Name: Sea Otter Classic 2026
Start: 2026-04-16T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-19T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Monterey, California

About This Event

The Sea Otter Classic transforms Monterey County into cycling’s ultimate playground, hosting over 300 events across four days that span every discipline imaginable. From mountain bike enduro in Fort Ord’s rugged terrain to criteriums on the legendary Laguna Seca Raceway, this festival draws 50,000 participants and spectators for North America’s largest cycling gathering.

Mountain bikers tackle the challenging trails of Fort Ord National Monument, navigating steep climbs, technical singletrack, and unforgiving rock gardens across disciplines from cross-country to downhill. The gravel race features three lap options, each covering 30-plus miles with 3,500 feet of climbing per lap, making Friday’s opener a true test of endurance.

Road racers experience the thrill of Laguna Seca’s famous Corkscrew turn, while the revamped Gran Fondo Carmelo showcases the Salinas Valley’s vineyards and agricultural landscape over a century distance. For families, the new 10.7-mile off-road tour on Fort Ord’s fire roads offers multiple return options to accommodate different skill levels.

What sets Sea Otter apart is its democratic spirit—elite racers line up alongside weekend warriors, creating an atmosphere where competition and celebration intersect seamlessly. The festival’s expo component rivals the racing itself, featuring the latest gear and technology debuts that often influence the cycling industry for the year ahead.

Veterans describe Sea Otter as cycling’s spring awakening, where winter training gets its first real test against California’s coastal backdrop. The combination of world-class racing venues and recreational ride options means every cyclist finds their perfect challenge level.

Life Time Events is a premier organizer of endurance events across the United States, known for hosting some of the most iconic cycling and trail running competitions. With a mission to inspire healthier, happier lives, Life Time Events brings together athletes from all over the world to participate in challenging and celebrated events.

Prominent Events Organized by Life Time Events:

Leadville Race Series
- Description: The Leadville Race Series includes the legendary Leadville Trail 100 MTB and Leadville Trail 100 Run, two of the most challenging endurance events globally. Participants compete at high altitudes in the rugged terrains of Colorado, making these races a true test of endurance and mental toughness. Other events in the series include the Silver Rush 50 MTB, Leadville Stage Race, and Silver Rush 50 Run.
- Links:
  - Leadville Trail 100 MTB
  - Leadville Trail 100 Run
Sea Otter Classic
- Description: Held in Monterey, California, the Sea Otter Classic is one of the largest and most diverse cycling festivals in the world. The event features a wide range of races, including road, mountain, and e-bike competitions, along with a massive expo that draws cycling enthusiasts from around the globe.
- Link: Sea Otter Classic
Unbound Gravel
- Description: Unbound Gravel, formerly known as Dirty Kanza, is a premier gravel race held in Emporia, Kansas. It offers multiple race distances, including the grueling 350-mile XL route. The event is a cornerstone of the gravel racing community, known for its challenging terrain and the strong camaraderie among participants.
- Link: Unbound Gravel
Life Time Grand Prix Series
- Description: This series features six of the most prestigious off-road cycling events, combining both mountain biking and gravel disciplines. The series includes events like the Crusher in the Tushar, Big Sugar Classic, and the Chequamegon MTB Festival. The Grand Prix attracts elite cyclists competing for one of the largest prize purses in U.S. cycling.
- Link: Life Time Grand Prix Series
Tour of the Battenkill
- Description: Known as the “Queen of the Classics,” this challenging mixed-surface race takes place in Greenwich, New York. It’s renowned for its scenic yet demanding course through rural roads and offers a vibrant post-race celebration.
- Link: Tour of the Battenkill

Life Time Events continues to set the standard in endurance sports, offering world-class competitions that challenge athletes while fostering a sense of community and accomplishment. Whether you’re into trail running, mountain biking, or gravel racing, Life Time Events provides opportunities to push your limits in some of the most stunning landscapes across the U.S.