Sea Otter suspends regos but delays call on cancellation

The world-famous Sea Otter festival has delayed making a call on its upcoming Australian debut in the wake of COVID-19 restrictions. 

The Sea Otter Australia Bike Festival is scheduled to be held on 2-5 October 2020 at Stromlo Forest Park in Canberra in what is set to be the first time the North American event has appeared in the Southern Hemisphere.

Instead they will halt rider registrations as they wait to see if government restrictions around mass gatherings are lifted in time for October. 

The festival is a combination of exhibitions, workshops and races with its parent festival running in California for 30 years. 

Rides and races such as pump tracks, enduro, dual slalom, XC and even an e-bike challenge are pencilled in alongside stalls showing off the latest rigs and gear. 

In a statement, Sea Otter said it was keeping abreast of the situation and will avoid any cancellation or postponement until it is necessary. 

Check out the full statement below: 

Due to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the uncertain world around us just now, we have decided to put rider registrations on hold for the inaugural Sea Otter Australia bike festival. The event is scheduled for 2-5 October 2020 at Stromlo Forest Park, ACT. 
 
The event organising committee issues our apologies for any inconvenience caused. We’ll closely monitor the situation over the coming months to determine a clearer position when it is more appropriate to do so. 
 
We continue our work to bring you an awesome bike festival in early October (or another date yet to be determined) which we know will be a shining light that we will all need; a celebration and bike party like no other! A reconvening of the bike industry; an opportunity for the community to show your support to our wonderful exhibitors; to ride bikes and to connect with each other.  
 
We are thinking of our riding community and each and every one of you in these tough times. We wish the best for your safety and thank you for your support thus far.

Stuck indoors and in need of a good read? Why not subscribe to Mountain Biking Australia magazine? Featuring expert bike reviews, the latest gear and amazing stories from the MTB world it's the perfect way to kick back.