As the Sea Otter Classic gets underway, the next generation of cyclists learns how to be safe on two wheels.

Erik Chalhoub here, remembering the feeling of riding a bike for the first time without training wheels. I was probably of kindergarten age, and couldn’t fathom how I was staying upright on just two wheels or how easy it was once I picked up speed, zooming around an empty basketball court at the school near my house.

Had I known at the time the types of stunts and crazy maneuvers you could do on a bike, my mind would have been blown. So I imagine that’s what happened to many of the young students who witnessed pro freeride cyclist Jeff Lenosky of New Jersey put on a show for them at Robert Down Elementary School in Pacific Grove on Friday, April 4.

With the Life Time Sea Otter Classic kicking off its four-day run tomorrow, April 10, Christina Brigantino of the Sea Otter Classic Foundation and Lenosky have been visiting 18 schools across Monterey County over the past two weeks, demonstrating bike safety while dazzling students with stunts—including jumping over four teachers. 

It’s part of the Sea Otter Classic Foundation’s annual tradition in the lead-up to the big event. All students who participated were also entered into a raffle to win one of three bikes donated by Woom.

“We come to schools to invite kids and their families to join us at Sea Otter Classic,” Brigantino says. “It’s such a fun family event.”

Before the show, Lenosky spoke to the student body at Robert Down, describing his journey to becoming a professional rider who now travels the country and maintains a popular YouTube channel, offering tips on everything mountain biking.

He also stressed the importance of wearing a helmet and making sure a bike is safe to ride before taking off. He demonstrated this, although perhaps unintentionally—as he turned a corner on his bike to prepare for his final trick, Lenosky took a tumble onto the pavement, after his bike’s chain snapped when he started pedaling. It made for a great learning opportunity for the dozens of students in attendance.

“They get so excited when Jeff rides,” Brigantino says. “The energy is unbelievable. It’s not just the kids, but the teachers are wowed as well.”

The bikes are arriving in Monterey County—you may have noticed a higher-than-usual number of bikes attached to vehicles on the road lately. This year, people from 25 countries and 45 states are registered to compete in the Sea Otter Classic, which typically attracts more than 7,000 athletes and 70,000 spectators. 

This week’s edition of the Weekly, out tomorrow, includes a curated itinerary of the numerous events happening at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. What are you looking forward to this year?