Canadian Trials Pro Ryan Leech performs at Sea Otter Classic, April 16-19

I have a crush on Ryan Leech! One of the world's top "trials" riders, the British Columbia-based cyclist balances on insanely small surfaces on his bike tires and does jumps on a variety of obstacles, many high off the ground. A Norco Factory Team member, Ryan has performed for the Cirque du Soleil, the Van's Warped Tour, and many outdoor and mountain bike shows.

Ryan doing his thing as a trials rider at Sea Otter Classic 2008.

Year after year, when I watch him in person at the Sea Otter Classic or in his many films, the Canadian cycling specialist wows me with both his bicycle stunts (trials riding) and his mission to inspire and educate kids. There are many talented riders in all cycling disciplines, but few I have met during my career as a cycling/adventure journalist are as articulate and passionate as Ryan about kids. At Sea Otter he chats easily with the audience on a wireless microphone while doing his amazing stunts.

Ryan said about Sea Otter: "I like to push my show riding to leave the audience feeling psyched to go out and ride bikes, whatever style that may be." (Source: Sea Otter press release).

He already has a wife named "Caryn," so I will just go and watch him again at Sea Otter Classic. See you there!
The 19th Annual Sea Otter Classic, April 16-19, 2009 happens at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, Calif. The four-day "Celebration of Sport" is considered the world's largest cycling festival, hosting nearly 10,000 professional and amateur athletes and 50,000 fans.

Biking on the Brain: 3 events I signed up for + Bay Area Mt Bike clinics by SLaB

Karen feels the love from the furry mascot at Sea Otter Classic 2008 in Monterey's Laguna Seca Recreation Area.

Lots of fun bike events coming up fast! Here are 3 I am doing in 2009!

My next blog post will be about the Women's Dirt Series! April 25-26 in Santa Cruz (and other dates/locations in U.S. and Canada).

1. Thursday, - Sunday, April 16-19, 2009
Sea Otter Classic is just around the corner. For the first time in many years, I registered to race the women's cross country event! (Saturday at 8:30 a.m.). Wish me luck. Or better yet, encourage me to get off the computer and onto the trails more! I have been riding on Saturdays with Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz MBOSC at Wilder Ranch/UC Santa Cruz and some Tuesday nights with Mike Evans' crew.

2. Sunday, May 17
Strawberry Fields Forever Road Ride
This is a fantastic event - celebrating its 20th year this summer! I have registered to ride the 65 mile course - there are also 25 and 100 mile options. It will sell out fast - it does every year! Hosted by the Cyclists Cultural Exchange of Santa Cruz. $40 well worth it.

3. Saturday and Sunday, May 2-3
Coolest 24 Hours Race (Mountain bike)
I average one 24-hour mountain bike race a year. Always as a women's relay, no racing solo for me, thank you! The past two years - or is it 3 now? I have been a member of the Go Go Go Girls team and we have attended 24 Hours of Adrenalin race in Monterey, south of Santa Cruz an hour. We are changing it up this year and racing at Cool, which is near Sacramento in Northern California. I have attended the race before and it's a great event - 700 racers max, profits go to cancer research.

A handful of the Go Go Go Girls Team - Henri, Winona (team founder), Rita and I - rode together at Wilder Ranch State Park.

Check out SLaB's Women's and Coed Bike Clinics - For riders + those who'd like to start riding!
Beverly Garrity of Cupertino, California, is the women behind SLaB (Ride Strong Light and Beautiful!)

STRONG, LIGHT and BEAUTIFUL has exciting new clinics and events on the calendar!
No charge to be a Strong, Light and Beautiful rider: Attend an event or purchase a jersey and/or merchandise, ride with us, and you are SLaB! (Website to reflect this by end of March).

CO-ED!
There are men out there who haven't been riding in years! Pass along these dates to those guys you know that are ready to get active on the trails, or haven't felt stable maybe on their road bikes.

GROUP RIDES
We will continue to offer group rides as the daylight increases. We plan to join other clubs group rides and events and trail volunteer work throughout 2009.

APRIL 11
Skills Clinic and Ride - CUPERTINO, CA
Beginner, Beginner-Intermediate and Intermediate!
Go thru basic skills and mechanical tips for your bike - 9-11a.m. $60
Then ride up the fire road to access Freemont Older's trails for on the trail assistance and testing out our new skills!
11:30-1:30pm. Enervit bars and energy drinks provided. Bring snack and required to have water bottle or hydration system for ride.
If you need a bike or want to try a full suspension or hard-tail GT, 3 mediums available first come first serve.
County Parking Fee not included.

MAY 16
Super Beginner/Beginner clinic - CUPERTINO, CA - 9 a.m.-12:30. $50 pp
Haven't ridden in years? Want more stability on your road or hybrid or mtn. bike?
Learn balance, weight distribution, cornering, braking techniques to encourage you
go ride more challenging trails and roads.
Bikes available to use - limited sizes and qty.
County Parking Fee not included.

JUNE 13-14 (price will be group rates, a great deal! Weekend of a lot of fun!)
2 nights 2 days in DOWNIEVILLE, CA
Beg-Intermediate riders
Shuttles with expert riders to join us on rides. They will assist, coach and/or guide us for an enjoyable descent!
Yuba Expeditions Bike Shop http://yubaexpeditions.com/
Carriage House www.downievillecarriagehouse.com

"I am Strong, Light and Beautiful while riding my bike"

Here's Bev taking a sandy, downhill turn during a clinic she organized that was taught by Olympian Jill Kintnter at Sea Otter Classic 2008.