These kids know cycling is all about friends. And vuvuzelas.

I had a whole entry ready to go here.

All about my racing, my planning to race, my thoughts while racing and my placings. Nearly finished, just needed to be edited and submitted.

But then I realized that I was missing the point. I thought that I had gone to Sea Otter to race my bike. I was wrong.

I went to cheer for my teammates as they raced around the track in the circuit. I went to enjoy a beer and a waffle during the cyclecross race. I went to cheer for Cody as he threw down against the pros in the MTB short track. I realized that I went to Sea Otter for the community.

One of the reasons I treasure riding my bike is because of the cycling community. Even in Monterey, I had friends to hang out with. They cheered for me and I cheered for them. We drank beers together and watched dual slalom. Most importantly, I got to ride my bike with my best friends. I got to watch as my teammate Cara formed a break and won the road race. I knew my teammates pain struggling to hang on in the circuit, up that brutal hill again and again and again.

I’d gone to Monterey to race my bike and that means spending time with the best people in the world.

Win.

Joanne and Ben watched Dual Slalom with me, met Marianne Vos with me and went to the SRAM ladies lounge with me. Good people.

Even after the organizers screwed his start, Ryan is upbeat and happy. He always has the best attitude. Even when I messed up his name.

How Justin can look clean after racing MTB I have no idea.

After punishing me up the hills, the Thirsty Bear ladies were all smiles.

But if you still want to read about my racing, check the next post down.