2018 Sea Otter Classic kicks off

One of the biggest annual biking events in the world kicked off today on the Central Coast.

And for the very first time, an event is taking place at the newly-named Weathertech Raceway Laguna Seca, and that event is a Central Coast favorite.

We’re talking about the 28th annual Sea Otter Classic where the raceway hosts thousands of mountain bikers and spectators alike. From Thursday until Sunday, riders will compete in dozens of races on and off the actual racetrack. But it’s not just the races that brings in thousands of people from all over the world. It’s a festival also featuring food vendors, bike dealers, family activities and more. It brings in a lot of money, but has never completely sold out their vending and camping space.

“The Sea Otter continues to grow every single year and this year, the camping and the vending is at maximum capacity. So it continues to grow every year, there’s more racers than ever, and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger,” said Sea Otter Classic Public Outreach Coordinator, Jeff Lenosky.

“It’s a great place to launch product, it’s a great place to network, to intensify your friendships, to race, it’s fantastic,” said Bosch America General Manager Claudia Wasko.

The first race for Friday is scheduled for 8:30 AM.

And parents, if you’re trying to get your kids to ride, this is the perfect place to get them motivated. There are several pros at the raceway doing demonstrations and lessons, so ride on down and check it out.