Rider Profiles: Dean Morgan
'Little' Dean Morgan
Dean is a familiar face on the mountain bike race circuit, be it our Gorrick races, the Southern and National Series' or the 24 hour enduros racing within a team. Joolze quizes him about all things mtb.
Age: 42
Riding for: Cycle Zone in Crowthorne.
When did you start cycling? Years and years ago really when I was much younger! But I started mountain biking in 2001.
What got you started in Mountain Biking?
I used to do motor cross racing and a guy I worked with used to go mountain biking and I would take the mick out of him. I’d say that it (mtb’ing) was a cheap mans motor cross, that was back in 1990.
Who knows if I’d taken it up then I could have been a champion or something by now! I had a couple of accidents in my motor cross racing and I thought okay I should call it a day. I decided to have a go on the mountain bike for fitness purposes and then try a race. That was in 2001 and I’ve just carried on from there.
What was your first bike? That was a Scott Navajo hardtail.
What was your first race? That was a Gorrick! I think it was Warren Heath. It was a shock. You think to yourself, yeah I’m pretty fit, but until you do your first race, you have no idea really! It was great, even though I got a kicking, but I’ve carried on and you meet so many people in this sport. That’s one of the great things, in motor cross you raced and went home, with XC racing you do your race and then have a good chat afterwards with everyone, it’s really friendly.
What’s your favourite Gorrick venue? Oh that’s difficult. They’re all excellent in their own way, they’re all well set up but I guess if I have to choose one it has to be Tunnel Hill.
Best Gorrick moment? Racing wise? Well back in 2002, I won the novice section in the Spring Series, so that’s a real highlight for me.
What does the future hold for you? I just want to carry on racing and enjoying myself; the Gorricks are an excellent place to do that!
Best piece of advice you’ve been given? Move those little legs faster!
What advice would you give to any newcomer? You only get out of it what you put in. Make sure it’s enjoyable all the time.
Do you have a favourite training ride? No not really. I just enjoy being out on the bike, anytime, anywhere. At the end of the day it’s all about enjoying what you do whenever you do it, whether you’re racing, training or just out for a ride, it’s all fun.
23 Jun 24
06 Oct 24
