In 1991 the first Sea Otter Classic was held in North America and it fast became one of the biggest cycling festivals in the world. A place where amateurs and pros come together with industry for an amazing four days of racing, expos and fun aimed at the whole family. At long last Sea Otter has made it’s way to Australia and the inaugural event will be held at Stromlo, ACT in October. Here’s the run down and all the dirty details……
By Mike Branch
What is Sea Otter?
Sea Otter has largely become an institution for cycling in North America and a great way to bring all the industry, riders and their families together for a celebration of all things biking. Most cycling disciplines are represented at Sea Otter including, road, cross country, downhill, enduro, gravel, pump track and dual slalom. It’s an epic racing event with a festival atmosphere.
Aside from the racing, the festival is a family affair with industry vendors setting up in the expo showing the latest and greatest bikes and tech on offer. Demos are available as well, meaning you can try the bike you want before you buy it. For those chasing a feed there will be a food and brews section to keep you fueled and ready for the day’s action on course.
Sea Otter has become a staple in America and now it has crossed the Pacific and landed in our Nation’s capital, Canberra. If you love biking then there is little doubt that this will be an awesome event.
When is Sea Otter Australia?
Sea Otter Australia will be held at Stromlo Forest Park, 1-4 October 2021. This event is designed to cater to riders of all ages and abilities with a consumer expo, mountain, gravel, road and recreational riding.
The Venue – Stromlo
Stromlo Forest Bike Park is located approximately 20 minutes from the Canberra CBD and is home to a large forest reserve with over 40km of trails. Stromlo is steeped in the history of mountain biking in Australia and was home to a 2008 UCI DH, XC and 4X World Cup, followed by the Cross Country, Downhill and 4X World Championships in 2009. Since then it has held a plethora of events and is never far from the race calendar in a multitude of disciplines.
It is only fitting that this World Class riding destination is now to be the home of the Sea Otter Australia, with no shortage of facilities and infrastructure to cater for every discipline.
Race and Ride
If you are a racer you will surely find it hard not to enter at least one race during the weekend and for all cycling disciplines there is something to be had. The mountain bikers will have there chance to get between the tape with gravity enduro, air DH, XC, E-XC, E-MTB Climb trial, dual slalom and pump track all on offer over the weekend.
It looks like a great event to get on board with multiple races, some of Australia’s best riders will be heading there for an awesome weekend on the bike. Discounts are available for riders racing more than one race and expo entry is free for all racers.
Mountain Bike Race Entry costs:
Gravity Enduro $95 juniors $55
Expo $15 per day or $40 for three day (Expo entry is included with all race entries)
Buy and save – Buy two or more mountain biking events and save 10% – just add the coupon code ‘Mountain Multi-Buy‘ upon check out.
ENTER SEA OTTER AUSTRALIA MTB RACES HERE
ALL ROAD RACING DETAILS CAN BE FOUND HERE
It’s not all about racing at Sea Otter
Sea Otter is definitely not all about the racing, but the racing is a big part of it all. You don’t have to race to enjoy the fun, spectators can get a bird’s eye view of all the racing and heckling will be encouraged! When you are not track side the main event will be the industry expo located at the event village and it will be one of the biggest bicycle expos in the country with over 90 brands already signed up to showcase their gear.
There’s little doubt that this will be an epic event and it’s great to see the world trying to get back to normal. If you are looking for a great event for the family, a great reason for a road trip or just a great location to race your bike then Sea Otter Australia may be the perfect place for you….
