Please click on the topic you are interested in from the list below.

• Athlete
  Close 1. Where can I find info on your handcycling races?
  

  Refer to the Circuit page in the Road Races section of our Athlete Guide.  If you have questions, contact Jeff Frost, Sea Otter's Athlete Services Director:  frosty@seaotterclassic.com

  For more about handcycling, check out http://www.USHandcycling.org. The US Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Division includes a Paralympic Cycling Team, and US Handcycling—a 501(c)3 nonprofit formed in 1998—serves as a feeder system from which cyclists are selected to compete on that Paralympic team.  Handcyclists include Wounded Warrior amputees, young adults with spinal cord injuries—of which there are 12,000 annually, often between the ages of 18 and 28—and others with lower mobility impairments.  Some of these will be among the athletes seeking the serious competition found at the Sea Otter Classic.  

  
  
  2. If I am racing a MTB event, do I need a license?
  

   

  To participate in any of the mountain bike competitive events at the Sea Otter Classic as a CAT 1 (expert) you need a USA Cycling Annual Racing License. The pro category mountain bike events require you to have a UCI International license. All other race categories (CAT 2 - intermediate and CAT 3 - beginner) DO NOT require a USA Cycling racing license, but do require a special (FREE) permit to be signed at registration. All racers will be required to sign a waiver to race or ride.  Any license information can be found at www.usacycling.org

  
   

  
  
  3. If I am racing a road event, do I need a license?
  

   

   

  To participate in any of the road bike competitive events at the Sea Otter Classic as a CAT 1/2/3 you will need an annual racing license issued by USA Cycling. Please visit www.usacycling.org to purchase a 2013 Annual License.

  To participate in any of the road bike competitive events at Sea Otter Classic as a beginner (CAT 5 for men and CAT 4 for women), you will be required during on-site during packet pick-up to purchase an event race permit for $10 (if you do not have a valid 2013 Annual racing License from USA Cycling).

   

  
  
  4. If I'm riding a Gran Fondo, do I need a license?
  

   

  No, to participate in any either of the Gran Fondo events, the Giro d'Italia Gran Fondo or Specialized MTB Gran Fondo, you do NOT need a racing license. All Gran Fondo participants are required to sign a waiver on-site at registration.

  
  
  5. Do I need to be an experienced rider?
  

  No, mountain bikers start out as a Category 2 (intermediate) or Category 3 (beginner), and roadies start out as a Category 4 or 5 and they work their way up. We have riders as young as three years old, and we have some revered elder cyclists who prefer not to state their age! And in all age categories, there are varying degrees of ability. The only real requirement is that the rider be able to control their bike.
   

  
  
  6. Do I need to qualify to race Sea Otter?
  

   

  You do not need to qualify to race the competitive events in road or mountain bike. There are some USA Cycling license restrictions for certain categories of racing.

  
  
  7. How do I register by mail?
  

  Sorry, no mailed, faxed, or phoned registrations will be accepted. This is true for all athletes--competitive racers and recreational/Gran Fondo riders.

  Advance registrations are accepted online only, through Sunday, April 14, 11:59 p.m. (PST). See the "Register for Races or Recreational Rides" page of our website.

  On-site registration begins at noon on April 17, 2013. 

  Entries are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. 

  Please also see important registration details for each event in the “Athlete Guide” section of our website.

  
  
  8. How early can I register for an event?
  

  Online registration opens November 1, 2013 at 9 a.m. (PST).  On-site registration begins Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at noon.

  
  
  9. Will I receive any athlete registration material in the mail?
  

  No, you will receive your confirmation via email from our online registration provider Active.com. Be sure to check your spam/junk mail box as well as your inbox.

  
  
  10. On what date do registration fees increase?
  

  All entries will increase by $20 effective March 25, 2013. 2013 Entry fees are posted online in the Athlete Guide section.

