The Pilgrimage to the Dust: Why Sea Otter is the Ultimate Adaptive MTB Experience
There are bike races, there are bike festivals, and then there is the Sea Otter Classic.
For most mountain bikers, a trip to the Laguna Seca Recreation Area in Monterey is a bucket-list item. It is the season opener, the place where the industry unveils its shiny new toys, and where the world’s fastest racers rub shoulders with thousands of amateurs. But for the adaptive mountain bike community - and for me personally - Sea Otter has evolved into something much more profound. It has become a pilgrimage.
We are heading back there for the 2026 event, running April 16th to the 19th, and honestly, I am already counting down the days. If you are an adaptive rider, or just someone who loves the progression of our sport, here is why you’d love it.
The Power of the Tribe
When you live with a spinal cord injury, or any disability that puts you on an adaptive bike, riding can sometimes feel like a solitary pursuit. You might be the only person in your local woods on three wheels. You get used to being the "unicorn" on the trail.
Sea Otter changes that instantly.
Walking (or rolling) into the expo area, specifically around the Bowhead stand, is a genuinely emotional experience. It isn’t just a booth; it’s the headquarters of a movement. Bowhead is undoubtedly the biggest brand in our space, but their presence at Sea Otter goes beyond marketing. It’s a gathering of the tribe.
In 2023, the last time I made the trip, looking around and seeing an army of Reach and Rogue bikes was overwhelming in the best possible way. You are hanging out with fellow riders who just get it. We swap setup tips, talk about trail access, and share stories of crashes and conquests. For a few days in the California sun, you aren't the outlier; you feel more like the majority. That sense of belonging is the heartbeat of this pilgrimage.
“It isn’t just a booth; it’s the headquarters of a movement. Bowhead is undoubtedly the biggest brand in our space, but their presence at Sea Otter goes beyond marketing. It’s a gathering of the tribe.”
The Thrill of the Start Line
Then, of course, there is the racing. Sea Otter has embraced adaptive mountain biking like almost no other major festival. They don’t just let us ride; they give us proper categories in Cross-Country (XC), Dual Slalom, and Downhill (DH).
I still get goosebumps thinking about the Downhill race in 2023. I was sitting at the top of the course, strapped into my Bowhead, and I looked around to see 30 other adaptive riders lining up with me. Thirty!
To be part of a field that size, all facing the same track, all dealing with those pre-race nerves, was absolutely epic. The camaraderie in the start gate is unmatched—we are all cheering each other on—but the second the clock starts, the competitive fire kicks in. Racing down the dusty, loose trails of Laguna Seca, drifting corners and battling the terrain, the thrill I so desperately craved after my SCI injury in 2013. Whether you are there to win or like me, just to survive the rock gardens, crossing that finish line is a massive achievement.
More Than Just a Race
One of the reasons this trip works so well is that Monterey itself is a fantastic place to be. It’s not just about the dusty trails; it’s about the destination.
The accessibility for recreational users in the area is surprisingly good. If you are making the trip, you have to hit the coastal recreation trails - miles of paved, scenic paths that let you roll right alongside the Pacific Ocean. I’ve spent time exploring Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which is fully accessible and honestly mind-blowing.
It’s also a content creator's dream. The light in Monterey, the backdrop of the raceway, and the sheer volume of cool tech on display make it the perfect place to capture the sport. You’ll see riders filming edits, brands shooting launch videos, and friends just capturing memories. With my new focus on Rideable Now, I’m looking at the 2026 event through a new lens. I want to capture the stories of the people there - the veterans, the kids, the new riders - to show the world just how vibrant this community is.
Looking Ahead to 2026
So, what can we expect when we head back in April 2026?
Growth. Pure and simple. Since my last visit, the explosion of interest in adaptive MTB has been relentless. I’m expecting that field of 30 riders to grow even larger. I’m expecting to see even more refined tech from Bowhead and other innovators. The industry is waking up to the fact that we are here, we are fast, and we break stuff just as often as the able-bodied pros!
I’m going to be there to document it all. We’ll be hunting for the newest adaptive products, checking out the latest builds, and, of course, getting between the tape to race.
If you have ever debated booking that ticket to California, take this as your sign. Whether you want to race the Dual Slalom, tackle the Downhill, or just high-five fifty other people who ride bikes like yours, Sea Otter is the place.
See you in the dust.