Perfect temperatures set the stage for the Fort Ord Road Race, a challenging five lap race with plenty of hills and cracked pavement. The four-strong Peanut Butter & Co. TWENTY12 squad continued their aggressive assault on the ladies' peloton, stretching the elastic at every opportunity. Yesterday's winner of the Stage 1 SRAM Criterium, Kristin Armstrong once again set a set a high tempo on the front and on every climb. At day's end, Armstrong, would by default, score the maximum Queen of the Mountains (QoM) points placing her in the 'climbers jersey'.

Half way through the third lap, Alisha Welsh moved to the front and drove the pace on a climb. With Kristin on her wheel this looked to be the perfect opportunity to launch an attack and finally snap the elastic.

Through the feedzone, Kristin and Alisha would get small gap with only a single rider being able to maintain the torrid tempo. The rest of field was strung out and gasped for air.

Three were away, but it didn't take long for Kristin to go again, and this time for good. Her gap extended quickly to a minute and then to two. Meanwhile back in the field, several attempts were made to chase and bridge to Kristin, but lack of any significant team organization made it extremely difficult to chase down an Olympic Gold medal time trialist. By the time Kristin crossed the finish line, her gap was over 3 minutes to the field.

The race was for 2nd place. Olivia Dillon chased down an attack by Jennifer Wheeler (TIBCO/To The Top), while Coryn Rivera countered and set a solid pace heading into the final 5k. To keep things safe for Alisha, Rivera took her through the fast decent and set her at the base of the two mile finishing climb. Alisha led up the climb, but two riders came over the top of her at the line and she would eventually finish in 4th; a great result after a hard day of racing.

With back-to-back wins, the lead in the General Classification (GC), a 4th place and the climbers jersey, Peanut Butter & Co.TWENTY12 had a good day in the office.

Today is time trial day, one lap of the road race course, 7.8 miles of hills.

Photos: Wil Matthews

A $100 donation to the Semper Fi fund gets a commemorative jersey made by Primal Wear

Denver, CO - Cycling apparel-maker Primal Wear has teamed up with the Sea Otter Classic to support the Semper Fi Fund, an organization dedicated to providing financial support to injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Anyone making a donation of $100 or more to the fund via Sea Otter's donation website by April 17, 2011, will receive a commemorative Semper Fi Fund jersey designed and manufactured by Primal. One hundred percent of the donation goes directly to the Semper Fi Fund.

"Primal has always enjoyed a strong relationship with service members through our military-branded products," said Primal founder and CEO Dave Edwards. "We jumped at this opportunity to give back to those who are willing to give up everything for their country."

The Semper Fi Fund directs urgently needed resources to Marines and Sailors, as well as members of the Army, Air Force or Coast Guard who serve in support of Marine forces. The Semper Fi Fund provides relief for financial needs that arise during hospitalization and recovery as well as assistance for those with perpetuating needs.

The term "Semper Fi" is the shortened version of the U.S. Marine Corps' motto - Semper Fidelis (Always Faithful).

Friday afternoon social and Saturday ride gives attendees a chance to meet and mingle with Primal/MapMyRIDE Pro Women's Racing Team

Denver, CO - Cycling apparel manufacturer Primal Wear is hosting multiple events during the 2011 Sea Otter Classic April 14-17, including a relaxed group ride with the Primal/MapMyRIDE Pro Women's Racing Team powered by BH Bikes.

The Saturday morning ride will depart from the southeast corner of Pebble Beach golf course in nearby Carmel, Calif. at 9 a.m. on April 16, for an easy hour-long cruise along the Pacific coast with the eight member team before they race later in the day.

"Being involved in the Primal/MapMyRIDE Pro Women's Racing Team has been a great experience, in large part because of the amazing athletes we get to work with," said Dave Edwards, founder and CEO of Primal. "The Saturday morning ride with the team is a chance for everyone to enjoy some time alongside a group of very accessible professional riders and go for a gorgeous ride."

Riders are encouraged to park in Carmel and ride to the rendezvous point near the intersection of Carmel Way and North San Antonio Drive. The route can be viewed at MapMyRide. Riders who miss the departure or want to meet up with group along the route can view live-tracking with the iMapMyRIDE smartphone app or online to find up-to-the-minute location information.

