sent a link and promo code via email. Please wait until we send the code to you! You must use the code when making your reservation to get the discount.  Please be patient, this step is not an automated system.  You will receive an email with the hotel code within 48 hours.

Mail In Registration

After you mail your GOF registration and check, contact Barb Belongia, Registration Chairman, at 715-781-0360 and she will get you the reservation phone numbers and promo code.  Please wait until we give you the code! You must use the code when making your reservation to get the discount.  Please be patient, this step is not an automated system.  You will receive a phone call with the hotel code within 48 hours.

Requests for special room arrangements must be made at the time of booking. Reservations must be guaranteed by one night’s deposit on a major credit card. Guests will be required to present a valid credit card at check-in for any incidental charges that may be incurred during the stay. Check-in is after 3pm, check-out is by 12pm. Guests arriving prior to 3pm will be accommodated as rooms become available. Failure to cancel a reservation by 3pm the day before arrival will result in a forfeiture of the room’s deposit; a charge of one night’s rate and tax applied to the guaranteed method of payment.

Register

Registration $65.00 until June 1 | $75.00 after June 1 | In Spirit Contribution $25.00
No refunds after June 15

Two ways to register and pay:

GOF Central 2022

Rules & Information

Valve Cover Races

  • There will be two classes of racers: “Standard” and “Outlaw."
  • Standard will be cars weighing 12 pounds or less.
  • Outlaw will be cars over 12 pounds with a maximum weight of 30 pounds.
  • A valve cover from any British car may be used provided if conforms to the dimensions listed.
  • All cars will be inspected before the races to ensure compliance with the racer dimension listed.
  • Minor car adjustment and/or repairs made be made in the “Pit” area.
  • There will be awards for a Winner and a Runner-up in each class.

Contact

MNMGT_logo
Minnesota
MG-T Register

Tim Crain
Minnesota MG-T Register Chairman
and GOF Chairman
952-210-2230
[email protected]

Barb Belongia
GOF Registration Chair
715-781-0360
[email protected]

MGMinn_logo
Minnesota
MG Group

Paul Lyon
Minnesota MG Group President
651-246-8017
[email protected]

MGMMM_logo
North American
MMM MG Register

Jack Kahler
North American MMM Register Chairman
303-204-5517
[email protected]

Alan Magnuson
North American MMM Register Events Chair         [email protected]

Don't miss out!

GOF Central 2022 will be here before you know it. Register before June 11.