  
  
  11. How do I view the course maps?
  

  In cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), course maps for the Sea Otter Classic mountain bike and road race events will not be available until March 15, 2013. This provides the BLM, and the event, sufficient time to evaluate road and trail conditions during the winter months. Our objective is to design routes that are competitive, safe, and environmentally sensitive.

  Maps will be posted in the "Athlete Guide" section of the Sea Otter website:  Course Maps.

  
   

  
  
  12. What about safety gear for mountain bike events?
  

  Those racing the mountain bike gravity events should wear clothing designed for gravity racing, including but not limited to closed-toe soft-sole shoes (no sandals or dress shoes), and a helmet (a full-face helmet is required by USA Cycling rules for Downhill events.) Gloves are highly recommended, though not required. Elbow and kneepads are also recommended.

  
  
  13. What are the start times?
  

  Go to the "Event Schedules" page in the “Schedules and Hours” section of our website.  Refer to the appropriate subpage there, where you may download your event schedule.
   

  
  
  14. How do I get to the start line?
  

  Learn what your start, and finish, locations are by reading your event’s individual webpage, which is found in the “Athlete Guide" section of our website. 

  Next, check out the Festival Map under the “Festival Guide” section of our website to locate your start and finish locations. If you have any questions, email Jeff Frost, Athlete Services Director: frosty@seaotterclassic.com

  
  
  15. What should I be careful about when pre-riding and riding the cross-country courses?
  

  Refer to the Course Maps (2013 course maps will be posted no later than March 1, 2013) in the “Athlete Guide” section of our website.

  When inspecting courses for competitive events, please share the trail and yield to other users. Please also respect the land and stay on the trail when you train for and compete in the Sea Otter Classic.  To preserve these trails at Fort Ord National Monument for future riders, please:

  • Ride only on marked trails;
  • Do not ride or brake on open terrain;
  • Do not cut across switchbacks;
  • And do not use trails when they are wet or muddy.

  To learn more about these spectacular lands, contact the BLM at (831) 394-8314 or visit www.blm.us.gov.

  
  
  16. I'm new, and I have questions. Who ya gonna call?
  

   

  No worries! If you have any questions, email Jeff Frost, Athlete Services Director, frosty@seaotterclassic.com; or call the SOC Hotline, (800) 218-8411 or (831) 373-2331.

  
  
  17. How can I see who is racing in my event?
  

   

  Go to the Registered Rider Search in the Athlete Guide section of our website. That will land you on the Participant Search form, where you can search for athletes registered for the Gran Fondo recreational rides and those registered for the mountain bike and road bike races.

  
  
  18. What are registration, and packet pick-up, hours?
  

  Athlete registration hours for competitive events and recreational rides are posted on the "Athlete Registration Hours" page in the “Schedules and Hours” section of our website. As indicated there, it's also necessary to check your individual event's page for registration cut-off times.

  Hours for packet pick-up vary, and they are posted on the individual event pages.

  
  
  19. How long will it take to get to packet pick-up?
  

  Packet pick-up is in the Athlete Registration building, Red Bull Energy Center, Laguna Seca Recreation Area.

  Your Sea Otter experience will be much more enjoyable if you arrive early. Check out the Festival Map before even entering Laguna Seca and allow up to thirty minutes to get in off the highway, park your vehicle, and bike/walk to Athlete Registration. 

  Even for those with a specifically designated parking pass, it could still take up to thirty minutes to get from a parked vehicle to packet pick up.

  
  
  20. How long should I allow to get from my car to the start line?
  

  If you have your packet, and you are riding your bike from any Sea Otter vehicle parking area to any start line, it is not necessary to allow any more than ten minutes. This is true even if your vehicle is not parked in an area requiring a specifically designated parking pass.

  
  
  21. How can I view my results?
  

  Please refer to "Race Results" in the Athlete Guide section of our website. FINAL Race results are posted by midnight of race day.

  
  
  22. I won an award and I was not able to make the awards ceremony. How do I collect my awards?
  

  As stated on the individual webpages specific to each event (found in the “Athlete Guide” section of our website): Athletes must be in attendance at the Awards Ceremony to receive their prizes. Awards (including professional prize money) will not be mailed. Sorry, no exceptions.