Primal will also host a happy hour at its booth (Booth #222) from 4 - 5 p.m. on Friday, April 15, to give cycling industry insiders, media members and team fans a chance to enjoy a cold beverage, learn more about Primal's extensive custom and inline product offerings and chat with members of the Primal/MapMyRIDE team.

"The ladies on this team aren't just committed to racing with the best, but to bringing awareness to women's cycling and making competitive riding more accessible to women everywhere," said team director Susannah Gordon. "These athletes are an inspiration and a resource for anyone who loves cycling."

In addition to the scheduled social events, Primal will hold product giveaways at its booth throughout Sea Otter and offer attendees a special prize if they can piece together a digital puzzle with clues given via QR codes scattered around the event.

For more details about the events, stop by the Primal Wear booth and check the official Sea Otter Classic program during the event. Primal is a Sea Otter Classic Silver Level sponsor.

Photo: Primal/MapMyRIDE

By Lisa Hunt

Powers solos to victory at Sea Otter

Monterey, CA - Team Vera Bradley Foundation once again showed their strength on both coasts today, with Alison Powers taking the win in the Sea Otter Circuit race at Laguna Seca; while Carla Swart sprinted to second place at Sunny King.

Saturday's race at the Sea Otter Classic was the two-hour circuit race, held on the 3.3 mile Laguna Seca raceway. The course features a short, but steep climb, followed by the infamous "corkscrew" descent. The raceway is wide open and often the wind can play a factor in the race. Today's sunny and mild conditions were perfect for an aggressive race, with TIBCO, Colavita-Baci, Webcor and Peanut Butter & Co/Twenty12 all fielding strong squads.

"We wanted to win today," stated team director Lisa Hunt. "And this course suited Alison Powers quite well."

And the race played out perfectly, with teammates Lauren Hall and Alison Testroete covering the early moves. After a strong attack by Webcor's Andrea Grauss, Powers took charge after the corkscrew descent and got a gap. Webcor's Katheryn Mattis and Peanut Butter's Katharine Carroll bridged up and the three began working well together. Meanwhile a chase group formed that included Team VBF's Alison Testroete, Colavita-Baci's Modesta Vzesniauskaite and Kelly Benjamin, Meredith and Amanda Miller from TIBCO and several others. Since Colavita and TIBCO missed the break they attempted several times to bridge to the break, but were not successful. The breakaway trio gained a minute on the chase group with 2 laps to go.

"Everyone was working in the break," stated Powers. "I didn't want it to end in a sprint, but I wanted to be patient and wait for the right moment to attack." Mattis was the first to launch an attack in the final lap on the climb, but Powers was quick to respond on the descent and rode away from Mattis and Carroll. "It was a headwind right before the final turn to the finish," expressed Powers. "I just kept my head down and went for it." Powers had time to celebrate her victory at the finish line.

Swart Second at Sunny King Criterium

Anniston, AL - Meanwhile, in Anniston, Alabama, the squad of Erica Allar, Carrie Cash, Robin Farina and Carla Swart would contest the Sunny King Criterium.

The third of twenty-five races that comprise the National Racing Calendar (NRC), the Sunny King Criterium was held under near perfect weather conditions in front of more than 4,000 spectators that lined the flat four-corner, 0.7-mile rectangular downtown circuit that included a slight uphill rise before the finish. Amateur races were held throughout the day prior to the men’s and women’s marquee events that featured international fields boasting some of the fastest sprinters in the domestic peloton. Entry fees were donated to Relay For Life, a local chapter of the American Cancer Society. For the first time, the Sunny King Criterium was streamed live on the official race website, which was viewed by cycling fans around the globe.

The sun was still shining brilliantly when the pro women rolled off for their one-hour race and finished at twilight. Colavita/Baci presented by Cooking Light, Team Vera Bradley Foundation and Team Type 1 along with a sole rider from Team TIBCO, U.S. U-23 (under age 23) criterium champion Samantha Schneider, animated the race by launching frequent attacks that spawned short-lived moves in addition to pocketing primes along the way.

