The Sea Otter Classic is a four-day cycling festival in Monterey. Its Gran Fondo Carmelo, a 90-mile ride that starts and ends at Laguna Seca, is on Saturday, April 17, 2027.
94 miles with 6,100 feet of climbing
Route Profile
Sea Otter Classic • Climbs
Sea Otter Classic • Description
Started in 1990, the Sea Otter Classic is a multi-day celebration of cycling, attracting racers, riders, families, and friends. The event includes multiple mountain and road bike races as well as recreational rides. The gran fondo starts on Laguna Seca Raceway and follows the Monterey Loop through the coastal valleys.
Initially the ride leads northeast on Barloy Canyon Road, before heading southeast through an agricultural area (Reservation Road, River Road, and Fort Romie Road). After Zabala's Vineyards the ride leads southwest on Arroyo Seco Road and then northwest on Carmel Valley Road.
Around mile 50 the route gradually ascends to Cahoon Summit, the last few miles being timed. The route then descends to Carmel Valley Village, where it turns north on Laureles Grade, a three-mile steep climb, followed by B Road, a one-mile even steeper climb.
Sea Otter Classic • Interactive Map
Sea Otter Classic • Pictures
Sea Otter Classic
By: Bernd Straehle
See Also: Gran Fondos & Centuries