Nebraska Cycling News

Monterey, CA - After four days, every type of weather condition you can imagine and even a sad and unfortunate death, I am back from the 2008 Sea Otter. This year marked the 18th edition of this early season cycling festival dubbed "A Celebration of Sport." There is truly nothing like it anywhere. One of the most famous race tracks in the world, Laguna Seca is transformed into a veritable cycling village for four days with every discipline of our sport represented to the fullest.

I was among a group of seven that were asked to take part in this race annuncer bootcamp. And trust me, it felt like work all weekend. Albeit a labor of love.

The whole story behind having the chance to work at the Sea Otter and my connections to the area make it really special for me. After racing the event in 2002 in the Sport Men XC MTB event, I remember thinking, I need to figure out a way to make this an annual thing.

What most people don't know is that I am from California originally. I say that somewhat sheepsihly because I have lived in Nebraska for over 20 years and really consider myself more of a Nebraskan than a Californian. And I do so, proudly. I was born in San Diego, lived in Carmel, which is only minutes south of Monterey and landed in Pasadena for a few years with the family before Dad packed us up for the Big Red State in 1984. I do not miss living near L.A., cannot remember anything about San Diego, but will always have a fondness and soft spot in my heart for the Monterey Peninsula. To have family there is one of the true blessings anyone could ask for.

Most folks are a bit more familiar with how I got into race announcing. Basically, I started calling my own races including the Spring Cycling Classic and from that landed other gigs including the Collegiate Nationals, Tour of Kansas City and Cyclo-cross Nationals. It was at Cyclo-Cross Nationals this past year that Richard Fries, the standard and I would say "blueprint" for cycling annuoncers noticed me and asked if I would be interested in announcing at Sea Otter. Duh.

So, fast forward to last Thursday and I am driving to Omaha and Eppley Airport. It is absolutely pissing down rain, I am pissing myself because I am running late and on top of that, I am not the best when it comes to flying. In fact, I am not sure "white knuckles" fully describes what a wreck I am in the plane. Naturally, the entire elderly population for the City of Omaha decided to fly this day. After standing in line for over 30 minutes, I went to the counter to have confirmed what I already knew...I missed my flight. God Bless Southwest Airlines, they got me on a flight an hour later and into San Jose and hour sooner. Fresh.

The drive into Monterey was pleasant shooting the breeze with my Aunt Wendy, whom I have not seen since the last time I was there...yeah, I know, the Lefler's are super tight.

Anyway, we got into Monterey and I unloaded my stuff, grabbed a quick bite to eat and headed off to the Laguna Seca Raceway to begin my weekend's work. Oh yeah, my Aunt has an old '92 BMW 323i. I am glad they did not open the track for cars that weekend because I was feeling it driving that 15 minute commute along Highway 68 each morning. Hopefully, Wendy does not read this.

Once I was on-site, I could not help, but smile. After the long entrance into the park, you come up and over the hill and there it is...Laguna Seca Raceway. The 2.23 mile track winds it's way through the recreation area that features some of the most gorgeous views you can imagine. The infield of the track is covered in exhibitor tents, stunt demo areas, the awards stage, food vendors, live music...you name it. There is a PA system that is wired throughout the entire venue from the dual slalom course to the race track stage at the start/finish line of the majority of the road and cross-country events.

I thought a lot about writing this wrap-up and after getting back home, settling into the work routine and thinking about all of the races, people I met and other interesting stories, I realized two things: 1. I am super tired 2. I am not going to get this all in one shot.

Check back on NCN throughout the week. You will be glad you did and hey, make plans for next year...so you can help me write this next time. More to come, sit tight!