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Special Guests Ned Overend and Rebecca Rusch Ride the MTB Tour
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Ever wish you could ride with the pros, but simply don’t have the time or motivation to train yourself into a world class athlete?
Well, two Specialized-sponsored events at the 2010 edition of the Sea Otter Classic are giving you the opportunity to ride along side some of the best riders in the world while taking in the breathtaking scenery and surrounding Monterey, California – and not have to worry about being lapped or out-classed - These rides are all about the fun.
The Specialized Gran Fondo, presented by Bicycling Magazine and the Specialized Mountain Bike Tour, presented by Mountain Bike Magazine, each offer a wide range of riders the opportunity to ride in a non-competitive environment without the added pressure of pre-race preparation or target heart rates, and just enjoy a good time with other riders.
Specialized Gran Fondo
In Italy, Gran Fondo means Mass Endurance – it is also the name given to a style if ride that is sweeping the international riding community, including its burgeoning popularity on American soil. In short, a Gran Fondo is a cycling event - not a race - and welcomes riders of all capabilities.
While you’re out on the course, keep your eyes peeled for Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan and numerous Specialized-supported athletes from both amateur and Pro ranks.
This year’s Sea Otter Gran Fondo offers riders 3 different routes, depending on how much of a challenge they are up for. The 100 mile course will take riders on the fames Monterey Loop, a fixture in Sea Otter history.
The ride will depart from the Laguna Seca Recreation Area and wind its way through the coastal valley vineyards of Salinas for the first 43 miles. Climbing out from the valley is the 10 mile ascent to Cahoon Summit – enough of a climb to feel a sense of accomplishment, but it won’t break you.
Heading toward mile 85 – the last stop of the tour at the historic Los Laureles Lodge in Carmel Valley Village, you may want prepare yourself for the for the 3.5 mile Laureles Grade – a climb that is said to challenge even the most seasoned century rider.
For those not looking for a full 100 miles, there are also 50 and 30 mile routes the follow Monterey Bay’s shoreline and offers some of the greatest scenery available anywhere in the world.
The one difference between the Specialized Gran Fondo and a regular Century or charity ride, however, is that each course challenges riders to one key climb during which they will be timed – pitting you against the elements and the clock. Those on the 100 mile loop will be challenged climbing the Cahoon Summit while those participating in the shorter loops will be timed climbing back in to the Laguna Seca Recreation Area via South Boundary road.
Specialized Mountain Bike Tour
It’s not often that mountain bikers get to hob-knob with two riders that represent the best the sport has ever seen, but this year riders can join Ned Overend and Rebecca Rusch on the Specialized Mountain Bike Tour.
On Saturday, April 17, entrants will be treated to a ride on the trails of the BLM Fort Ord Public lands with legendary Mountain Bike World Champion Ned Overend and World 24-hour Champion Rebecca Rusch. Depending on the rider, there are both 10 and 20 mile loops that combine singletrack and fire road trails, followed by lunch at the Sea Otter Festival.
Half way through each ride, there will also be a rest stop/feed station stocked with Clif Bars, Clif Shots, Cytomax and bananas to help with that extra final push to the end.
It’s kind of funny, actually. At past events, if you were on the starting line, and you saw Ned or Rebecca show up, you immediately knew that you were in for a world of hurt if you wanted any chance of keeping up. At the Specialized Mountain Bike Tour, you have the chance to ride alongside, take the time to see the sites, smile and revel at the fact that you’re actually riding with world champions.
Registrations and schedules are available at http://www.active.com/cycling/monterey-ca/sea-otter-classic-gran-fondo-and-offroad-tours-2010 and http://www.active.com/cycling/monterey-ca/sea-otter-classic-gran-fondo-and-offroad-tours-2010
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