Well, I will admit, I was a slacker… I didn’t get a post up yesterday. But, here we are and here it is.
The past two days have really kicked off the racing here at Sea Otter Norco riders in DH Training, Dual Slalom, an the pump track. The DH track has now been open for 2 days of practice and both the Dirt boys and the Norco World Team have been out scoping their lines. Tomorrow is the main event though where it is all up for grabs. Training starts at 8:30 and racing at 10. Check back tomorrow for an update on the day’s racing. Today was also the Dual Slalom where Fionn Griffiths qualified in 9th place then crashed in the quarterfinals. The other event that was on today was the the Pump Track where Bernard Kerr participated and finished just off the podium in an impressive 5th place. Way to go Bernard, all I really know after watching this event is that I really need to practice. There is absolutely no way that I could even come close to the lines, smoothness or style that any of these guys have.
With that brief description, I will try and let some photos tell the real story about the day’s events.
Ben Boyko may not be on a Norco anymore but there are a few things that take some time to come to light. The highly anticipated Anthill Films production Follow Me is set to be released on April 16th in Monterey California at the 20th annual Sea Otter Classic.
If you are heading down for the first big race of the season, be sure to stop at the Norco booth before heading over to the Golden State Theatre to see the World Premier of Follow Me.
In the meantime, watch the trailer and you will see just how good the movie will be.
The Sea Otter Classic is a great Kickoff to the 2009 Race and Event Season. Featuring a full line of racing events as well as a consumer show, Sea Otter is a great event to catch some lightning fast racing as well as have a sneak-peek at some new products which are soon to be released. This year was no exception!
The Norco Crew included Factory Team Members Ryan Leech, Darcy Turenne, Ben Boyko, Nick Geddies and Catherine Vipond as well as 6 Norco Employees manning the booth, building bikes and supporting the team.
Ryan Leech came down to Sea Otter with his full trials setup. Over the four days he did an impressive 10 shows in the blistering heat and signed countless autographs.
Of the Factory Team members present, both Catherine and Nick were competing in multiple events. Catherine raced the Short Track and the XC while Nick completed the trifecta of Dual Slalom, Downhill and XC. Catherine was able to pull off thirteenth in the XC Pro Women and Nick placed an incredible 2nd in the DS and 7th in the DH. Way To Go Team!
Back at the booth, Darcy, and Ben were busy for the entire weekend signing posters and talking about their signature models the Vixa and Empire.
The Big draw to the Norco booth besides the autographs were brand new for 2010 carbon XC and Road frames. These frames are gorgeous! The both frames are fully monocoque, feature integrated seat masts and BB30. The road frame is also using a tapered 1 1/8″th to 1 1/2″ headtube. Check out some of the media that have already been posted online!
Today was day two of Sea Otter, but the first major day for the booth. Consumers, media and industry folk all gathered today to see the latest and greatest from the cycling industry and support the racers. The 4X competition also took place where Norco Factory Team Rider Nick Geddies placed an impressive 2nd.
This morning, I was lucky enough to participate in the Bicycling Industry Ride. This is where the sales and marketing teams from all companies get to get out and escape the expo for a 50mile ride through some of the nicest areas in California.
Most events in the world of cycling start with a long drive. Lately, through calling Vancouver BC home and growing in the US market this has also included the I5. The 20hr drive south to Monterrey CA started sunday afternoon and ended early this afternoon. We were able to leave early enough for this trip that a short ride along the sea wall in Santa Cruz was in order. A great way to start off what is sure to be an even better event.