  
  
  

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• Camping
  Close 1. Are there any camping sites available?
  

  There is limited camping available at Laguna Seca Recreation Area. You may reserve a campsite online 24/7. Please see our website's  "How to Make a Campsite Reservation" page.

  
  
  2. Can I rent an RV for Sea Otter camping?
  

  Visit “RV Rentals” on our website. Family RV makes renting simple and easy and you can even have the RV delivered to your Sea Otter Classic campsite! Alternately, you may pick up the RV in San Jose. For complete details, go towww.familyrv.com or contact Subrina Lara by email at subrina@familyrv.com or by phone, (408) 365-1991.

  
  
  3. When can I reserve a campsite?
  

  Online registration—including reserving a campsite—opens on November 1, 2012 at 9 am for the 2013 Volkswagen Sea Otter Classic. Reserve here.

  
  
  4. How do I reserve a campsite?
  

  Follow the steps outlined on our "How to Make a Campsite Reservation" page.  If you have questions, contact:

  Julie Burbank, Lodging Services Coordinator

  For all of your SOC camping and hotel stay needs

  Email: julie@seaotterclassic.com

  SOC Hotline: (800) 218-8411, extension 2; or (831) 373-2331.

  
  
  5. Will I receive a confirmation in the mail?
  

  No, you will receive your camping confirmation via email.

  
  
  6. What is the cancellation policy?
  

  For all cancellations received on or before Sunday, March 17, 2013, there will be a $50 administrative cancellation fee per campsite. No refunds—medical or otherwise—will be issued after this date.

  
  
  7. Who do I ask if I have questions about camping?
  

  For camping questions, please contact Julie Burbank via: camping@seaotterclassic.com. Email is the preferred method of communication about camping. Alternately, you may phone the Sea Otter Hotline (800) 218-8411, extension 2; or phone (831) 373-2331.

  
  
  

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• Expo
  Close 1. How many parking passes will the teams and exhibitors receive?
  

  Team/Tech Support registrants receive four parking passes while exhibitors receive two parking passes for the event parking area. This is in the Turn 5 dirt parking lot across the Sea Otter Classic Bridge. When this lot fills up overflow parking may be found in the main paddock. It is a short walk from both of these parking lots to the Expo.

  
  
  2. What are the hours of the Expo?
  

  The Expo opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. each day except Sunday. The closing time on Sunday is 4 p.m., allowing those travelling a chance to get on the road.

  Please have all unloading completed before 9 a.m., as all vehicles must be moved from the Expo area by 9.

  
  
  3. Do you provide security in the Expo area?
  

  On Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 18-21, 2013, we have on-site security overnight, from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. of the following day.

  On Sunday, April 22, we provide on-site security until the event closes. 

  We do not recommend leaving any unattended merchandise in any team/tech or exhibit areas during the event.

  
  
  4. Do you provide canopy support if it gets windy?
  

  We usually have a generous supply of sand bags available for exhibitors and team support/tech support. However, it’s a good idea to bring your own tie-strap materials.

  
  
  

  Close
• General information
  Close 1. Is Sea Otter on Twitter? Other social media?
  

  You bet…and tell your friends! They'll likely appreciate your tip, especially if they win some of the cool swag we sometimes give away via Twitter, and Facebook. 

  Follow us on Twitter @seaotterclassic (http://www.Twitter.com/SeaOtterClassic).   For Facebook, click here. 

  You can also catch us on YouTube.

  
  
  2. Where do the race events take place?
  

  Here’s an overview. If you are a registered athlete, please also refer to pages for individual race events for the most accurate, specific location information. If you are a spectator, please respect any guidelines provided on-site as to appropriate viewing points; safety first!

