Chris Firth
I’ve been trying to gather my gear, camera and bike supplies at the last moment just like everyone else in the industry. The Sea Otter is an early preseason race so it always leaves the industry scrambling. My bike, the MBA Slalom Test Sled, seems very well-tuned. I am only bringing one bike. It will be ideal for the downhill, slalom and possibly the jumping contests. The Otters DH course is known for being flat and easy so this long-travel slalom bicycle should work well. What makes me so excited? There are many reasons. I get to see my race friends and go back east. Jimmy Mac and me are driving up in an Aztec loaned from Pontiac. I’m curious how the e-brake works. I’ll be able give you, my loyal readers, a first glimpse at several new products and designs that will be revealed at the race. These new products and designs will be unveiled at the race. Make sure you check them out. Every day, new postings will be available during the Otter (3/22-3/25). Dual trials will also be featured as an exciting event. Lance Trappe, my boy, will be representing that event. There is always a lot of talent in the jumping contest. Canadian hucksters beware, Aaron Chase from the East Coast said that he can do everything from pedal flips to complete no-handers. Eric Carter’s new Mountaincross format is the best. It pits four racers against one another over 40-foot doubles and other motocross-style obstacles. This event could be the kind of racing that we need to promote mountain biking on TV. I’m also nervous. I will be racing the top Professionals in the Mountaincross and the slalom. Many people are nervous about the Mountaincross. It was quite common to see everyone trying to squeeze in some practice time at the Playground in Moorepark in California. In addition to racing, I also have to cover the Sea Otter both for the website with daily updates and the magazine with photos showing all the cool stuff. It will all be wonderful once I get there, but it looks like it’s going to be crazy busy this weekend.
