People at Sea Otter 2007 and their take on this season's grand opening!

The Sea Otter Classic draws in people from all over the bike industry to one big spot for a few days each year to more or less kick off the season here in North America. I got the chance to talk to a few seasoned Otter goers and a newbie to the scene. Here is what they had to say about the 2007 Otter:
Mick Hannah:
-23 years of age
-Men's Pro DH and Pro Slalom - 16th and 1 st respectively
-7th Sea Otter appearance.

How was the '07 Otter?


Pretty good really, the slalom was obviously the high point for me. Weather wise its been a good week overall as one day of rain, you really can't complain about that. Its been nice to get to meet up with all my old friends too out here.

Shout outs for '07?


God, my wife Hannah Hannah, Cannondale, the Cut and Revelation Generation Ministries.

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Nick Quinn:
-27 years of age
-Men's Pro DH - 54th
-Sea Otter Virgin

How was the '07 Otter?


The course is actually pretty fun and pedally-not what I expected and so different from most Canadian courses that I've ridden. Far less technical gnar and way more open fast sections. This was only my 5th day on dirt since November due to the climate in Calgary and the fact that I got some great snowboarding in this winter.

Shout outs for '07?


Elise, Derek Lee at Calgary Cycle, Michael Costigan at Dakine, IMV Projects, Chad Herbert at Oakley and all of the Calgary Cycle Team Sponsors.

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Kathy Pruitt:
-24 years of age
-Women's Pro Dual and Pro DH - 7th and 5th respectively
-10th Sea Otter appearance (the veteran)

How was the '07 Otter?


-Fun in the sun and wet, cold, rainy Hurricane all in one week.
-Jagwire's PINK housing was the coolest thing I saw here this week.
-Running on about 20 hours of sleep in 4 days.

Shout outs for '07?


The Sea Otter mascot for making me smile, Jamis Bicycles and all the folks in the pits that help make my bikes roll.

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Fionn Griffiths:
-24 years of age
-Women's Pro Dual and Pro DH - 5th and 2nd respectively
-5th Sea Otter Appearance

How was the '07 Otter?


Its been a good one for me on the race side of things. The Otter is always a busy event, with trying to set up and dial in new bikes. So many people to see and talk with too.

Shout outs for '07?


Norco, Kenda, Fly Racing, Zeal, Hope, MRP, THE, Foes Curnutt DH Forks, FUNN, Shimano, DT Swiss, Ice Tools. Jill Coleby for all her help with setting up the Griffiths World Cup Racing Team. Coach Elke Brutsaert and all my family and friends.

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Cam McCaul:
-21 years of age
-Furry Fury Jump Jam Participant
-7th Sea Otter Appearance

How was the '07 Otter?


This was the best one yet, they keep getting better each year for me. Being 21 has allowed me to get leagally kicked out of bars and sneak back in. Totally different from when I was underage and having to sneak in for drinks and not get booted. Happy to be alive!

Shout outs for '07?


My mom, my brother's mom and Pat's Chick. Trek bikes, Fox Riders Co., Manitou, Shimano, TSG, JBL, Smith Optics, e13 and Bontrager.

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Aaron Lutze:
-27 years of age
-e13 Marketing Director
-5th Sea Otter Appearance (competed in Trials back in the day)

How was the '07 Otter?


Its been a bit crazy but so fun. The one day of rain caught me off guard with no rain coat=I got hosed! The Cut premiere of Sevenvision and hanging with my new co-workers are my highlights for sure. It's too bad Dave Weagle couldn't have joined me, Jonas and Michael at Sea Otter this year. He's back in the office absolutely pinning it on some new designs. It's going to be sick...in my honest opinion, I think this new stuff is going to have a similar impact on the bike industry as the STS guides did when they were originally introduced.

Shout outs for '07?


e13, Nina (for having to deal with Guitar Hero and all the support) as well as RST riders Steve Baufus and Guy Marsh.