  Mountain Bike Races 

  • Cross Country (XC) - is on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) property,  Fort Ord National Monument. XC starts on the racetrack at Laguna Seca and finishes on the racetrack or on the Swale at Laguna Seca.
  • Downhill (DH) - is on Laguna Seca property and runs parallel to B Road. Finishes at the bottom of B Road below the Gun Range.
  • Dual Slalom (DS) - is on the Swale at Laguna Seca.
  • Short Track (STXC) - is on the Swale at Laguna Seca.

   Road Bike Races

  • Circuit – takes place on the racetrack at Laguna Seca. 
  • Criterium – takes place on the racetrack at Laguna Seca. 
  • Road – takes place mostly outside Laguna Seca (i.e., on Bureau of Land Management/BLM property).  Starts on the racetrack at Laguna Seca and finishes on Barloy Canyon Road.
  • Pro Road Stage – takes place outside of Laguna Seca (i.e., on Bureau of Land Management/BLM property). The stages are:Stage 1 - Criterium, on the racetrack at Laguna Seca; Stage 2 - Road, mostly off Laguna Seca (i.e., BLM property), starting on the racetrack at Laguna Seca and finishing on Barloy Canyon Road; Stage 3 - Time Trial, starts on track at Laguna Seca, ends on Barloy Canyon Road; and Stage 4 - Circuit, on the racetrack at Laguna Seca.

  Cyclocross Races: takes place at Laguna Seca.

  • Refer to the Cyclocross webpage for information.

  
  
  3. I heard there was a day camp at Sea Otter.
  

  What you've heard about is Little Bellas day camp at Sea Otter, a one- to three-day camp for girls ages 8-14. The camp is run by professional mountain bikers and sisters Lea and Sabra Davison.  This is Little Bellas third year at Sea Otter, and we're excited to have them back.

  And don't forget Sea Otter's many special Activities for Kids! These activities are for boys and girls ages 8-12 and under, and they’re free.

  
  
  4. Is there any bicycle valet parking?
  

  Yes! Please refer to "Bicycle Parking" on our Parking page for bike valet location, days, and hours.

  
  
  5. What are the festival hours?
  

  Festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, April 21, 2013.

  These hours include the Expo with one exception:  on Sunday, the Expo closes at 4 p.m. 

  
  
  6. Festival? I thought Sea Otter was about racing!
  

  The Sea Otter Classic is "A Celebration of Cycling"! It’s a festival for anybody who enjoys or appreciates the bicycle, for any reason. 

  That even includes a tot on a trike who’s only looking forward to a bike! This is a festival for tweens, teens, and twenty-somethings. It’s for Gen-Xers and Boomers and the Greatest Generation. 

  Whether a cyclist or a spectator, folks of all ages can share in the excitement and camaraderie of the Sea Otter Classic. If you love the idea of being part of a cool scene with active people who all share a passion for bicycles—people who are all a part of the cycling community—come! 

  Sea Otter is for road and mountain bikers. It’s for commuter bikers and recreational cyclists, and, yes, the Sea Otter Classic definitely draws the very best racers—both amateurs and pros!

  
  
  7. What's the cost of a Festival Pass? Any discounts?
  

  Please refer to the “Festival Pass Sales” page in the “Festival Guide” section of our website.  There you'll also find info on free and discounted passes.

  
  
  8. Any activities for kids? What's it gonna cost me?
  

  Yes, this is a family event, with lots of special activities for boys and girls ages twelve and under.  Please refer to our “Activities for Kids” page in the “Festival Guide” section of our website. And better yet, those kids' activities are free. 

  You'll be happy to know that all children ages twelve and under also get a free Festival Pass.

  An option for girls ages eight to twelve, the Little Bellas Day Camp, has a registration fee.

  
  
  9. Where's the schedule for all four days?
  

  Click here for the detailed four-day event schedule, which is found in the "Schedules and Hours” section of our website.

  
  
  10. Any special perks for carpoolers?
  

  Yes! Please refer to our "Ditch the Car" webpage for specific tips on:

  Biking: Some SOC attendees bike all or part-way to Laguna Seca. Our "Ditch the Car" page includes bike route suggestions, where to park your bike at SOC, links to local bike rentals, and links to other local biking resources.

