Gravel
Life Time Grand Prix & Elite: Thursday, April 16, 2026
All Age Groups & Distances: Friday, April 17, 2026
Gravel Racing is big at Sea Otter: three distance options, endless views, and some big challenges, no matter your ability.
At the Gravel Race, you can take on a challenge that’s right for you with 30+ mile laps and 3,500 feet of climbing per lap.
There’s a race distance for all abilities and experience levels. The one lap option (approximately 30 miles) is perfect for those interested in checking out what gravel racing is all about! And the three lap option is a test of endurance and grit for seasoned gravel racers.
Plus, as a Friday morning race, there’s plenty of time to add another ride (or two!) to your Sea Otter itinerary!
Find full race fees, inclusions, and more below!
An Official UNBOUND Gravel Qualifier!
You now have the chance to earn your spot for the world’s premier cycling event, Life Time UNBOUND Gravel presented by Shimano, at Sea Otter Gravel.
Athletes must sign up for the 90 mile, 3 loop distance to have their chance to secure a spot.
At Sea Otter Gravel, at least 50 qualifying spots will be available. Half will go to the top riders in each category, while the other half will be awarded based on random draw of eligible participants. Winners will receive guaranteed entry to the subsequent Life Time UNBOUND Gravel, or one year after that.
2026 general registration is now open with Early Bird Pricing through December 1, 2025. Register here!
Onsite registration at the event starts on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at noon. Event registration closes at 6:00 p.m. the day prior to the scheduled event. If you have pre-registered, you can pick up your event number on event day – up to 60 minutes prior to event start time. NO RACE DAY REGISTRATION.
Registered athletes must pick up your race number in person (must have current, valid PHOTO ID). Pick up your race packet, complimentary 4-day Festival Pass, and purchase event merchandise at Athlete Registration.
Gravel Race Pricing
| Early Bird Pricing: through December 1, 2025 | December 2, 2025 - February 17, 2026 | February 18, 2026 - March 31, 2026 | After April 1, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| $150 | $160 | $180 | $205 |
Race Registration includes:
- Race course support: Feed Zone, medical support
- Complimentary parking
- (1) Complimentary 4-day Festival Pass (if you sign up for multiple events, you will still only receive 1 wristband for the weekend)
- Complimentary post-ride showers
- Secure bag drop
- Secure bike valet
- Post-race lunch and complimentary Sierra Nevada beer at the Casa Amigos Rider Lounge. Your lunch must be redeemed on the same day of your race/ride.
- Virtual Athlete Goodie Bag: special offers and discounts from our Sea Otter Classic partners
Medals awarded to the top three finishers in each category.
All athletes receive a complimentary post-race or ride meal at the Casa Amigos Rider Lounge.
You will receive a physical ticket at packet pick-up.
Meal tickets are valid for the same day as your race or ride.
Join Race Director, Jeff Frost, for these live course talks as he previews each race and ride, with plenty of time for questions.
2026 Course Talks dates coming soon!
TBD: Fuego XL/XC and Fuego SHORT – Course discussions, and Q & A
TBD: Carmelo/Pacifico/Robles/Family Off-Road Tour – Routes discussion and Q & A
TBD: Gravity Events: Downhill, Dual Slalom and Enduro – Course discussions, and Q & A
Course maps for Sea Otter 2026 will go live on March 1st, 2026!
Check out the 2025 course preview by our friends at Gravel Bike California!
Packet pick-up and registration is located at the Hospitality Pavilion. Please see the Festival Map here.
- Wednesday noon to 6 p.m.
- Thursday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Friday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Saturday 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday 6 a.m. to 11 a.m. (Pre-registered athlete packet pick-up only. No Registrations.)
Riders that have already registered online can pick-up their packets the same day as their race
Email seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com with any inquiries.
No refunds or transfers of race registration.
Athletes are allowed to defer entry into the following year. This requires payment of a deferral fee equal to 40% of the original paid entry fee. A race entry can only be deferred one time and only to the following year’s event. Deferrals must be completed no later than Sunday, April 6, 2025. Contact seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com for information.
If you choose to defer and you have purchased retail items during registration, please note the following. Retail purchases can be refunded if you selected to “Pickup” at the venue. Purchases completed as “Ship” cannot be refunded. Retail purchases will not carry over in a deferred entry.
All Sea Otter participants will be required to submit a release waiver and assumption of risk form. Save time in line by completing them in advance. All Sea Otter participants are required to wear an approved helmet- no exceptions. USA Cycling Helmet Policy
The Fort Ord National Monument is open to visitors during Sea Otter. Riders need to adhere to trail rules and passing speed limits when passing a rider going in the opposite direction. Passing speed limits during the tours (5 mph on single-track and 10 mph on roads) will be enforced.