"Our goal was to race aggressively," said team captain, Robin Farina. "We had many cards to play." Farina was quick to nab one of the many primes during the race, then Swart went on the attack and once she was reeled in, Carrie Cash jumped, taking TIBCO's Samantha Schneider with her. When the two were reeled in, it was Swart's turn again and this time, Rooster's Nicky Wangsgard and Team Type 1's Jackie Crowell went with her. The three quickly got a gap on the field and never looked back. Meanwhile, Farina charged ahead of the chasing field to nab a high dollar prime, with TIBCO's Schneider on her wheel. In the end, it was a drag race between Wangsgard and Swart, with Wangsgard just nipping Carla at the line. "It was a hard sprint and I felt a bit boxed in by the barriers," stated Swart. Crowell took the final podium spot, with Schneider and Farina coming in ahead of the pack. Team VBF's Allar won the field sprint for 6th.

"Two podiums in one day on two different coasts!" stated Hunt. "What a great day for the team!" Up next for the team will be the Roadrunner Classic in Albuquerque, NM on April 24th.

Watch for more updates on the team's Twitter and Facebook pages.

Photo: © Brian Hodes/VeloImages

Monterey, CA - Developed by cyclist and entrepreneur David Mayer, the Clean Bottle features a removable bottom that allows thorough cleaning of a bottle like never before possible.

"The idea for Clean Bottle came to me on a bike ride," states Mayer. "Earlier in the day I went to grab my bottle only to find it looking like a science experiment gone wrong! There was mold and gunk everywhere. It was impossible to clean so I had to throw it away. Right then it dawned on me that if I had easy access to the bottom of the bottle I could clean it and dry it much more easily - saving me time, energy, money and probably a stomach ache or two."

The Clean Bottle™ features a patent-pending, leak-proof , screw-off bottom, and is made with 100% non-toxic, BPA-free plastics, making it safe to use over and over. . Gone are the days of trying in vain to wash out that funk at the bottom of your bottles. With Clean Bottle™, cleaning and drying are easy.

10% of all Clean Bottle™ profits are donated to eco-friendly charities

"I started this company as a way to get a great product out to market and feed my cycling habit," states Mayer. "In addition to contributing to cleaner, safer and less wasteful beverage containers, I thought this would be a great opportunity to help other causes around the globe."

Clean Bottle customers can pledge their profits to the following charities, and can also nominate other charities that they would like to support.

Engineers Without Borders - Partners with developing communities to implement sustainable engineering projects.

Nature Conservancy - Works to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.

Yield to Life - Founded by professional cyclist Dave Zabriskie to create a safer environment for cyclists through education.

Water1st - Serves families in the poorest communities in the world as they implement community-managed projects that integrate water supply, sanitation, and health education.

California Bicycle Coalition - Education and lobbying organization working to improve bicycling conditions in California.

STOP BY BOOTH #812 AT THE SEA OTTER TO EXPERIENCE THE CLEAN BOTTLE REVOLUTION - RIDE CLEAN!

Ritchey Design and Syncros products will be on display at Sea Otter Classic this week (April 15-18) at the Ritchey Design and Syncros booth (#762). In addition to the new 2010 products, Ritchey and Syncros will be previewing the 2011 line. Those visiting the booth will also have the opportunity to meet the Colavita-Baci Women's Team sponsored by Ritchey Design, who will be using the booth as its home base while competing at Sea Otter.

Ritchey Design WCS Carbon Curve Bar
Compact drop of only 128 mm lets riders set up for aggressive positioning in both the drops and tops. Ideal bar when using short headset stack. Carbon monocoque construction with 3K carbon weave finish. Available in 40/42/44 cm widths Weight: 210 grams MSRP: $284.95 (Alloy Curve model: $96.95)

Ritchey Design SuperLogic 10° Mountain Bar
Special bend preserves ideal hand position of a 5° bend bar without increasing stem length. Also helps maintain low and aggressive rider position for fast XC and marathon use. UD carbon construction makes the product lightweight and stiff. Weight: 130g MSRP: $199.95

Ritchey Design WCS Zeta Wheelset
High-strength, handbuilt road training/racing clinchers using Vanadium alloy OCR (Off Center Rim) trapezoidal rims for improved load transfer between the rim, spokes and hub. Trifecta spoke lacing system with varying spoke gauges maintains low weight, superior stiffness and optimal performance. Used by Webcor Women's Racing Team. Weight: 665g (f)/ 880g (r) MSRP: $699.95 (pair)

