ASJ Roadshow: Sea Otter Classic 2015

Building relationships at the world’s largest cycling expo

Roadshow Steve here.

The ASJ Roadshow normally picks up momentum in April. This year was no different. The focus of this month was on cycling, starting with the Santa Cruz Mountain Bike Festival April 11-12 and culminating with the 25th annual Sea Otter Classic – the largest consumer bike exposition in North America – April 16-19.

One thing I enjoy about the Sea Otter Classic is the international aspect of it. Rafael from Peru, founder of Isula Nature, spent time in our booth in conversation about food and medicine from the Amazon, and of course shared his lifelong interest in bikes. I met quite a few Brits, Scots and Irishmen. Cycling is such a huge component of Dutch culture, and my own Dutch heritage sparks my curiosity when in conversation with people from Holland. Of course, the French and Spanish and Italians are equally inspired by the sport of cycling.

Sea Otter draws competitors from everywhere imaginable, as well as enthusiasts, as well as vendors seeking inroads into California’s lucrative market.

ASJ was handed out to thousands of interested people from near and far, and it’s our hope that our international friends as well as Oregonians, Washingtonians, Arizonans, Coloradans, etc, will keep in touch by subscribing to our print mag or by following us via Facebook or our website.

California could be imagined to be a nation by itself (with the seventh largest economy in the world). ASJ is a great way to stay apprised of what’s happening in our outdoor sports scene. For our fellow vendors, ASJ presents a targeted opportunity to reach Californians who lead the outdoor sports lifestyle.

If I had to sum up the totality of four consecutive days of conversation at Sea Otter, I’d describe it as In Search of California. My fellow Otters came to the Monterey Bay area to enjoy California and to build relationships with Californians. As a lifelong Californian, it was my pleasure to foster that accord.