Sea Otter 2009 Opens Registration
MONTEREY, Calif. (derailedonline.com) - Cycling enthusiasts ready to add their favorite festival to the 2009 calendar can now find details about the Sea Otter Classic, a four-day Celebration of Sport, on its official website at www.seaotterclassic.com.In addition to scores of information about new events added for this year like the road bike criterium race and kids' races, the website also highlights a new online web community with forums, photos and more. The only thing that it's missing is your participation. To participate in the online community, register for the events, reserve a campsite or get general information, visit the official website at www.seaotterclassic.com. Criterium Race
The new road bike criterium race, to be held on a challenging, hotdog-shaped course with technical turns at each end, will be welcome news for amateur and masters men and women. Scheduled for Thursday, April 16, it means four full days of road events at Sea Otter.
"Sea Otter competitors have been asking us to host another criterium race, and we are making it happen this year," said Frank Yohannan, president and CEO of the Sea Otter Classic. "Athletes can expect the usual competitive, well-run Sea Otter event. We're also offering criterium "fat tire races" for professional mountain bikers, as well."
Kids' Bike Zone
Making its debut last year, the Kids' Bike Zone will now be open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This special kids' area offers a concentrated area of fun activities for our future Sea Otter racers, and a place for parents to relax by the Sierra Nevada Beer & BBQ Garden. Two of the most popular events, the Sea Otter Egg Hunt and Kid's Bike Rodeo, will both be held there.
The Kids' Bike Race will expand its entry list for older children who are still too young for "official" race categories. Those aged 11 to 14 will race on the professional short track course, which includes short uphill and slippery downhill sections, and often rutted-out or muddy parts to challenge even the best of professional riders. Racing the loop alongside them will be pros to inspire and offer encouragement.
All Kid's activities are free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Online Community
New this year, an online community extends the Sea Otter experience well beyond the four days on-site in Monterey. Fans will be delighted to discover the new forum about all things cycling and Sea Otter. Members of the Sea Otter community all over the world are invited to use this space to share training tips, bike rides, travel plans, race preparation, camping plans, and anything else related to the annual festival. This includes a bike demo area, kids' events and one of the world's largest outdoor cycling expos for consumers.
"Falling where it does on the calendar in April, the Sea Otter Classic has always marked the unofficial beginning of the cycling season, " said Jeannie Pruitt-Retamoso, director or festival services for the Sea Otter Classic. "The online forum means that everyone can start participating today, as racers and cycling enthusiasts talk shop, discuss ideas for staying in shape through winter, and anticipate the event with their friends."
On the industry side, the Sea Otter Classic continues to be one of the most important events of the year. For the next three years, it will also host the Bicycle Leadership Conference, the premier conference for the most influential members of the industry. Attendees representing all aspects of the bike business, from manufacturing and distribution to retail and advocacy, are invited to attend the Sea Otter Classic after three days of valuable work sessions and networking events. For more information, go to www.bicycleconference.org.
About Sea Otter Classic, Inc.
The 19th Annual Sea Otter Classic will be held April 16-19, 2009 at the Laguna
Seca Recreation Area, Monterey, Calif. The four-day "Celebration of Sport" is
considered the world's largest cycling festival, hosting nearly 10,000
professional and amateur athletes and 50,000 fans. More information can be
found at www.seaotterclassic.com or by calling 800-218-8411.
CONTACT:
Jodi Hall
415-990-1324
jodi@seaotterclassic.com
Donna Brown (local media)
831-905-1764
donna@seaotterclassic.com
Chris Worden (Web-related)
208-305-1702
chris@seaotterclassic.com
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Posted on Nov 5, 2008 10:22:22 -0400 by Brady.