SRAM at Sea Otter Classic 2011

Apr 21, 2011 at 9:23

SRAM’s presence at the Sea Otter Classic has always been undeniable. This year we stepped it up a notch or two. This is the first and one of the biggest gatherings of the year. We moved quick to get our new race truck together and ready to support the growing number of racers that attend the event. Even with the majority of pros at the world cup opener in South Africa, the truck team was busy from sunrise to sunset helping everyone get back out on their ride as quick as possible.

Truvativ had major involvement with the Sea Otter this year. We commissioned the Momentum Trail Concepts crew to rebuild the DH course. We debuted our brand new line of bars seatposts and stems to the public. We also pit strangers and friends against each other in the Truvativ arm wrestling ring for swag. It got ugly. Good ugly. See below for Adrian Marcoux’s stealth angles and TSage’s magical moments from the weekend.

We put Semenuk to work in the truck. Granted it was on his own bike. Just some finishing touches to his X0 Silver slope bike. <a href='http://www.pinkbike.com/news/Brandon-Semenuk-Slope-Bike-Sea-Otter-Day-2.html'>Check out Brandon's Bike</a>

We put Semenuk to work in the truck. Granted it was on his own bike. Just some finishing touches to his X0 Silver slope bike. Check out Brandon's Bike

TSage and Harookz take a trip in the way back machine for this T shirt colabo.

Ultra distance racer Rebecca Rusch spearheaded the first ever SRAM ladies lounge. This roundtable was open to all, but mainly focused answering tech and training questions any up-and-comer women racers may have. Many pro women were in attendance.

One of those athletes answering questions and signing autographs was Subaru-Trek XC racer Emily Batty. Emily clinched a win in the Pro women's XC race. I'm sure there are more wins to come from Emily this year.

Chimpin' aint easy is it Ian ?

The new Sea Otter DH course was well received by pros and amateurs alike. Here's an aerial view of the first hit on practice day.

Giant team train-training on the last day of practice. This crew got a good deal of time on this course before race day. Needles clinched a 2nd place hours before jumping on a plane to Pietermaritzburg.

Giant Team rider Danny Hart finding his flow on the first hit.

Step into the ring. There were some weak right arms walking around the pits thanks to the Truvativ arm wrestling table. The rule was, win once you get something, lose twice you get something.

SRAMbassadors Greg Herbold and Tyler Morland prepare for their hot lap around the Laguna Seca race track. Ever touched mirrors going 90mph? Those Mazda's get going pretty quick.

World media getting a new story from the oldest champ.

Truvativ decided to pimp out a few camp sites one of the nights. We drove around looking for the best candidates that represented the Truvativ way. We found some winners. The biggest criteria were they had to like free Tecate and camp chairs.

We're looking at the future here. This is what North America needs. NICA here he comes.

If the Sea Otter pits had a downtown this was it.

In a arm wrestling match between Dual Slalom and 4X who would win? Comment below. Listen close UCI. Long live DS.

Kyle Strait used the same exact bike for Dual and DH. Kyle is one of the most gifted and versatile riders out there. Dual was his first event of three for the whole weekend. The only races he didn't compete in were XC and short track.

All eyes on Danny Hart. All signs point to a good season for this 20 year old from the UK.

Brandon Semenuk finessed his way to a win of the first Speed and Style. His speed is coming from his loonie race experience as a grom. His style is coming from his secret training grounds somewhere in Western Canada.

This team is SRAM's front lines. They stock the truck, drive the truck, set up the truck, fix your everything and move on to the next event all in the span of a weeks time.

Any athlete's home away from home. The SRAM truck race supports events all over North America. Check your local listings.

SRAM Sea Otter Recap 2011 on pinkbike.com

Photos : Adrian Marcoux
Video : TSage

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52 Comments

Score Time

+ 39

Motomaster (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:52)

$ 600 in gas from Canada to Sea Otter and back, $100 for racing, $300 for camping fees, $80 just to enter the event to spend more money, there's a recession here, mountain bikers are not rich people, why does Sea Otter still charge so MUCH???

andrewgrant (Apr 21, 2011 at 12:18)

Yeah, it's expensive, and I'm not justifying it, but it does cost a considerable amount to put on an event like SO, even with all the sponsors. They DO have to break even, and that new DH course couldn't have been cheap...

