Sea Otter is coming to Canberra!


For three decades, the Sea Otter Classic has come to represent the season opener for the bike industry in North America. Held in April every year, it’s right about when racing, both on and off-road, kicks off for the season, and typically plays host to some of the biggest product launches on the calendar. Plus, there is sunshine, live music, food, beer, rides, bike demos and more.

Since its inception, the Sea Otter festival has called Monterey California home; more recently, the expo has popped up in Girona Spain, Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario Canada, and will now be making the jump across the equator, landing in Mt Stromlo, Canberra from October 1-4, 2021.

In its 30-years, Sea Otter has amassed quite a few nicknames ranging from Misty Marmot, Moist Muskrat to Ocean Opossum for the events held in the Northern Hemisphere; we are eyeing off Wet Wallaby for the expo’s Aussie debut.

Just like Drenched Dengu in the Northern Hemisphere, the Stromlo event will feature product releases, group rides, races and demo bikes for all disciplines and is sure to have something in store for riders of all ages to enjoy.

Sea Otter Australia
When we say there is something at Sea Otter for everybody, we mean EVERYBODY

Beyond just the gear and rides, Lake Lemming will also feature ROMP!, a festival featuring live music, food, brews (both of the adult and bean-based variety), cycle chic fashion parades, and film screenings too. A bike carnival of sorts, ROMP! will offer attendees the opportunity to dive into every aspect of the cycling lifestyle, whether they ride in knee pads and a full-face or lycra and with shaved legs.

Bike SA, South Australia’s premier body for recreational and commuter cyclist, are organising Canberra event.

“We are honoured to be bringing this festival to Australia. It’s time that bicycle riders across the Australasian region have the opportunity to experience a totally new cycling festival experience. One that celebrates the breadth of our multi-faceted cycling culture – on-road and off-road, for fun, health, recreation, competition and transport. And of course, the latest bikes and bling, fashion, music and brews in our Expo village,” says Bike SA CEO, Christina Haag.

With the festival just having been announced, we don’t know who all will be exhibiting just yet, but Canberra-based Pushy’s has jumped the queue as the expo’s first confirmed event sponsor.

Sea Otter Australia
The Canberra event will have racing and rides for all disciplines

Shane Wolki of Pushys says, ​”Pushys is delighted that Sea Otter is coming to Canberra and we’re looking forward to supporting this great event. We’ve attended the Sea Otter Classic in the USA and know this format will be very popular down under. Australia is in need of an event like Sea Otter and Stromlo is the ideal venue with great facilities and easily accessible.”

Their neighbours from just up the road, Trek ANZ, will also be in attendance, “We are very excited to be part of such an iconic event like Sea Otter. Especially as it is now hosted in Canberra, Australia. At Trek, our mission is to get more people on bikes which aligns perfectly with Sea Otter Australia’s festival and celebration for all cyclists throughout the country.”

Sea Otter Australia
The expo will have all the new bits of kit from brands big and small, and is always good for some oddities too

We here at Flow have revved up to wander the aisles of the expo in Canberra, having a sticky beak at all the new gear set to land in the coming year, and possibly catch up for a ride and beer with all of you, but Bike SA and Pedal Power ACT are also working the local cycling and community groups to encourage the wider community to swing a leg over a bike and see what all the fun is about.

Head over to Sea Otter Australia’s website for more information.

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