If you use the trails at Fort Ord National Monument, thank your local volunteers.

Erik Chalhoub here. I often frequent the trails by bike at Fort Ord National Monument and Wilder Ranch State Park in Santa Cruz, and I’ve always noted just how better maintained the trails are at the former compared to the latter.

Even more impressive is the fact that Fort Ord has more than double the mileage of trails compared to Wilder Ranch: 86 versus 35.

Don’t get me wrong I love the challenge that the rutted-out trails at Wilder Ranch provide—it’s satisfying to tear through or jump over the rough terrain while barreling downhill at high speeds. But there’s a fine line between being challenging and being outright dangerous, and I find many of those trails straddle that line and are beyond my ability level.

Walk or ride any trail at Fort Ord and you’ll likely see signs of recent maintenance, whether it’s a tree branch (or poison oak) that’s been trimmed, or fresh dirt filling in a pothole.

Recently, I was able to meet and chat with some of the people who put in the work to ensure these trails are accessible for all to enjoy, and for no pay.

In honor of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, which rolls through every spring at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca and Fort Ord National Monument, I wrote about the Monterey Off Road Cycling Association for this week’s cover story.

This volunteer group regularly meets on the trails at Fort Ord with equipment in hand to tackle ongoing maintenance. Trail crew leader John Beardshear says the small but dedicated group tries to keep up with all the work that needs to be done, and encourages more volunteers to join their efforts.

“It’s like painting the Golden Gate Bridge—by the time you’re done, you have to start over,” Beardshear says.

Today, April 13 is the final day of the 2025 Sea Otter Classic. Check out Karen Loutzenheiser’s curated list of things to do at the massive event, whether you’re a die-hard racing fan or more interested in the giveaways and activities taking place at the hundreds of booths on the expo grounds.

Sloan Campi also provides a rundown of the different types of bikes you’ll see at Sea Otter Classic—and you’ll also learn that a mullet is not just a haircut from the 1980s.

Are you attending the Sea Otter Classic this year, either as a competitor or spectator? Let me know your experience.