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046-074 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 10/23/13 5:40 PM Page 4 SHORTCUTS EVENT Photo: DMT Imaging Cycling at Twilight at Laguna Seca The world-famous Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca is the host to events like the Red Bull US Grand Prix featuring the MotoGP World Championship. Lesser-known activities include Twilight Cycling, which permits the average person the opportunity to ride on the challenging track. F ast cars made Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca famous—but once a month, the hottest wheels on the track belong to bicyclists. as Los Angeles and Dubai. "We had a lady from San Jose who came down for about six months During the track's popular Twilight Cycling events, participants bring in a row, and she rode a unicycle," says Ann Bixler, vice president of event turns, a 300-foot climb and an optional 5 1/2-story downhill run on the on these tiny little trikes and they just pedal their little feet off." their bikes to the 2.238-mile course for a fun ride that includes 11 track's legendary corkscrew. Suffolk-SunPower Racing cyclist Robert Orcutt, who also races cars and works as a pace car driver at Laguna Seca, first suggested opening operations at Laguna Seca. "Other times, there are these little bitty girls At 40 feet wide, the track comfortably accommodates both riders focused on race training and those there for family activities. "The true cyclists realize they can come out and train safely. From the the track to bike teams in 2009. He saw an opportunity to give com- recreational riders, I hear how the views are amazing and it's so peaceful to all the raceway has to offer. Since then, local cycling clubs have spon- really fit well together in a place like this racetrack." petitors a safe place to train while also introducing community members sored the monthly gatherings as fundraisers, arranging gear giveaways, barbecue dinners, costume contests and other off-track events in conjunction with the rides. Each two-hour event draws participants of all ages, including the likes of "Grey's Anatomy" star Patrick Dempsey and riders from as far away 50 C ARMEL M AG A Z I N E • H O L I D AY 2013 and it's a great surface," says Orcutt. "The racers and recreational riders The remaining 2013 Twilight Cycling events take place on November 13 and December 11; a 2014 schedule will be released later this year. Entrance is $10 and riders must wear a helmet. For more information, visit www.mazdaraceway.com/twilight-cycling. —Renee Brincks