Specialized Gran Fondo
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Saturday April 17, 2010
Long Ride (100 miles)
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The famed "Monterey Loop" is at the very foundation of the Sea Otter Gran Fondo experience. Departing Laguna Seca Recreation Area the route travels through the coastal valleys of Salinas, California – home to some of the finest boutique vineyards in the region. Zabala's Vineyards hosts the very first lunch stop – expect some fabulous treats as a reward for your first 43 miles. After travelling through the flat 50 miles of the Salinas Valley, riders will begin their 10 mile ascent to Cahoon Summit – while not overly challenging – this climb will test your legs in the final 3 miles to the summit. At the top another rest stop awaits you… stocked with all the culinary treats you would expect in a Gran Fondo. At Mile 85, the final stop of the day is at the historic Los Laureles Lodge located in the quaint, beautiful Carmel Valley Village. Stock up for the final 10 miles back to the finish – the challenge of the Laureles Grade awaits you! The 3.5 mile grade will certainly challenge even the most seasoned century rider – but the reward is just around the corner – the finish at Laguna Seca.
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Medium Ride (45 Miles)
This version of the Gran Fondo will wind along the Pacific coast line through the scenic communities of Marina, Seaside, Monterey, and Pacific Grove. Enjoy breathtaking vistas – perhaps even a Sea Otter or two – as you travel along the coastline via the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail that begins in Marina and takes you to the famed Lighthouse Point in Pacific Grove. This route is out and back - turn around and head back to Laguna Seca. In Monterey, you will find your final Rest Stop at Roberts Lake. After leaving the rest stop you will have a short ride through the community of Del Rey Oaks before returning to the Laguna Sea Recreation Area via South Boundary Road.
Short Ride (28 Miles)
This version of the Gran Fondo shares the early part of the route with the “medium” distance - winding along the Pacific coast line through the scenic communities of Marina, and Seaside. Enjoy breathtaking vistas – perhaps even a Sea Otter or two – as you travel along the coastline via the Monterey Peninsula Recreation Trail that begins in Marina. At the Roberts lake rest stop the short route splits off from the medium route. After refueling at the well-appointed rest stop head through the community of Del Rey Oaks before returning to the Laguna Sea Recreation Area via South Boundary Road.
