Sea Otter Classic 2012 - day 1

The 2012 Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic got on the way today with quite a few competitive events and the typical monster sizes expo. We snooped around and captured a few impressions from the day.

A beautiful day welcomed all athletes, industry folks and visitors to this annual cycling extravaganza. The Pro Criterium was one of the first events of the day but after those athletes went back to their respective hotels, amateur road cyclists and downhill skateboarders tested their mettle at Laguna Seca Raceway.

But the Sea Otter Classic isn't just about racing, it is an excellent family entertainment event, plus there is tons of gear to see and play with.

All images © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com

Watchful eyes during the Pro women's criterium.

Negotiating a turn at Laguna Seca.

Meanwhile Bike Sherlock was getting ready for the invitational skateboard downhill event.

The Lezyne Femto with 15 lumen output up front is a light to be seen, and not to see with, and it can be yours for $15. The matching rear offers 7 lumen, and the pair is available for $28.

Lezyne also has new side loader cages both in carbon and plastic. They are rumored to be bottle eject safe.

The new Bell Gage will be available in July and retails for $190.

The Mares AX with 105 and disc brakes is not light but it is certainly a looker.

Things aren't only bigger in Texas.

The new Continental tire sealant adds 25 grams of weight per wheel but could make your day.

The Kappius hub is based on a very different concept and a modified cassette mounts straight on it.

A modified cassette is ready for the Kappius hub.

As the day went on it started to get busy.

The Cardo system is a new wireless bluetooth communication system.

The control unit mounts onto the helmet.

Hmmm, Magura hydraulic brakes on a Cervelo R3 road bike? More soon.

Magura also brought the entry level RT6 TT brake to Sea Otter. This all black unit retails for $299 a wheel.

The wild action during the downhill skateboard event. They were rumored to reach 50 miles an hour.

Kyle Wester from Denver, Colorado had the biggest balls and the won the final and a $2500 pay check.