Whether you’re a competitive cyclist, avid mountain biker, downhill racer, dual slalom racer, kid or spouse there is something for everyone at this event.  The best part for me has always been the shopping.  I love to seek out the new and different- particularly products for women.  It’s also a place for retailers to introduce new products to the public.  Paul was particularly excited to try out Blue, a bicycle company that makes both road and mountain bike.  Frame and fork (road) from Blue Bicycles made out of carbon fiber costs the same as the Zipp 404 wheels ($2100)!  

My-Alibi’s prototypes are out!  She has cute little capri pants, skirts and tops to match.  Hopefully in the next year, we will be able to purchase a complete outfit.  Abbie modeled the clothing while riding around the event.   The bloomers under are tiny…just barely bigger than a pair of undies from Victoria Secret.  I can’t wait to try out my pair!

Dude Girl was VERY popular at the expo.   Kim (owner of Dude Girl) was one of the few companies offering products for women and she had a LOT of product- mostly cotton tees, tanks, yoga pants, and cycling clothes.   

Women who ride is a women’s cycling club.  It is sponsored by Trek and is designed to help women get out and ride.  The club fee is $39.  They gave me a great introductory book on cycling.  Each month they have a raffle for a free bike frame and various other goodies.

Safety Seat  (looks like a green frog) bicycle carrier is a seat for children to ride in the front.   The seat is designed to hold your child up to age 4.   Personally, the jury is still out on this one.  My youngest is HUGE for his age and I would be concerned about crashing- as he would be the first to hit the ground.

Loeka another women’s cycling company that offers very stylish clothing for mountain biking.  The company is Canadian and you can check them out on You Tube here.

Many, many, energy drinks offered this year.  I don’t understand the need for so many energy drinks.  Why can’t we drink water?   Of the three I tried, only one was sweetened with sugar while the others were either high fructose corn syrup or Splenda.

Overall, the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey did not disappoint.  My one request would be for more women’s products to be showcased here.  I’d like to see bikes, saddles, gear, and/ or messenger bags designed for women.  I think women would be more inclined to try it, if there were more women doing it! You could also broaden your horizon by offering clinics for women on how to ride a mountain bike or how to pick a road bike or how to change a tire– anything that would make women feel encouraged and inspired to get out and ride!