April 15-18, 2010
Part competitive event, part recreational biking, part festival, part expo and 100% fun, the 20th annual Sea Otter Classic returns to Monterey, California from April 15th to 18th, 2010. Hardcore racers and recreational cyclists alike will find something to enjoy at the world's largest cycling festival, the Sea Otter Classic. It's a four-day, action packed cycling extravaganza featuring amateur and pro cycling events, as well as family activities for all ages. The Sea Otter Classic also plays host to one of the largest consumer bike expos in the world.
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.
Mountain bike races range from downhill, cross country and dual slalom races to the infamous Super D LeMans-style race. Road bike racers can compete right on the famous Laguna Seca Raceway, traditionally a field for motor sports, in criterium, road and circuit races.
Not enough of a challenge? Then try the Dual Stunt race. It has a course that's only 400 feet long. How hard could it be? Throw in some wooden bridges, dirt jumps and other obstacles, and you've got yourself one heck of a competitive cycling event.
Pre-registration is essential to participate in these events. Check out the Athlete Guide on the Sea Otter Classic website for more information.
If you're looking for some fun in the sun, the Sea Otter Classic has recreational rides for both mountain and off-road cyclists. Gran Fondo, or "Big Ride" as it's known in Italy, falls somewhere in between a century tour and a race. Open to all categories of riders, the Gran Fondo challenges you not to compete with your fellow cyclists, but to push yourself against the clock and the elements, all while taking in scenic views and enjoying great food. The Gran Fondo will offer three fully supported ride distances: a 28-mile coastal route, a 45-mile coastal route and, for the more experienced riders, a 100-mile inland route. The short and middle distances wind along the coastal communities of Marina, Seaside, Monterey, and Pacific Grove. The cyclists will ride along the stunning coastal recreation trail, past historic Fisherman's Wharf, and through the popular Cannery Row of John Steinbeck fame. The long route runs through the green agricultural fields of Salinas Valley and into the beautiful wine country of Carmel Valley. All rides start and finish at the Laguna Seca Recreation Area. If Mountain Biking is more your style you will be able to enjoy trails around the Fort Ord Public Lands! The 20 mile loop is a combination of singletrack and fire road trails. Enjoy a fantastic post-race lunch and the Sea Otter Festival after either recreational ride.
The Gran Fondo and Mountain Bike Tour will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010. These events sell out quickly, so make sure to pre-register! Check out the racing info on the Sea Otter Classic website for more information.
Not all of the fun to be had is on two wheels! The Sea Otter Classic Festival features live entertainment, trials and freestyle shows, an international food court, and a barbecue and beer garden. Test out new gear in the product demo area. Competitive kids aged 12 and under can duke it out in the kids' races. Children will learn bicycle safety at the bicycle rodeo and off-road skills at the bike playground. There's even an egg hunt and a carnival!
Looking for a new bike, or new 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.
The Sea Otter Classic website has a schedule online, detailing every event, exhibit and demonstration over the four-day weekend. Check out the Sea Otter Classic website for more information.
Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau P.O. Box 1770, Monterey, CA 93942 1-877-MONTEREY info@mccvb.org
In partnership with Monterey County and the cities of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Del Rey Oaks, Marina, Monterey, Pacific Grove, Salinas,
Sand City, Seaside, Soledad, Pebble Beach, Moss Landing, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and Salinas Valley.
© Copyright 2009 Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau
