Sea Otter Europe, held in Girona, Spain, features mountain bike racing, hundreds of exhibitors, and demo bikes. Tens of thousands of cyclists attended this free festival in 2018.
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Summer mountain bike camps for young riders are popping up all across the USA this year. Campers can learn new skills and get ready for NICA race season.
The second annual Epic 17K mountain bike race claims to be the world's highest, and is set to take place in India's Sikkim state June 26 - 29.
Youth conservation corps programs offer paid trail building programs this summer. Participants gain useful skills, while mountain bikers get new and improved trails.
This kid's hardtail mountain bike build was tricked out with electronic shifting, 4-piston brakes, and color-coordinated hardware.
Tips for dealing with knee, back, neck, and arm pain associated with mountain biking through exercise, stretching, bike fit, and recovery.
The updated Shimano XTR mountain bike line includes a 12-speed drivetrain and new 4-piston enduro brakes.
On May 17, 2018 a revised bill to possibly give bikes access to trails in federally-designated Wilderness areas was introduced to the US Senate.
The ShockStop from Redshift is a mountain bike suspension stem designed to lend some squish to rigid bikes without adding a lot of weight.
If your mountain bike isn't in top condition, it's often be a good idea to call off the ride. A lack of confidence in equipment can result in injury.
Rock Bar storage bags can be mounted to bars, top and down tubes, and even mountain bike fork legs.
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A mountain lion attacked two mountain bikers in Washington, killing one and injuring the other.
Get up to speed on the latest changes and trail conditions at the Whistler Bike Park from opening weekend.
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The Islabikes Creig 24 is a lightweight kids' mountain bike featuring a good component mix for young shredders.
1
![[feature]<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241770" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-17-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />[/feature]
Here in the USA, Sea Otter is perhaps the most well known, widely attended bike festival of the year. Based on the success of the US event, Sea Otter expanded to Europe in 2017, drawing a respectable 20,000 attendees over the three day event. This past weekend, organizers estimated almost 50,000 attended the second annual free event held in Girona, Spain.
Leah and I travelled to Spain to cover <a href="http://www.seaottereurope.com/">Sea Otter Europe</a>, and we had a blast riding demo bikes, watching races, learning about new products, and taking in the sights. The following is an overview of Sea Otter Europe, and a preview of the detailed coverage and reviews that will be published from the event over the next several days.
<h2>The venue</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241751" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-34-1170x823.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="823" />
Sea Otter Europe was held at the Girona Municipal Sports Complex located just northwest of the city center.
[caption id="attachment_241821" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241821 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_0401-1170x878.jpg" alt="Sea Otter Europe Cannondale Demo Bike" width="1170" height="878" /> Cannondale was the title sponsor of Sea Otter Europe[/caption]
A large singletrack demo bike course was marked in the <a href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/taiala.html">Taiala area</a> just north of the venue. On my first ride I met up with a local mountain biker named Marc who helped me find the good stuff.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241765" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-24-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241744" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-25-780x1170.jpg" alt="" width="780" height="1170" />
Compared to the trails available for testing bikes at Sea Otter California, the Girona trails were much more varied and challenging. The full demo bike course measures about 6 miles long and features an elevation gain of 600ft. Stay tuned for mini reviews of the mountain bikes I tested.
[caption id="attachment_241758" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241758 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-14-1170x450.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="450" /> There were multiple bike tracks set up for kids and adults alike to enjoy. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
Most exhibitor tents and booths were set up outdoors around the main arena, while a few were inside including a mini exhibit of vintage mountain bikes.
[caption id="attachment_241762" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241762" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-3-1170x835.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="835" /> The vintage bikes on display were on loan from their owners, many of whom raced the bikes in the BTT Classic on Saturday. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241740" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241740 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-1-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> Food trucks were set up around the venue, including this one serving crepes and gofres (waffles). photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241746" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241746 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-36-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241774" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241774" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-35-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> The MTB Eliminator course. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<h2>Exhibitors</h2>
More than 400 brands participated in Sea Otter Europe, including global, regional, and local cycling companies.
[caption id="attachment_241768" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241768 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-10-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> I brought back a set of these Panzer tire inserts. Stay tuned for a review.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241756" align="alignnone" width="810"]<img class="wp-image-241756 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-7-810x1170.jpg" alt="" width="810" height="1170" /> So many oval chainrings to choose from![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241822" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241822" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_0409-1170x878.jpg" alt="Darimo Carbon Handlebars Handmade in Spain" width="1170" height="878" /> Darimo carbon handlebars, handmade in Spain. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241752" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241752 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-9-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> One of two new mountain bikes Whyte announced at Sea Otter Europe.[/caption]
Dozens of brands made 400 demo bikes available to the general public for evaluation on the local trails. A new demo bike badge system was being tested during the show, though the online registration and implementation process was a little rough around the edges.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241767" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-12-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
[caption id="attachment_241761" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241761 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-2-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> Rooftop glamping. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<h2>Racing</h2>
Just like Sea Otter California, racing is a big part of Sea Otter Europe. The weekend features races for all ages in mountain bike events including XC Marathon (XCM), XC Olympic (XCO), and XC Eliminator (XCE).
