The story goes that racing is on it’s last legs as sponsors pull out and TV interest dwindles, but figures from the Californian Sea Otter season opener tell a totally different story.

50,000 spectators turned up last weekend to watch a whole series of racing from sprogs to pro’s, with over 8,200 riders taking part.

Big money and big name sponsorship might have receded, but in it’s place come the grass roots riders and those wanting more of a “good day out” than some super slick package. This story is borne out over here, where ‘serious events’ such as the NPS ghost towns are a huge contrast to the vibrant and expanding local race scene of ‘have a go’ charity events.

It might not be as slick, but we’d swap a factory team juggernaut for a good WI tea and cakes stall and a beer tent every time.

Now all we have to do is find somewhere we can actually race!