Sea Otter Classic
Sea Otter Classic is a 4-day event that takes place every spring at the Laguna Seca Raceway in Monterey, California, and is the largest bike race and festival in North America. There are a number of races (and non-timed events) each day and whether you ride road, gravel or mtb, there’s truly something for everyone! Spectators have the opportunity to watch their favorite professionals race, and exploring the Sea Otter Expo is a must, as it hosts hundreds of exhibitor booths, featuring the biggest brands in the outdoor and cycling industry.
I completed the Gravel Race, a 48 mile route that consisted of two 24-mile laps and over 5,000 feet of climbing. Starting on the raceway, the route quickly turned to dirt and the first 5 miles felt the most technical. There were a handful of climbs, but there were also many flat sections and some paved descents that made the course relatively enjoyable. The rolling hills this time of year are green and sprinkled with wildflowers, providing stunning views of Fort Ord.
Strava Route:
Participated in 2024
The Sea Otter Expo is the hub of the event and below are some of the reasons why it’s a highlight for me every year:
FREE SWAG - Almost all the booths have something they’re giving away just for stopping by (or in some cases, you might have to give them your email). Many booths also have fun, interactive ways to earn your freebie, like spin-the-wheel.
RAFFLES & GIVEAWAYS - In addition to freebies, you’ll come across some pretty awesome raffles prizes. Depending on the booth, there may be a daily winner or maybe one winner for the entire weekend. Sometimes you must be present to win, which is always fun, especially if you win… like me! One year I won a GoPro!
PRODUCTS IRL - Where else can you touch and feel so many products you’ve only seen online? It’s a great opportunity to try on apparel and see the size and texture of all kinds of gear up close.
SAMPLES - With many nutrition and hydration companies present, there are plenty of free samples to try. It’s a great way to discover a new ride snack or try a new flavor from a brand you already know and love.
Q&As - With so many knowledgeable representatives at each booth, you can finally get answers to your burning questions about specific brands, products, services, non-profits, etc. It’s a great way to connect with those that work for the company and learn more about new offerings.
DISCOUNTS - Many exhibitors will be offering special discount pricing on their products if you purchase while at Sea Otter. So if you’ve had your eye on a specific piece of gear, you might be able to get it at a great price!
DEMOS - Several of the bicycle exhibitors have their demo fleet available and you can take advantage of being able to test out some new bikes!
There are so many more reasons why the Expo is such an incredible part of the Sea Otter Classic Festival, and is worth attending (even if just for the day)!
To see a list of exhibitors, go to www.seaotterclassic.com/festival-info/
Attended the festival/expo in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, 2024
cyclingjenny.com aims to provide content that is true and accurate as of the date of writing; however, the accuracy and judgment of the author is not guaranteed. cyclingjenny.com and its associates are in no way liable for personal injury, loss or damage to personal property, or any other such situation that should occur to individuals following the guides, routes and recommendations. Please review the full Terms & Disclaimer.