[caption id="attachment_241745" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241745 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-30-1170x836.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="836" /> Some parts of the XC race courses were fairly technical, while other parts were muddy due to recent rains. The rain held off during the event itself for the most part.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241773" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241773 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-32-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241814" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241814 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_0507-1170x658.jpg" alt="Pauline Ferrand-Prevot Canyon-SRAM Sea Otter Europe Massi Super Cup" width="1170" height="658" /> Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of Canyon-SRAM takes a win in the women's Massi Super Cup. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241769" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241769 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-13-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> Kids line up for Supercurses (Super Races) photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241755" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241755 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-33-1170x782.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="782" /> Circuit Super Cup Massi Race. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241742" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241742 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-4-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241753" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-19-1170x877.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="877" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241764" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-22-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241775" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-18-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241763" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-23-1170x665.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="665" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241771" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-21-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
[caption id="attachment_241748" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241748 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-16-1170x832.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="832" /> Not bikes, but these kids were FLYING with their scooters.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241760" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241760 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-31-1170x878.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="878" /> This corrugated tunnel along one of the race courses had some seriously nasty loose rocks right in the middle.[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241759" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-26-1170x617.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="617" />
[caption id="attachment_241743" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241743 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-20-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> Trials competition.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241772" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241772 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-8-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> We don't see many dedicated trials bikes in the US.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241766" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241766 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-5-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241750" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241750 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-6-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<h2>Girona</h2>
Girona is known as a top location for cyclists, and proves to be an excellent setting for Sea Otter Europe. The event venue is located within walking distance of the main train station and the city center where hotels, restaurants, and attractions abound.
[caption id="attachment_241757" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241757 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-11-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> The city of Gerona does a great job supporting Sea Otter Europe, despite the event being just a couple years old. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241754" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241754 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-29-1170x678.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="678" /> Sunset from the steps of the Girona Cathedral.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241749" align="alignnone" width="877"]<img class="wp-image-241749 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-28-877x1170.jpg" alt="" width="877" height="1170" /> Despite current political tensions, everyone we met in Catalonia welcomed us.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241826" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241826 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/leah_singletracks-2-1170x878.jpg" alt="Houses River Onyar Girona Spain Sea Otter Europe" width="1170" height="878" /> Girona's River Onyar. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241741" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-27-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
[caption id="attachment_241827" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241827 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/leah_singletracks-1170x878.jpg" alt="Iberian Ham jamoneria Girona Spain" width="1170" height="878" /> Local jamoneria offering Spain's speciality Iberian Ham. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241783" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241783" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2478-1170x878.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="878" /> So many gelato choices...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241784" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241784" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2474-1170x878.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="878" /> The fried chicken at this Honduran restaurant in Girona is the best I've ever eaten. And I'm from the South.[/caption]
While dates for Sea Otter Europe 2019 have not been officially announced yet, it's safe to say this event will be back again next year, perhaps even bigger and better.](https://images.singletracks.com/graphics/no_photo_750x500.png)
![[feature]<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241770" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-17-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />[/feature]
Here in the USA, Sea Otter is perhaps the most well known, widely attended bike festival of the year. Based on the success of the US event, Sea Otter expanded to Europe in 2017, drawing a respectable 20,000 attendees over the three day event. This past weekend, organizers estimated almost 50,000 attended the second annual free event held in Girona, Spain.
Leah and I travelled to Spain to cover <a href="http://www.seaottereurope.com/">Sea Otter Europe</a>, and we had a blast riding demo bikes, watching races, learning about new products, and taking in the sights. The following is an overview of Sea Otter Europe, and a preview of the detailed coverage and reviews that will be published from the event over the next several days.
<h2>The venue</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241751" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-34-1170x823.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="823" />
Sea Otter Europe was held at the Girona Municipal Sports Complex located just northwest of the city center.
[caption id="attachment_241821" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241821 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_0401-1170x878.jpg" alt="Sea Otter Europe Cannondale Demo Bike" width="1170" height="878" /> Cannondale was the title sponsor of Sea Otter Europe[/caption]
A large singletrack demo bike course was marked in the <a href="https://www.singletracks.com/bike-trails/taiala.html">Taiala area</a> just north of the venue. On my first ride I met up with a local mountain biker named Marc who helped me find the good stuff.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241765" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-24-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241744" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-25-780x1170.jpg" alt="" width="780" height="1170" />
Compared to the trails available for testing bikes at Sea Otter California, the Girona trails were much more varied and challenging. The full demo bike course measures about 6 miles long and features an elevation gain of 600ft. Stay tuned for mini reviews of the mountain bikes I tested.
[caption id="attachment_241758" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241758 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-14-1170x450.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="450" /> There were multiple bike tracks set up for kids and adults alike to enjoy. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
Most exhibitor tents and booths were set up outdoors around the main arena, while a few were inside including a mini exhibit of vintage mountain bikes.
[caption id="attachment_241762" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241762" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-3-1170x835.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="835" /> The vintage bikes on display were on loan from their owners, many of whom raced the bikes in the BTT Classic on Saturday. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241740" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241740 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-1-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> Food trucks were set up around the venue, including this one serving crepes and gofres (waffles). photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241746" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241746 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-36-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241774" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241774" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-35-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> The MTB Eliminator course. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<h2>Exhibitors</h2>
More than 400 brands participated in Sea Otter Europe, including global, regional, and local cycling companies.
[caption id="attachment_241768" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241768 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-10-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> I brought back a set of these Panzer tire inserts. Stay tuned for a review.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241756" align="alignnone" width="810"]<img class="wp-image-241756 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-7-810x1170.jpg" alt="" width="810" height="1170" /> So many oval chainrings to choose from![/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241822" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241822" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_0409-1170x878.jpg" alt="Darimo Carbon Handlebars Handmade in Spain" width="1170" height="878" /> Darimo carbon handlebars, handmade in Spain. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241752" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241752 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-9-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> One of two new mountain bikes Whyte announced at Sea Otter Europe.[/caption]
Dozens of brands made 400 demo bikes available to the general public for evaluation on the local trails. A new demo bike badge system was being tested during the show, though the online registration and implementation process was a little rough around the edges.
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241767" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-12-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
[caption id="attachment_241761" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241761 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-2-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> Rooftop glamping. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<h2>Racing</h2>
Just like Sea Otter California, racing is a big part of Sea Otter Europe. The weekend features races for all ages in mountain bike events including XC Marathon (XCM), XC Olympic (XCO), and XC Eliminator (XCE).
[caption id="attachment_241745" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241745 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-30-1170x836.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="836" /> Some parts of the XC race courses were fairly technical, while other parts were muddy due to recent rains. The rain held off during the event itself for the most part.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241773" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241773 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-32-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241814" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241814 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_0507-1170x658.jpg" alt="Pauline Ferrand-Prevot Canyon-SRAM Sea Otter Europe Massi Super Cup" width="1170" height="658" /> Pauline Ferrand-Prevot of Canyon-SRAM takes a win in the women's Massi Super Cup. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241769" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241769 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-13-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> Kids line up for Supercurses (Super Races) photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241755" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241755 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-33-1170x782.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="782" /> Circuit Super Cup Massi Race. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241742" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241742 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-4-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241753" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-19-1170x877.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="877" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241764" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-22-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241775" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-18-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241763" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-23-1170x665.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="665" />
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241771" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-21-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
[caption id="attachment_241748" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241748 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-16-1170x832.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="832" /> Not bikes, but these kids were FLYING with their scooters.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241760" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241760 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-31-1170x878.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="878" /> This corrugated tunnel along one of the race courses had some seriously nasty loose rocks right in the middle.[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241759" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-26-1170x617.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="617" />
[caption id="attachment_241743" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241743 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-20-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> Trials competition.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241772" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241772 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-8-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> We don't see many dedicated trials bikes in the US.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241766" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241766 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-5-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241750" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241750 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-6-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<h2>Girona</h2>
Girona is known as a top location for cyclists, and proves to be an excellent setting for Sea Otter Europe. The event venue is located within walking distance of the main train station and the city center where hotels, restaurants, and attractions abound.
[caption id="attachment_241757" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241757 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-11-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" /> The city of Gerona does a great job supporting Sea Otter Europe, despite the event being just a couple years old. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241754" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241754 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-29-1170x678.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="678" /> Sunset from the steps of the Girona Cathedral.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241749" align="alignnone" width="877"]<img class="wp-image-241749 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-28-877x1170.jpg" alt="" width="877" height="1170" /> Despite current political tensions, everyone we met in Catalonia welcomed us.[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241826" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241826 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/leah_singletracks-2-1170x878.jpg" alt="Houses River Onyar Girona Spain Sea Otter Europe" width="1170" height="878" /> Girona's River Onyar. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
<img class="alignnone size-large wp-image-241741" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/sea_otter_europe-27-1170x780.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="780" />
[caption id="attachment_241827" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="wp-image-241827 size-large" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/leah_singletracks-1170x878.jpg" alt="Iberian Ham jamoneria Girona Spain" width="1170" height="878" /> Local jamoneria offering Spain's speciality Iberian Ham. photo: Leah Barber[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241783" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241783" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2478-1170x878.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="878" /> So many gelato choices...[/caption]
[caption id="attachment_241784" align="alignnone" width="1170"]<img class="size-large wp-image-241784" src="https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/IMG_2474-1170x878.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="878" /> The fried chicken at this Honduran restaurant in Girona is the best I've ever eaten. And I'm from the South.[/caption]
While dates for Sea Otter Europe 2019 have not been officially announced yet, it's safe to say this event will be back again next year, perhaps even bigger and better.](https://images.singletracks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/GIrls-on-Wheels-group-shot.jpg)
