Seaotter Classic 2010
It took me 41 hours to get from Cape Town to Monterey, home of the Seaotter Classic for the last 20 years.
As much as it was a long trip, it was certainly worth the while to be able to participate in that grand MTB event. Of course there were nuemoerous events over a 4 day period. These include cross country, short track, downhill, 4 croos and even road events.
My time constraints only allowed me to take part in the 30 mile MTB tour. It was a glorious day and the vibe there was simply amazing. The organisers spoke of about 15 000 cyclists and about 3 time that many spectators that would descend on the Segway Racecourse over the 4day period.
The tours was what I know as a “fun ride” with a group start. The track though, was ceratinly suitable to racing with a number of serious uphills, single track, jeep tracks, sand, stones and a few hairy down hills.
The refreshment points were amazing. Besides water and energy drinks, they served chocolate chip cookies, M&M’s, grapes and jelly babies.
After the event, every tour rider was invited to a great pasta lunch in a marquees tent, exclusively for the tour riders. Chicken penne with a great marinara sauce, parmesan cheese, fresh rolls and a ceasar salad went down very well.
At the luck draw one rider walked away with a certificate for a new Specialized MTB bike, tailored to his size and requirements.
The event also had an expo with all the major MTB brands present. These include bikes, forks, clothing, helmet-top cameras, spare parts, etc.
I met Barry Stander’s mechanic at the Specialized van. It was great to speak with a fellow South African and Capetonian right there at the Seaotter.
The towns of Monterey and Carmel ( where I stayed) are both beautiful tourist friendly villages and well worth an extra day’s stay.
I’m really keen to go again in 2011 but for the whole 4 days, if possible! Wanna join?
