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2023 was a nice, mostly smoke-free year for the Morganzo. Thirty-three riders lined up for cool morning start to the 12th annual Morganzo. I think there may even have been a couple more that headed out earlier. There were some racers present and a small pack broke away pretty quickly with the usual groups interspersing out along the route with some folks going fast and some following up at a party-pace.
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The Morganzo is a self-supported ride with participants responsible for their own well being, food, water, and tools. This means there are no aid stations on course. But in 2023 there was a rider who had injured themselves earlier in the season and wasn’t riding who took it upon themselves to set up a mid-ride “Fun Station” at the corner of Dry Creek and Bremer Creek roads. what a treat that was to round the corner and find!
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Fortunately the legendary Snake Bear that lives on Bremer Creek Road has a fun spirit and didn’t attack any of the riders making use of the tasty treats being handed out at the Fun Station.
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Riders came in hot to the end and spread out with their arrival for a goodly amount of time. Everyone the race director saw come through had a smile on their face – albeit a dirty one. Gravel isn’t for people who like clean white gloves and prefer their smiles earned.
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To the riders of the 2023 Morganzo 55: Double Nickels on the Grime I say, “thank you”.
Sam H., Directeur Sportif and Chief Instigator of the Morganzo 55.