Syncros Products at Sea Otter

Syncros FL25 Carbon Wheelset
Handbuilt carbon monocoque rim construction coupled with Enduro dual row angular bearing system, make for an extremely light, stiff and durable XC/Marathon racing wheelset (28mm wide, 28 holes). Available in 9 mm or 15 mm front hub options. Weight: 1,488g/set. MSRP: $1,899.90 (set)

Syncros FL (Freakin Light) 7075 Stem
XC/marathon racing stem created using exclusive 4D-net forged manufacturing process. Vertical oval shape near the steer and horizontal oval shape near the handlebar keeps strength high and weight low. Carbon steerer compatible, six-degree rise, and available in 70/80/90/100/110mm lengths. Finish options: white and high-polish black, white w/ black cap. Weight: 125g stem MSRP: $91.95 to $99.95, depending on color option

Delta 7 Sports will be at the 2009 Sea Otter Classic with the latest versions of their road and mountain bikes. Stop by booth #303 and you'll have your first opportunity to demo the Ascend road bike that Delta 7 Sports unveiled at Interbike 2008, and featured on our site. Weighing in at 2.14 pounds, it is the first road frame designed with IsoTruss® technology and Kevlar spider web-like open lattice tubes.

You'll also be able to test ride the latest model of the Arantix mountain bike, which we took out for a spin out at Interbike's Outdoor Demo Days. Delta 7 Sports was able to reduce the price of its IsoTruss® mountain bike frame from $6,995 (USD) to $4,895 (USD) even with improvements in the chain stays' and bottom bracket's stiffness, increased lateral stiffness in the head tube and rear dropouts with more chain clearance.

Delta 7 Sports Arantix Mountain Bike
The first to use IsoTruss® technology and Kevlar spider web-like open lattice tubes, the frame weighs only 2.6 pounds (1179 gram). The Arantix has recently been revised with a stiffer bottom bracket, head tube and chain stays, as well as more chain stay/tire clearance. Available as frame set only or as a complete bike with Shimano XTR or SRAM X.O. Suggested retail: $4,895 (frame only), $8,495-$9,295 (complete bike).

Delta 7 Sports Ascend Road Bike
One of the strongest frames in its weight class, estimated weight of less than 1000 grams, Delta 7 Sports gives the Ascend an optimal strength-to-weight ratio by weaving a single carbon fiber strand into IsoTruss ® carbon Kevlar spider web-like open lattice tubes. Available as frame set only or as a complete bike with SRAM Red or Campy Super Record. Suggested retail: $5,995 (frame only), $10,995-$16,995 (complete bike).

Ritchey Design will be displaying its new 2009 product, as well as offering a sneak peak of some of its 2010 line at this year's Sea Otter Classic.

While visiting the Ritchey/Syncros booth (#727), you can also meet members of the Ritchey sponsored TIBCO Women's Pro Cycling Team. They will be using the booth as their home base while competing at Sea Otter. Team TIBCO members include: Junior National and World Champions, an Olympian and Brooke Miller, the 2008 U.S. National Road and Criterium National Champion.

Ritchey Design Products at Sea Otter
SuperLogic Carbon 46mm Road Tubular wheels
One hundred percent hand-built, race-proven Ritchey wheel technology combined with proprietary carbon rims make this wheel set one of the lightest in the market. The rims are constructed with a unique blend of uni-directional, hi-modulus carbon and Boron with ceramic braking surface for high strength and low weight. Internal 3/16" hex style nipples and DT bladed New Aero Light spokes are used for enhanced aerodynamics and serviceability. The cold forged WCS SL front hub has rounded flanges to support high-tension radial lacing and smooth rolling, low maintenance precision bearings. The cold forged WCS SL rear hub uses precision bearings, optimal flange design for spoke support and is available in three lightweight alloy freehub body configurations (Campy, Shimano and SRAM). 20H radial lacing (front); 24H 2x (rear). Clincher version available soon. Weight: 491g(F)/ 680g(R) MSRP: $2799.90(pair)