Motomaster (Apr 21, 2011 at 13:05)

I can't imagine what SRAM and all the other sponsors pay to be at the event plus all the other small companies plus vendors. Then all the race fees and $10 for a plate of burnt chicken and rice and $5 for a diet coke to wash it down. The portable toilets were gross and the showers were cold. They make money at Sea Otter and should provide more for us dedicated racers who work hard for every dollar. The best part of it is seeing all those cool vendors who are there to promote their products plus the awesome MTB vibe of the riders. Other than that, Sea Otter is a rip off.

suicidedownhiller (Apr 21, 2011 at 13:10)

Cause people will pay it. It is too expensive though. Especially the prices inside the festival. $3-$4 for bottled water when a case of 36 only cost $3.50...Holy mark up

+ 37

Drood (Apr 21, 2011 at 14:58)

So maybe you should bring your own bottled water?

andrewgrant (Apr 21, 2011 at 15:08)

Oh how I wish i could prop that comment x100 ^^

sam264 (Apr 21, 2011 at 16:38)

yeah, this happens at events like this all over the world though, mtb events, music festivals etc, they're all out to make a big wad of cash from the punter, first and foremost.

skibbe (Apr 21, 2011 at 19:15)

People are willing to pay it though. Everyone complains about how its so expensive but they will still go. If it was too much dont go.

stompeinator (Apr 21, 2011 at 20:34)

1.) No one should ever buy drinks at sea otter, there are tons of companies giving out free stuff to drink
2.) If you don't like the $600 in gas, well then buy a hybrid or move to Monterey
3.) You actually spent $10 on that chicken and rice?

80 bucks to race at sea otter, which includes the $30 festival pass, and the $10 USAC one day license. Quit ur bitchin, it's not that expensive and it's worth every penny

andrewgrant (Apr 21, 2011 at 21:52)

Yeah really it's not bad at all. I just spent $65 to regio for a one day XC race less than 5 hours from me. This includes a lunch but no insurance or anything as I already have my UCI license. If I needed one-day insurance it would be more. So really, for an event the size of Sea Otter, that's not all that expensive. AND there are ways to offset much of the cost just by checking out all the options and being smart. I agree 100% with the above comment

shishka (Apr 22, 2011 at 23:17)

Yo thats alot of money to race some little hill ,and thats not even a real event. Sram should be paying you to ride there. Every year I'm like wake me up after sea otter finish so I can start my season. Bike festivals bahhhh, I'll be running full out at an empty mountain like a piff lunatic while yall chitty chat at the festival. Oooo do i get some used underwear with the cost of registration?

Motomaster (Apr 25, 2011 at 17:14)

You got that right! I just got my credit card statement from Sea Otter....holy crap!

suicidedownhiller (Apr 25, 2011 at 19:45)

Apparently you guys have more money than me. $80 to ride a small hill that's not even a real DH course is alot of money, at least to most people. The average DH race I go to charges 30-$40 and is a much better course than sea otter. But then again, who goes to sea otter for the racing hahaha

andrewgrant (Apr 25, 2011 at 21:26)

Well it is a proper DH course, it's just not in the least bit technical to accommodate all the noobs that would die on a WC or National-level course. And that's just it; no one goes to Sea Otter for the racing. COC's big air bag was probablya bigger attraction than the DH.

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+ 39

DownhillBro (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:29)

Emily Batty=gorgeous and super nice lady!

+ 20

Downhill340 (Apr 21, 2011 at 11:26)

I hit neg props by mistake I should kill my self

mantasv (Apr 21, 2011 at 14:09)

I hit pos for you.

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+ 17

whitwelljames (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:53)

That was so cool of the guy paying he to race.... Seeing that has made my day... What gentleman

fatlarry (Apr 21, 2011 at 12:49)

So how did that kid do?

whitwelljames (Apr 21, 2011 at 13:32)

I really don't know Boss... But if he came last i bet he was still happy just to have raced..

RampageRules (Apr 21, 2011 at 17:36)

who cares? thats what the sports about man.

fatlarry (Apr 28, 2011 at 10:15)

I guess I just don't want to be left hanging. Otherwise, it's just a 'look at how cool we are to sponsor a random person' story.

You're right, it doesn't matter where he finished, but I'd have liked to seen him racing!

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Motomaster (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:48)

Why do they still use stop watches for timing on the DH course? For $100 entry maybe they should use transponders?

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millhouseskis (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:31)

hb cut the course.

Motomaster (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:48)

Thats funny!!! Love it.

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BikeBrewery (Apr 21, 2011 at 11:10)

It's awesome to see a company as big as Sram support events like this. This helps the sport grow, and its always an awesome time. Good on ya Sram!

Motomaster (Apr 21, 2011 at 13:11)

Not sure SRAM paying a ton of money to Sea Otter helps the sport grow. SRAM is cool for supporting events but it doesn't translate into growth. These events need to be cheaper to attend, more people can afford to be there and ride, then they get stoked, and want to go to shops and buys products, that makes it all happen.

