Set inside the vast Life Time Sea Otter Classic festival at Laguna Seca, the gravel race has quickly become one of the West Coast’s must‑ride off‑road events. With three lap-based distances on the punchy trails of Fort Ord National Monument, it’s as much about handling and pacing as it is about raw power. Expect big crowds, a stacked pro field and a genuine “A‑race” feel wrapped in a four-day cycling celebration.
Route overview
The gravel race is built around a ~30-mile loop starting and finishing on the famed Laguna Seca motor-racing circuit. Riders choose from roughly:
- 30 miles (1 lap, ~3,500 ft / ~1,070 m climbing) – a serious challenge for intermediate riders.
- 60 miles (2 laps, ~7,000 ft / ~2,140 m) – popular with strong amateurs.
- 90 miles (3 laps, ~10,500 ft / ~3,200 m) – the domain of elites and hardened endurance racers.
The course is about 70% dirt, 30% tarmac: wide fire road, sandy double-track, loose and occasionally technical singletrack, and the smooth asphalt of the race circuit.
A typical lap packs in around 13 miles of climbing and 16 miles of descending, with almost no true flat – think relentless rollers rather than alpine passes.
Key challenges and race-defining sectors
- Laguna Seca start/finish – You roll out on the circuit, immediately hitting short 3–4 minute climbs that kick to around 12%. It’s fast, nervous and sets the tone for the day.
- Early singletrack bottleneck – A narrow section shortly after leaving the track can stall momentum. If you’re racing, position matters here; if you’re riding for experience, stay calm and ride your own tempo.
- Sand and “gravel pits” – Patches of deep sand and loose over hard-pack reward riders with good line choice and low tyre pressures. Lose focus and you burn matches chasing back.
- Lookout Ridge – A late-lap sting where the front groups often split. On the longer distances, this is where patience pays off against riders who overcook the early climbs.
- Final steep kicker – A short, technical singletrack ramp averaging roughly 15% close to the line. Cramps and poor gearing are exposed here.
Overall difficulty is comparable in intensity to events like Crusher in the Tushar – not as long as Unbound, but sharper, more explosive and with less respite.
Pacing, kit and nutrition
Pacing:
- Ride lap one at what feels almost too easy; most blow-ups happen midway through lap two.
- Treat every climb as tempo or sweet spot, not VO2 max – there are dozens of them.
Bike & gearing:
- Gravel bike with a wide-range drivetrain (e.g. 48/31 or 42t with 10–42 or 10–44 cassette).
- Tyres 40–42 mm, tubeless, file tread or semi-slick with decent side knobs.
- Start around 28–35 psi (tubeless) depending on weight and confidence; err slightly lower for grip in sand.
Clothing:
- Cool, damp mornings, hot inland afternoons – a gilet and arm warmers you can stash later work well.
Fuel & hydration:
- Plan 60–90 g of carbohydrate per hour from bottles, gels and bars.
- With limited shade and punchy efforts, aim for 500–750 ml of fluid per hour, more if it’s hot.
Logistics, support and atmosphere
Riders roll out in waves, with age-group fields typically starting earlier in the morning and elite categories mid-morning to spread traffic on course.
There are usually two on-course feed zones per lap plus the start/finish, stocked with water, basic nutrition, toilets and first aid. The main paddock at Laguna Seca is the only place where outside mechanical support is allowed, so carry a robust spares kit.
Travel is straightforward: Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is about 10–15 minutes from the venue, with San Jose (SJC) and San Francisco (SFO) viable for international arrivals. Riders can stay in town hotels on Cannery Row or downtown, or immerse themselves fully by camping above the circuit at Laguna Seca – a classic Sea Otter experience.
Post-race, the vast expo, beer garden and food trucks keep the atmosphere buzzing well into the afternoon. Add in recovery spins along the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail or 17‑Mile Drive and you have a race weekend that blends serious gravel with a true festival feel.
Cover image credit: Life Time / Sea Otter Classic