  Riding the local bus:  Some SOC attendees make use of the Monterey-Salinas Transit Service ("The Bus"). Our "Ditch the Car" page includes bus schedule info for reaching Laguna Seca (limited days and times).

  Bike-and-ride: As suggested on our "Ditch the Car" page, if you can't bike all the way, or take the bus all the way, consider doing the bike-and-ride. For example, make use of bike racks on personal vehicles or on MST buses to bike part-way and ride part-way.

  Lots of tips on taking your bike on an MST bus, along with info on some additional bike-and-ride options, are found in the bike-and-ride section of the BicyclingMonterey.com website (an info resource for visiting and local cyclists).

  We encourage you to consider these and other alternatives to the car whenever feasible.  

  
  
  11. Any transportation choices besides driving there?
  

  Yes!  Please refer to our "Ditch the Car" webpage for specific tips on:

  Biking:  Some SOC attendees bike all or part-way to Laguna Seca.  Our "Ditch the Car" page includes bike route suggestions, where to park your bike at SOC, links to local bike rentals, and links to other local biking resources.

  Riding the local bus:  Some SOC attendees make use of the Monterey-Salinas Transit Service ("The Bus").  Our "Ditch the Car" page includes bus schedule info for reaching Laguna Seca (limited days and times).

  Bike-and-ride:  As suggested on our "Ditch the Car" page, if you can't bike all the way, or take the bus all the way, consider doing the bike-and-ride.   For example, make use of bike racks on personal vehicles or on MST buses to bike part-way and ride part-way.

  Lots of tips on taking your bike on an MST bus, along with info on some additional bike-and-ride options, are found in the bike-and-ride section of the BicyclingMonterey.com website (an info resource for visiting and local cyclists).

  We encourage you to consider these and other alternatives to the car whenever feasible.  

  
  
  12. What's traffic like going into Laguna Seca?
  

  Traffic tends to be a little slow, especially on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. To be sure you reach your specific Sea Otter destination by the desired time:

  • If traveling by motor vehicle, allow yourself an extra thirty minutes to get through traffic, beyond your normal driving time.   
  • If traveling by bicycle, you can zip past most traffic jams! Check out the biking tips (as well as tips on using the local bus system) on our "Ditch the Car" page.

  Whether arriving by motor vehicle or bicycle, refer to our “Directions” and “Parking” pages under the “General Information” section of our website.

  
  
  13. How do I enter Laguna Seca Recreation Area?
  

  Please refer to our “Directions” page.  Related tips are on the “Parking” page.  Both are in the “General Information” section of our website.

  
  
  14. How much does it cost to park?
  

  Parking is free all week. Please read the “Parking” details under the “General Information” section of our website.

  
  
  15. Will there be ATMs on-site?
  

  Yes, there will be ATMs throughout the venue. Their locations are marked on the Festival Map.

  
  
  16. Will there be official Sea Otter Classic merchandise for sale on-site?
  

  Yes, we will have event merchandise available at the official merch booth. Look for "Event Merchandise" on the "Festival Map."

  
  
  17. I pre-ordered merchandise, where do I pick up my stuff?
  

  Please pick up your preordered merchandise in the Athlete Registration building, also known as the Trackview Pavilion/Red Bull Energy Center. Look for "Athlete Registration" on the Festival Map.

  
  
  18. What type of food is offered at the event?
  

  There are plenty of yummy foods available for purchase at Sea Otter, along with refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Food choices range from fresh salads made from Monterey County produce to other vegetarian options to chicken, traditional American hot dogs, and barbecued meats. Refer to the “Food Court” and “Sierra Nevada Beer and BBQ Garden” pages, found in the “Festival Guide” section of our website.

  Outside of event hours, when you’re off-site, you’ll find food choices ranging from farmers markets to fine dining. 