WCS Carbon 1Bolt Zero-Offset seatpost
As part of Ritchey Design's commitment to its Fit Logic Philosophy, "the best performance is achieved when a bike fits the unique and individual dimensions of the rider," Ritchey offers its Zero-Offset seat post. For riders with relatively short femurs/upper bodies, time trialists or triatletes who want to be "on top of" their pedals, the zero-offset post allows riders to sit more forward and places the knee joint more in-line with pedal axle spindles for balanced pedaling. The WCS Carbon post is constructed using Ritchey's 3D monocoque pressure forged process, which forms the seatpost head and tube in one process for an optimized strength-to-weight ratio. The patented SideBinder one-bolt seat clamp makes for easy fore and aft and saddle tilt adjustments. Low-profile head ensures optimal saddle clearance and easy access to the SideBinder bolt. Weight: 164g (350mm/27.2) MSRP: $269.95

WCS Carbon Streem saddleWCS Carbon Streem saddle
Features Ritchey's "Vector Wing," a composite flexible strut located at the back of the saddle between the saddle base and rails which dampens road vibrations for a smooth comfortable ride. The Vector Wing, low-profile shell and saddle rails are carbon injected as one piece to reduce weight. Superlight foam and genuine leather cover the saddle shell for comfort. Available in black or white. Weight: 145g. MSRP: $189.95

Syncros Products at Sea Otter
Meathook Pedal
Constructed of 6061 aluminum alloy, the wide webbed pedal platform is Syncros Meathook peadlscontoured to match the curve of soft soled shoes providing great grip and control with minimal weight. A Syncros exclusive design, pedal axles feature cartridge bearings with 20mm high load capacity PU bearings at each end, and four 10mm needle bearings in the middle to support the pedal body on super hard landings. Pedal comes with threaded replaceable cleat-style traction pins in two sizes (3mm and 6mm). Available colors: blue, red and silver grey with laser etched Syncros grunge graphic, or in standard black without grunge graphic. Intended use: Freeride/ 4X/ BMX racing/ DH/ Trials. Weight: 503g(pair). MSRP: $189.95

AM (All Mountain) Stem
This stem uses Syncros' exclusive 4D net forged manufacturing process fSyncros AM Stemor a bi-ovalized design, which minimizes weight and maximizes resistance to vertical and horizontal forces for the wind up to the big huck. Available with 12 degree rise in 70/80/90/100/110mm lengths. 1.5" steerer clamp (60/70/80mm only). Intended use: All mountain/ Super D/ Long travel trail bikes/ light duty FR. Finish options: high polish (HP) black or matte white, with or without grunge graphics. Weight: 175g MSRP: $79.95 to $99.95 depending on color option.

FL CF (Freakin Light Carbon Fiber) 25 Wheelset
These wheels are hand-built with high pressure forged, 3K carbon fiber rims for lightweight and multi-dimensional strength. DT Competition black spokes, 32 hole front and rear, 3x lacing configuration combine into a light and superb handling wheelset that flies up climbs, then tears down technical and rugged trails with unexpected durability and precision. Hubs are cold forged disc compatible Syncros FLH with 15mm thru axle or QR option. Also available with bolt on style rotor or center lock options. Intended use: All mountain. Weight: 684g (F Std QR), 678g (F 15mm thru axle)/ 812g (R Std QR) MSRP: $2,075.00 (pair)

The Sea Otter Classic begins today, April 16th, and runs through the 19th at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area in beautiful Monterey, California. The four-day cycling and outdoor sports extravaganza features a full schedule of amateur and pro cycling events, and promises to provide an action-packed weekend for all those involved as well as those merely spectating.

The Sea Otter Classic also plays host to one of the largest consumer bike expos in the world. Below are just some of vendors at this year’s expo.

iBert Inc. Safe-T-Seat
iBert Inc. brings its safe-T-seat, the front-mounted child bicycle seat, to Sea Otter Classic 2009. Be sure to stop by booth #236 to check out the child bicycle seat that places the child between the adult rider and the handlebars, giving parents improved control over both the child and the bicycle.

In the past year iBert Inc. has signed a sponsorship agreement with David "Tinker" Juarez and continued expanding its clientele around the world.

