Sea Otter Classic
April 19-22, 2012
Part competitive event, part recreational biking, part festival, part expo and 100% fun, the 22nd annual Sea Otter Classic returns to Monterey, California from April 19th to 22nd, 2012. Hardcore racers and recreational cyclists alike will find something to enjoy at this cycling festival held at Laguna Seca Recreation Area.
This four-day, action-packed cycling extravaganza features amateur and pro cycling events as well as family activities for all ages, attracting 50,000 bike enthusiasts from around the world. The Sea Otter Classic also plays host to one of the largest consumer bike expos in the world.
Competitive Events
There's an event for every kind of competitive cyclist at the Sea Otter Classic. Professionals, amateurs, road and mountain cyclists will each find multiple events during the four days of racing — and spectators will find many thrilling activities to watch.
Mountain bike races include downhill, cross country, dual slalom and short track. Road cyclists events include criterium, road and circuit races, plus a pro elite road stage race, most of which are held right on the famous Laguna Seca Raceway. A new Cyclocross event has been added to 2012's schedule as well.
Pre-registration is essential to participate in these events. See the Athlete Guide on the Sea Otter Classic website for more information.
Fully Supported Recreational Rides
Sea Otter’s 2012 Gran Fondo, Saturday, April 21, offers three fully supported rides: a new 20-mile Mountain Bike route, a 49-mile Coastal route, and a 96-mile Carmel Valley route. Routes start and finish at Laguna Seca, and all three end with a celebratory lunch.
Sea Otter’s Gran Fondo (Italian for "Great Endurance”) is a ride, not a race, to be enjoyed with family and friends. It is open to all ages and capabilities, including children twelve and up when accompanied by parent or adult guardian.
The Mountain Bike route goes across the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) trail system on Fort Ord Public Lands. The Coastal route winds along peninsula communities, predominately on the stunning coastal trail, and passes through places such as Steinbeck’s Cannery Row. The Carmel Valley route first runs through the agricultural fields of the sweeping Salinas Valley/"Salad Bowl of America," then Carmel Valley’s wine country.
The Gran Fondo and Mountain Bike Tour will sell out quickly, so make sure to pre-register! See the Sea Otter Classic website for more information.
Sea Otter Classic: A Family-Friendly Festival
Sea Otter is for all ages, with special activities for kids, including races on a course designed to stretch skills and build confidence. The Bike Play Zone that allows kids to try out budding skills on obstacles appropriate for their age and riding level. Young girls can also join the Little Bellas where girls ages 8-12 will enjoy a mountain bike day camp just for them!
Not all of the fun to be had is on two wheels. For children, there’s also a carnival and a seasonal egg hunt. For the 21-and-up crowd, many will enjoy taking in the scene from the beer and barbecue garden. There’s an all-ages international food court too, where you can kick back and relax with family and friends.
See the Festival Guide at the Sea Otter Classic website for more information.
North America's Largest Bike Expo
Looking for a new bike or equipment? Check out the Sea Otter Classic Expo. Over 300 exhibitors will show off the latest in technology, literature, nutrition, clothing, gear and mechanics to keep you on the cutting edge of cycling.
This is the consumer's biggest and best bicycle event in North America. You'll have the hands-on opportunity to test out bicycle products from bike helmets that even cycling teenagers will find cool to the latest in suspension technology.
Schedule, Ticketing and More Information
Sea Otter Classic admission is free all four days for children twelve and under and for registered athletes (competitive or recreational). Discounts are given to the military and to members of the same family. See the Sea Otter Classic website for more detailed ticketing information.
The Sea Otter Classic website has a schedule online, detailing every event, exhibit and demonstration over the four-day weekend.
Come experience this annual "Celebration of Cycling," and be a part of the world cycling community that shares in this exciting springtime tradition.
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