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: 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 |
At Life Time, we’re committed to elevating the competition experience for our top athletes while maintaining the fairness, integrity, and community spirit that make off-road racing special.
For 2026, we’ve enhanced our Elite program to ensure a more professional, transparent, and competitive environment for all athletes racing in the Elite field. With increased prize purses and continued alignment with the Life Time Grand Prix, we’re also implementing a vetting process to help maintain fair competition and protect the integrity of the race.
All athletes wishing to compete in the Elite field must complete the Elite Application (see below). This process helps verify that each athlete meets the required performance standards, understands event policies, and contributes to the positive, respectful race culture we value.
Approved athletes will receive a confirmation “pass” verifying their vetted Elite status. This pass confirms eligibility to register and compete in the Elite category but does not guarantee entry into any specific event.
APPLY HERE ELITE SELECTION CRITERIA
If you have any questions, please reach out to lifetimeelite@lifetime.life
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.
Get a head start on training now – official virtual cycling platform, ROUVY.
You can now ride official courses from home, including the Gravel Race, Circuit Race, and Gran Fondo Carmelo. Experience these legendary routes with real-video realism. Start today with a free 7-day trial here.
All athletes receive a complimentary post-race or ride meal at the Casa Amigos Athlete 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
Awards go 3 deep in the below categories:
Sea Otter Gravel Race 90 |
Sea Otter Gravel Race 60 |
| Men’s Gravel 90 Categories | Men’s Gravel 60 Categories |
| Elite Men | 15-16 Men |
| 15-16 Men | 17-18 Men |
| 17-18 Men | 19-29 Men |
| 19-29 Men | 30-39 Men |
| 30-39 Men | 40-49 Men |
| 40-49 Men | 50-59 Men |
| 50-59 Men | 60-69 Men |
| 60-69 Men | 70+ Men |
| 70+ Men | Para Male |
| Para Male | |
| Womens Gravel 90 Categories | Womens Gravel 60 Categories |
| Elite Women | 15-16 Women |
| 15-16 Women | 17-18 Women |
| 17-18 Women | 19-29 Women |
| 19-29 Women | 30-39 Women |
| 30-39 Women | 40-49 Women |
| 40-49 Women | 50-59 Women |
| 50-59 Women | 60-69 Women |
| 60-69 Women | 70+ Women |
| 70+ Women | Para Female |
| Para Female | Non-Binary |
| Non-Binary |
Sea Otter Gravel Race 30 |
| Mens Gravel 30 Categories |
| Men |
| Para Male |
| Non-Binary |
| Womens Gravel 30 Categories |
| Women |
| Para Female |
If you would like to chance categories, please email seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com with any inquiries.
No Refunds
All fees are non-refundable and registrations are not transferable.
Deferral
Receive a guaranteed spot into the following year’s race. Athlete will pay 50% of the entry fee and complete a new registration for the following year’s race. Original entry fees will not be refunded.
Important Notables
Deferrals are only valid for the following year in the same event, space permitting.
Active duty and military personnel deployed or recalled may be refunded or deferred at no cost with proof of orders.
Pregnant Women and Postpartum mothers may be refunded or deferred at no cost with an authorized medical note.
Deferral and Transfer redemption deadlines apply.
No refunds or changes permitted on transactions over 365 days.
No refunds on add-on items, merchandise or donations; all purchases are final.
Life Time reserves the right, in its sole and complete discretion, to deny entry, to revoke the entry application of any applicant at any time, and/or to disqualify any individual from the Event. Those who violate our registration/racing policy may be disqualified and potentially banned from participating in this and/or any other Life Time Event.
Contact seaotter@ltevents.zendesk.com for information.
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.