  Are you bringing or renting a bicycle? On Sea Otter's Opening Day (as on Thursdays year-round), males and females who bike can get discounts from elegant and casual restaurants, coffeeshops, wine rooms, and more. (Discounts are also provided on lodging, educational attractions, entertainment, and related places.) How? Through the HER Helmet Thursdays project at BicyclingMonterey.com.

  Additional food and beverage suggestions are available in the “Food & Wine” section of the SeeMonterey.com website, provided by the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

  
  
  19. What are my options for lodging?
  

  Camping right at Laguna Seca is a fun way to experience the Sea Otter Classic! For information, see “Camping” page under the “Where to Stay” section of our website. 

  For hotels and other lodging, check out our list of preferred hotels. These provide special discounted rates to Sea Otter Classic visitors. Please refer to the “Lodging” page under the “Where to Stay” section of our website. 

  Camping outside of Laguna Seca? You may wish to refer to the “Campgrounds and RV Parks” section of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau/See Monterey website: SeeMonterey.com. Camping info is also found at BicyclingMonterey.com.

  More hotel/lodging options: If you’re bringing a bicycle, or renting one in Monterey County, you can get a discount on your Thursday night stay (Sea Otter's Opening Day--as on Thursdays year-round) from lodging providers in the HER Helmet Thursdays project. See "How to get a lodging discount" at BicyclingMonterey.com.  

  Still more lodging options are provided in the “Where to Stay” section of the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau website, SeeMonterey.com. 

  
  
  20. What are the hours of camping check-in?
  

  The camping check-in hours are posted in the “Schedules and Hours” section of our website

  
  
  21. Are dogs allowed at the Sea Otter Classic?
  

  Please see "Dog Policy" in the "General Info" section of our website.  The Dog Policy will be strictly enforced.

  Dogs are only allowed in campsites, with restrictions.  If you will be camping at Laguna Seca and want to bring your dog, please carefully review "Dogs at Campsites--Rules and Regulations" in the "Where to Stay"--"Camping" section.

  
  
  22. What will the weather be like?
  

  April in Monterey is typically a lovely month. The mornings and evening are often brisk, and the afternoons tend to be sunny. Laguna Seca is far enough inland that fog is not usually a part of most Sea Otter events.

  While Laguna Seca is less likely to experience fog, other parts of the county sometimes will. It’s most common to find the fog in Big Sur, Carmel, Marina, Pacific Grove, and Pebble Beach. Monterey and Seaside usually experience less fog. 

  Inland locations, such as Carmel Valley and Salinas, typically get the most sunshine.

  Check the local weather by visiting the “Weather” page linked from the “General Information” section of our website.

  
  
  23. What type of clothing should I bring?
  

  In Monterey County, at every time of year, it’s smart to dress in layers. Why? If you travel around the county, you’ll find many different microclimates.  Beyond that, from the time you wake up until the time you go to sleep, you may experience weather changes repeatedly throughout the day. 

  A Monterey County day may include chilly morning fog, warm temps after the fog burns off, then cool temps again when fog rolls back in.  And that pattern isn’t necessarily predictable!  It’s not even uncommon to have 90-degree days in December (our winter) or cold days in July. 

  Although April weather here is usually quite pleasant, although weather is unpredictable. Anticipate a great day that may include a variety of temps—dress in layers!

  Packing a rain jacket is a good idea. While winter months usually bring the most rain, it is possible to experience April showers. 

  
  
  24. I lost something! Where's Lost and Found?
  

  Please refer to the “Lost and Found” page under the “General Information” section of our website.

  
  
  25. How do I sign up as a volunteer?
  

  Thank you for asking!  Please contact Donna Brown regarding volunteer opportunities.  Donna may be reached via email at:  donna@seaotterclassic.com. 

  You may also wish to refer to the “Volunteers” page under the “General Info” section of our website.

  
  
  26. How can I contact a Sea Otter staff member?
  

  We’d be happy to hear from you! Contact us, by email or phone, with questions or comments.

  Our Contact Us section lists staff members, along with outlining some of the many things they are available to help with.  

  
  
  

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