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This year, the Sea Otter Classic cycling event takes place April 16-19 and celebrates 30 years at the Laguna Seca Recreational Area in Monterey. 56 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 0 T hirty years ago, Frank Yohannan and Lou Rudolph organized an event that brought 350 cyclists to Laguna Seca Recreation Area. In April, an estimated 9,000 professional and amateur cyclists will participate in their Sea Otter Classic. "The event started as a weekend mountain bike race. Over the years, we added road bike, dual slalom, enduro, downhill, cyclocross, BMX and now electric bike events," says Yohannan. "We serve as a model for other communi- ty-based cycling events around the world— including Sea Otter Europe, Sea Otter Canada, and Sea Otter Australia." The 30th presentation also features circuit events, two gran fondo routes and a gravel grinder tour at Fort Ord National Monument. Warren Miller Entertainment will premiere a mountain biking film, and major brands will unveil new products at a weekend expo. Since 2013, the Sea Otter Classic Foundation has donated more than $400,000 to school, military and civic groups that volunteer during race events. Yohannan is proud of the impact, and of the festival's family friendly aspects. "Hundreds of children have made their first pedal at Sea Otter. It's a healthy activity that can be enjoyed as a family and for a lifetime," he says. The Sea Otter Classic presented by Continental takes place April 16 to 19. For schedules and tick- ets, please visit www.seaotterclassic.com. Sea Otter Classic Gear s Up for Its 30th Anniver sar y B Y R E N E E B R I N C K S SHORTCUTS EVENTS Photo: Courtesy of Sea Otter Classic