I think I will peacefully pretend I didn't read some of these comments. :) Why aren't there more women on your bro-rides? Well for starters guys are faster. Sure there are fast women who rip and are faster than many guys and it's not true that all women are slower than all men. Some gals rip it up on rocks and jumps and some like to hammer uphill. But if you look at your local race results class by class, for example pro women vs. pro men, sport women vs. sport men, the fact is we are slower. I think most gals who start out for the first time are struggling to keep up with their man or their guy friends (who have been riding way longer than them) and it is usually discouraging. It's frustrating to constantly be stopping for a slower rider too - I totally get that. So if you are interested in getting your wife/gf/sister/gal friend (heck, even your beginner guy friend) into riding, be patient and encouraging and take them for a ride after you've just tired yourself out by a hammer-fest and feel like going slower. So many times I've heard my guy friends say, "I wish my wife (or GF) was more like you.. .she fell once and got scared and I think she's going to quit." The funny thing is it is usually the case that the wife or gf doesn't end up quitting, and ends up really enjoying it. Women tend to approach things more delicately (gracefully? emotionally?) than you guys do... usually. It doesn't mean we have no aptitude or interest - just a different approach.

Aw man, you guys should have hit up Burger on Mission/bay in Santa Cruz. So much better than In n' Out! Gazillion decent beers on tap and a mixologist. So sorry the weather did not cooperate to make your stay more enjoyable.

There is an update on the race, which you may have also seen on the festival's Facebook page: The organizers say they received over 170 applications! With permits allowing for only 50 riders in this first-time event, you can imagine the challenge in selecting a representative field of racers. Accepted applicants should be notified today and have one week to register, after which any forfeited spots will be offered to selected wait-listed applicants. The final list of competitors will be announced after 3/5, when this process is complete. If you are not racing, more details will be forthcoming about volunteering and spectating. In the meantime, you can always give MBOSC a shout to let them know you can help out: volunteers@santacruzmountainbikefestival.com I am pretty stoked about the possibilities that this race opens up for more events in the future, if all goes well. Seems like the Enduro race format is making a lot of headlines these days. Good luck to everyone who applied!

Oh, that's awesome! Best of luck to you.

Oh, I see what you mean. Sorry! :( What race is that by the way?

No worries bikerguy222, you can do both! This event is on the weekend of the 14th - 15th, and the Sea Otter is the 19th thru 22nd.