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Matt-W (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:22)

4X Has double the arms, but lost because it only bothered to train its legs for sprinting to the first corner.

brooce (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:30)

Yeah, DS has to be super fast and fluent on the whole track. But on the other hand, 4x seems to be better prepared to directly face the opponent - without a strip of dirt between. And look at Graves - he's focused mainly on 4cross, but could win the DS event too tup

collin7 (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:37)

Agreed, 4X may start out strong but DS will power through and take the gold.

corsair711 (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:54)

The only advantage I can see to four cross over dual is that riders can actually pick lines. Other than that, it just becomes a demolition derby where some kid can go in and ruin a world champions run. Dual slalom is for sure the better option.

loaded (Apr 21, 2011 at 11:47)

Hey corsair711 thats why its called RACING! If you think 4X is a mess you would be scared out of your little mind sitting at an Outdoor National MX race w/ a 40 man starting gate. Oh and I'm sure the concept of a "lapped racer" is just too much for you to handle

corsair711 (Apr 21, 2011 at 11:51)

Yeah, I think the majority of motocross is a joke because of how crowded it is. If you want to see that shit, go watch some WWF (my little mind can't take that much awesome, either).

I apologize for thinking racing should be about, you know, racing instead of fighting. lol

Grow up, loaded.

adamdigby (Apr 21, 2011 at 12:27)

I just did a motorcycle race last weekend at Glen Helen, and I have to say it is gnarlier than any downhill race you could ever imagine. The track was rougher and longer than Mt. St. Anne and on top of the track you also have to deal with the other 30 guys trying to get around you. True racing is when you have to go head to head, it brings out your true competitiveness. When your racing on your own it's just a time trial.

collin7 (Apr 21, 2011 at 19:32)

a longer track doesn't say much when you have a motor. DH is limited by the amount of land required to have one track... aka a whole mountain! mx tracks can be made practically anywhere.

corsair711 (Apr 21, 2011 at 19:44)

Collin, that's true, but not the point...

Adam, dual slalom is head to head, it simply removes the contact aspect of four cross by giving the riders their own lanes. Again, I prefer to see riders who are good at riding rather than riders who are good at bullying. To use another analogy that tough-guy Loaded can understand, dual slalom is like F1; contact can NOT happen (for different reasons, but same idea). Four cross is like Nascar, where your most popular driver of all time is nicknamed "The Intimidator" and where spectators are hoping for a crash.

Some people (like Loaded) prefer Nascar, and maybe a few of them even prefer it because of the intense racing action (although the majority don't). Those of us who want to see the best driving talents the world has to offer turn to F1. It's still intense head to head action, but without the violence.

loaded (Apr 21, 2011 at 23:09)

Corsair711 why dont you just admit you're scared of other riders and stick with time-trial only events. I raced and have had my car out to a number of different track days recently. The funny thing is how multiple cars can be racing on the track at the same time without contact. Ask any true racer and they will tell you the best part about racing is "the battle" between racers. What about when it rains? Is that not real racing??

ps- I hate Nascar. nice try with your analogy thought

bubbaburger911 (Apr 24, 2011 at 17:18)

haha try a ISOC snocross national in upper juniors! i won the eastern national and my running board was still rapped all the way around my ankle! you just need to get out front and stay there. the only thing i agree with corsair711 is the smashing thing. its one of the most aggravating (and dangerous) this to happen in racing. when a over aggressive racer hits you severe injury can happen. i have been landed on and actually broke my back at the end of march. racing would be 1000000x better if dirty riding and unsafe/unfair tactics could be abolished. stricter penalties and such would be nice. thats just my feed back, take it as you want

Motomaster (Apr 25, 2011 at 17:16)

I love mountain bikes but racing at Glen Helen on a moto is WAY WAY harder!

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sngltrkmnd (Apr 21, 2011 at 12:18)

That surprise "sponsorship" was the coolest thing I have seen in a while. The Otter rates are out of control.

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tydly (Apr 21, 2011 at 12:11)

He paid the entry fee for him! What a gentleman! It was sooo cool! Smile

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victheslicvr6 (Apr 21, 2011 at 13:58)

first that truck is beautiful, second thanks sram for the new xo shifter, and finally BIG UPS , SRAM 4 life

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WestCoastRider7 (Apr 21, 2011 at 19:05)

Sram was so legit, they gave me a brand new x0 shifter after I broke mine!

Motomaster (Apr 25, 2011 at 17:17)

They given them away cause they always break!

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enrico650 (Apr 21, 2011 at 15:49)

Great work from SRAM, now if they could only stop putting plastic parts on their brakes and shifters?

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spookyrider09 (Apr 21, 2011 at 14:15)

still some decent people about i see

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rubbman (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:23)

another awesome otter!

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EliotRea96 (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:28)

do you think you can buy those trucks lol could do with one for the races

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Skittleslolz (Apr 21, 2011 at 10:52)

Kickass truck!

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wes101 (Apr 23, 2011 at 22:17)

i wanna go next year!!!

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