Sea Otter, Stronger: From Podcast Guests to Pants That Fit Just Right
Sea Otter has a reputation for being the event for cycling fans—pro races, piles of gear, crowds, chaos, and more spandex than your local spin class. But this year, for me, it was something else entirely.
I showed up without a strict plan. No brand booth. No full recording setup. Just a media pass, my podcast brain, a rough list of people I wanted to find, and a “why not?” mindset. And somehow, I walked away with a full heart, new gear (okay, a lot of new gear), and more real-life connections than I can count.
👋 Full-Circle Moments at Every Turn
You know that feeling when your podcast guests become real people standing in front of you, still just as inspiring but now also giving you hugs, snacks, or sneak peeks of new product lines? Yeah. That happened—a lot.
I stopped by the booths of Wild Rye, Po Campo, and Bivo, and each moment felt like a reminder of why I started Tarin It Up in the first place. These are women who didn’t wait for permission to make their mark. They built companies that are thoughtful, fun, and grounded in real values. Talking to them in person—hearing how things have evolved since their episodes—was a huge full-circle moment. Shoutout to those badass founders for making gear and community that moves us forward.
🔧 Liv Tent Vibes & Learning Moments
One of the unexpected highlights? Hanging out at the Liv Cycling tent with one of their female mechanics. We chatted everything from tools and trails to what it’s like wrenching in a space still largely dominated by dudes. It was refreshing, real, and made me want to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work that keeps us all rolling.
🛍️ A Shredly Shopping Spiral (No Regrets)
Here’s the part where I confess: I blacked out a little at the Shredly tent. The colors, the fits, the vibes—I couldn’t help myself. I left with pants, shorts, and probably a whole new wardrobe. But in my defense… when a brand makes you feel that good in your clothes, you lean in. No regrets. Just new outfits for trail, town, and everything in between.
🔎 Fresh Finds: Curious Creatures
One newer brand I was super stoked to discover was Curious Creatures. I tried on their pants and shorts and immediately got it—they’re doing something different. It felt like gear designed by women who get it… thoughtful details, flattering cuts, and actual comfort. They’re ones to watch, and I can’t wait to see what’s next from them.
🌟 The Magic Between the Booths
But the real standout moments? They happened in-between. Swapping stories with women I’d never met. Getting voice memo podcast pitches under a shaded tent. Being reminded, again and again, how many incredible women are out here building things, challenging norms, and just being rad humans.
There were so many conversations I’m still processing. So many faces I didn’t get names for but felt instantly connected to. That’s the thing about events like this—you might go for the gear, but you leave thinking about the people.
🌀 So, What Did I Really Take Home?
Sure, I took home new clothes (enough to max out my duffel) and a growing wish list of future gear. But I also left with that spark—community, connection, and the reminder that sometimes showing up with no set plan is how the best stories start.
If you were at Sea Otter and we crossed paths: thank you. And if we didn’t? Let’s change that next time.
Until then, I’ll be out here testing my new gear, editing podcast episodes, and probably still recovering from the whirlwind that was Sea Otter.
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🎧 Want to listen to episodes with the women behind Wild Rye, Po Campo, or Bivo? Search “Tarin It Up” wherever you get your podcasts.
📸 Got a Sea Otter story to share or a favorite brand moment? Slide into my DMs @tarin.it.up.podcast or shoot me a message. I want to hear it.