Tainted Love - Introducing "Okole Stuff" Ultimate Chamois Ointment
Six-time Endurance National Champion Monique "Pua" Sawicki has created what she believes is the ultimate chamois ointment for cyclists - Okole Stuff, and will debut the product at Sea Otter Booth 828.

Translated as "Butt Stuff" in Hawaiian, Okole Stuff was born out of the need to have maximum comfort for hours in the saddle, that only a 24 Hour Champion like Pua could create.

"I tried everything on the market, and nothing would withstand the hours and miles that I was putting in the saddle to become National Champion," stated Sawicki. "I did the research and came up with the only product that gives comfort with one application for up to 24 Hours on the bike!"

While most Chamois Ointments are designed to be absorbed into your skin, they don't last as long as needed.

Okole Stuff stays on TOP of your skin to provide hours of friction-free time in the saddle. Soothing and long-lasting ingredients include Lanolin, Allantoin, Tea Tree Oil, Aloe and Love to help heal your skin and keep you riding longer.

Otter In Overdrive
H2O Overdrive™, which was featured earlier on the Triple, is a new and unique hydration drink that offers a crisp thirst-quenching blast of essential nutrients for energy, stamina, rapid replenishment of muscle glycogen, protein synthesis, muscle function and recovery for any cyclist. Stop by booth #353 to taste the latest innovation in hydration. (You can even have a bottle or two if you come by the booth at Sea Otter).

H2O Overdrive is scientifically formulated with a precision ratio of 8 grams of protein, 24 grams of carbohydrates, more than 30 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other essential nutrients to ensure hydration at the cellular level - all with only 3 grams of sugar.

Montgomeryville, PA - The Bicycle Product Suppliers Association (BPSA) today announced a preliminary agenda for its 2009 Bicycle Leadership Conference (BLC) to be held in conjunction with the Sea Otter Classic, April 15-17, 2009, at the Embassy Suites in Seaside, Calif.

"As we nail down the specific topics and agenda items for the BLC, we all have our 'ears to the ground,' so to speak , to be sure we are addressing the most pressing concerns of the industry," said John Nedeau, president of the BPSA and vice president of global sales for SRAM. "At a time when manufacturing costs continue to increase, we want to help the industry grow as a whole whether it's working with local and national lawmakers for more bicycle-friendly legislation, replicating successful bike share programs or supporting the growing number of advocacy groups."

The preliminary agenda/topics for each day are listed below:

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

• Golf Tournament at the award winning Bayonet Golf Course, Seaside, Calif.
• Organized rides with industry peers through the Monterey Peninsula
• Registration/Cocktail reception and presentations, Embassy Suites, Seaside, Calif.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

• Major cities adopting BIKE SHARING programs with explosive growth, how do we consistently and uniformly address main stream media attention?
• CPSC Legislation - Do your products comply? Learn how the BPSA is representing the bike industry to that regulatory group
• BPSA, Bikes Belong, IMBA, LAB, etc. - Which of these organizations are working together and who are we supposed to support?
• 2009 Brain'y Awards Dinner presentation

Friday, April 17, 2009

• The U.S. Political Situation - How will a new administration affect our industry? Updates on DC advocacy efforts
• Group bike ride to the Sea Otter Classic - Ride finishes in a BLC/BPSA attendee and member tent for refreshments
• BLC at Embassy Suites is completed, but planned BLC attendee networking opportunities live on through the Sea Otter Classic

This year's conference topics will also further expand on 2008 BPSA Research Project - "Opportunities and Challenges in the Bicycle Industry - Strategic Growth, Retail Execution, and Collaboration"- specifically focusing on opportunities to improve industry awareness, distribution and product portfolios.

In addition to research results, panel discussions, breakout groups and networking opportunities, the conference will offer improved bike rides and the industry's most prestigious golf tournament. The BLC will again host the BRAINy awards dinner presentation.

Lifeboat Solutions, an event management, sales and marketing firm focused on the outdoor recreation market, will be managing the registration, logistics and marketing for the conference. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, event agenda or registration for the 2009 Bicycle Leadership Conference, please contact Conference Director Lance Camisasca at lance@lifeboatsolutions.com.