Fun with the Little Bellas in California

The Sea Otter Classic always proves to be one of the most exciting and busiest race weekends of the year. It is North America's biggest cycling festival packed with mountain bike races, road races, fun rides, clinics, and 50,000-plus spectators. It's a blast to see and talk with all of my sponsors and friends in the bike world. For me, this year's Sea Otter Classic was particularly exciting and busy.

American cross country mountain biker Lea Davison returned to the race scene in 2011 after most of a year off competition due to a hip injury, surgery and subsequent recovery. The 27-year-old American made her comeback with Team Specialized.

The Vermont resident will again race domestically and internationally in 2012 including events such as the US Cup Triple Crown, US Pro XCT races and the World Cup.  As a member of the US Olympic Long Team, she'll be vying for a spot on the final squad headed to London.

Davison will document her competition and travel in a blog on Cyclingnews this season. Stay tuned to follow all her adventures.