MORC’s 20th Anniversary Gala: why it’s a big deal to me & why you should be there on Nov. 9

MORC Gala

I have a little story to tell but if you want to get all the info about the MORC 20th Anniversary Gala coming up on Nov. 9, CLICK HERE. More on the Gala’s Facebook event page here.

MORC tent at Cuyuna grand opening 2011

I took up the sport of mountain biking in serious way in June of 2011 after attending the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Festival Grand Opening. In the photo above, I’ve added an arrow pointing to the MORC and IMBA tents in the back of the parking lot at Cuyuna that weekend. I’d never heard of either organization but I became a member a few days later shortly after purchasing a a 2011 Trek Gary Fisher X- Caliber 29’er from Penn Cycle in Bloomington, courtesy of Ben Witt at Milltown Cycles in Faribault.  (If that makes no sense to you and you’re curious, click here.)

I’ve been hooked on mountain biking ever since, as evidenced by the 250+ posts to this Mountain Bike Geezer blog.  And in those 3 years, I’ve done 90% of my year-round mountain biking on MORC trails in the Twin Cities metro area.  I feel a kinship to the organization like no other because of what it’s given me: the enjoyment of a sport I love and the opportunity to meet and spend time with so many great people.  Being a MORC board member this year has been an honor, especially since it’s MORC 20th anniversary season, topped off with this big fundraiser Gala,

Matt Andrews and Pat Sorenson Gary Sjoquist and Pat Sorenson

I’m also pleased that Penn Cycle, where I bought the bike that I still ride nearly every day, has stepped up to be the Title Sponsor for the Gala. That’s founder/owner Pat Sorenson handing a check to MORC Executive Director Matt Andrews in the left photo.

I briefly met Pat back in 2012, not long after he signed on to be one of the two Founding Retailers for the newly formed Minnesota High School Cycling League (press release here).  That’s QBP’S Advocacy Director Gary Sjoquist, founder of the League, on his right.

The Gala will have amazing food, speakers, music, and auction items of course (details here), in a setting that’s stunning.

Varsity Theater bathroom

If you’ve not been to the Varsity Theater lately, you’re in for a treat, especially when you go to the bathroom, which won Best Bathroom in America honors last year.

MORC Gala 2014

Get your tickets before Nov. 1 and you’ll save some money. I’ll see you there.

 

 

2 Comments

  1. Steve Tigner said:

    Griff, I remember meeting you that day at Cuyuna. You were armored from head to shin. I’ll see you at the Gala.

    October 30, 2014
  2. Griff Wigley said:

    Hey Steve, good memory. And I still armor up from head to shin whenever I visit Cuyuna!

    Look forward to seeing you at the Gala.

    October 30, 2014

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