Sea Otter Classic 2012

Monterey, CA – The mission of the Sea Otter Classic is to make people’s lives better through participation in sport and recreation, and through celebration of an active outdoor lifestyle.

The 2012 Sea Otter Classic, “A Celebration of Cycling,” will be held April 19-22, 2012 at Monterey, California, USA. This four-day, action-packed cycling festival features a full schedule of amateur and professional events, as well as other activities for family members of all ages. The Sea Otter Classic also plays host to the largest consumer bike exposition in North America.

Once again Sea Otter Classic will be donating proceeds from the event to the Semper Fi Fund to support our injured service members and their families.

ADMISSION CHARGES: Festival admission is free to children ages twelve and under, and free to all registered athletes (both competitive racers and Gran Fondo recreational riders). All others must purchase Festival Passes: $12 for a One-Day Pass ($10 pre-purchase on-line), or $35 for a Four-Day Pass ($30 pre-purchase online). Special discounts: Two passes may be purchased for the price of one by members of the military (active duty or retired) and by members of the same family. For these, tickets must be purchased on-site, as photo identification will be required.

For more information or to register for the event please see the Sea Otter Classic website or call 800-218-8411 or 831-373-2331.

EVENT BACKGROUND: “You guys should put on a mountain bike race.” That simple statement from a Monterey bike shop owner in 1990 was the genesis for the Laguna Seca Challenge, later renamed the Sea Otter Classic.

Co-founders Frank Yohannan and Lou Rudolph hosted the inaugural Laguna Seca Challenge on April 6 and 7, 1991. The event had a total of 350 athletes and 150 spectators. In 1993, the Laguna Seca Challenge was renamed the Sea Otter Classic. By 2010, the Sea Otter Classic had become a four-day celebration of cycling welcoming over 8,500 athletes and 50,000 fans.

The event is now regarded as the bicycle world’s premiere festival and one of the world’s largest. The little mountain bike race has grown up.