Ocean Otter

This weekend was the Sea Otter Classic. Which is like, the most awesome race ever. For several reasons:

1. It's close to Ashleigh's parents so we get to visit them.
2. There's like a million people there and a huge expo with all the new stuff.
3. The companies bring their employees that are actually fun to talk to, since they are meeting end consumers. (Unlike Interbike, where drab employees are just trying to make sales and hardly know anything about the product. Except for that Niner guy who smelled way to badly of alcohol for it only being 2 in the afternoon).
4. You can race bikes.
5. Ashleigh's parents live close to UCSC, so not only do you get to race, but you get to ride some sweet trails too.
6. That drive. Man, gotta love the drive. (not really)


Anyway, Ash flew out Tuesday and Dan and I drove out Wednesday night/Thursday day. We got there right in time for Ashleigh and her dad's tee time, so Dan and I took off for a ride. We did two loops at UCSC with different descents. The first one was obviously (after we finished it) a pure DH trail, my rigid 29er was a bit overwhelmed. The second descent was also a little much for the bike but it was doable.

Friday, Dan and I took off to register in Monterey, came back, met Ashleigh, and Abby and Rob for lunch, and then slept like babies while Ash drove around. When we woke up, the three of us, Ash, Dan and I, went for a ride at UCSC. We got a bit lost, and, not wanting to subject Ash to the DH trail from yesterday, Ash and I turned around and took the easy way down. Nice.

Saturday was race day. I'll tell that story tomorrow. For now, here are some not so good UCSC pics: