Premiere Night for Lael’s Ride Around the World Film
One of the highlights at Sea Otter 2025 was the sold out premiere of Lael Wilcox’s Ride Around the World documentary. Thursday night SRAM hosted a crowd of over 100 people for the screening. Monterey, CA was the first stop in a multi-city tour happening around the world over the next few weeks.
At check in, each person received a free poster for Lael to sign. Plus, a beautiful book filled with Rue Kaladyte’s (Lael’s wife) photos and highlights from the Guinness World Record ride was available for $20.
Before the film started Rue stated she was editing the film up to 10 minutes before the screening. As Lael and Rue sat in the row in front of me, they were experience the film for the first time along with the rest of us.
By a show of hands, the room was filled with cyclists who had ridden with Lael at some point during her ride. For me it was like the experience came full circle. I swapped stories with one couple about our time riding with Lael. They were a family of four and rode with Lael in California, sharing the opportunity to ride with the legend by hopscotching the route by car and bike.
By the closing credits, it was clear how much Lael inspired so many people and connected a world of cyclists and non-riders alike. In a world so divided, it’s amazing to see how one cyclists can unite us all.
Post-screening a short Q&A session with Lael and Rue provided even more insight into the planning and execution of such a huge endeavor.
If you’d like to reserve a ticket at one of the upcoming screenings, go to the Lael Rides Around the World website. The film will be available on YouTube starting May 28th.
Gary Fisher Unveils Morelle E-Bikes
Since I had a conflict at the time Gary Fisher was to talk about how Morelle e-bikes will disrupt the industry with a bike that fullly charges in 15 minutes instead of overnight. I wandered into the ECHOS Communications booth only to find Gary there chatting things up. The new technology should roll out next year, but deposits are being accepted now.
Betting on Better – Building Our Own Future in Women’s Cyling Panel discussion sponsored by LIV
Rachael Burnside, founder of Uplift moderated a panel of female industry executives around the theme, Betting on Better. The panelists included Cassondra Spring, Global Marketing Manager at LIV, Michelle Duffy, Senior Marketing Leader at Life Time Inc., and Anne-Marie Rook of Cycling Weekly.
The panel offered honest insights and actionable strategies for advancing equity and inclusion in cycling. A lively Q&A provided new perspectives on how to create a more welcoming and empowering future for women in the sport. I know, I left the hour long session feeling reenergized and wanting to do my part to help those just starting out in the cycling industry.
Sheri Rosenbaum regularly contributes articles and reviews products for RBR. She’s an avid recreational roadie who lives in the Chicago area and a major advocate for women’s cycling, serving on the board of directors and volunteering with the Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club. Click to read Sheri’s full bio or visit her web site sunflowersandpedals.com.
