Life Time Sea Otter Classic is a mecca of all things bicycle, but how do you see it all? Create your own itinerary using this guide.

ENTERING THE LIFE TIME SEA OTTER CLASSIC, a visitor is immediately launched into the sea of cycling products that make up the expo. It’s eye candy for bike aficionados. There are people who are excitedly riding through on bikes, often wearing muddy race gear, or those just cruising around in fun attire.

It’s a lot to take in, so you are probably wondering, “Where do I start?” The Classic runs for four days but you can see a lot in just one day. Check out this curated breakdown of things to do and from there, create your own itinerary.

RACING

The Sea Otter Classic is ultimately all about bicycle racing, or at least that’s how the event started. Some of the racing is easy to watch as it takes place inside the WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca track, while other events go out on the trails into Fort Ord National Monument. For rowdy and fun spectating, check out the dual slalom or head to the downhill course and find a spot along the hill with jumps. Here’s some opportunities for viewing (check out the festival map at seaotterclassic.com for a breakdown of the different types of racing):

Thursday, April 10

7:15-9:45am: Circuit race start on the track

9am: Enduro Stage 1 on the Downhill course, immediately following Enduro Stage 2 on the Dual Slalom course

10:30am: LTGP/Pro/Elite men Gravel race starts followed by the women at 10:50am

4:15-5:15pm: Dual Slalom Elite qualifying

Friday, April 11

7:50am: Gravel race starts, all non-pro/Elite categories

Saturday, April 12

8:45am: Dual Slalom Expert qualifying and finals

9-9:50am: Fuego XL starts

4:30pm: Fox Racing Dual Slalom Elite finals

Sunday, April 13

7:30-11:40am: Fuego XC starts

9:45-11:30am: Downhill Elite finals

1pm: Downhill expert finals

RIDING

There are some great rides – not races – that give you an opportunity to experience some of the trails and roads in the area without keeping time. If you’ve participated previously, there are some new courses this year to get excited about, and if you like assistance, class 1 e-bikes are allowed. Highlights this year include:

Family Off-Road Tour is a 10.7-mile fire road and single-track route for the whole family to enjoy.

Gran Fondo Carmelo is a 90-mile road tour where riders can enjoy a full Salinas Valley tour. The ride starts and ends at Laguna Seca, and you’ll ride past farm fields, wineries and wildflowers blooming through the rolling hills.

DEMOS

All this bike candy makes you want to try some out. Lucky for you, there are 21 brands demoing bicycles at Sea Otter Classic this year. Check out the website for the list that includes e-bikes, mountain, gravel, road and kids’ bikes.

EXPO ACTION

Let’s be honest, you are really going to Sea Otter Classic to roam through the hundreds of bike-related vendors while interacting with new bikes and gear and sampling hydration drinks, energy bars and free coffee as you roll. Dive on in and you’ll find some giveaways that typically involve a fun way to try to win. Here’s some to get you started:

Score a free cupcake if your birthday is on that day at Cupcakes for College’s booth, plus cupcake decorating contests.

From 9am-noon daily, Van Rysel has free espresso and coffee drinks.

On Friday, April 11 at 1pm, Garmin hosts a giveaway, with the grand prize being Garmin swag that includes a $100 gift card and a Garmin Edge 840 solar cycling computer.

Head to Bike Warrior Kit’s booth and spin to win prizes (exact times on the schedule), including a two-night stay in Truckee.

Saturday from 3:30-4:30pm, Party Shirt International hosts the Big Otter raffle for a chance to win a full mountain biking kit from CrankBrothers, Smith, Fox and other vendors.

Hang with industry folks at Fox Racing who host a daily happy hour from 5-6pm.

On Saturday from 3-4pm in the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden, a panel discussion with the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship will touch on ways to protect trails and communities from the increasing threat of wildfires, while promoting the resilience of the forest ecosystem.

B&W International presents stunt shows featuring Duncan Shaw, a world-class street trial rider. Go to the Duncan Shaw Performance area and get ready for big aerial tricks, jumping gaps and huge leaps. Three of the shows will also feature youth aerial stunt riders, the “Prevelo Air Cadets.” (Exact times on the schedule.)

KIDS PLAY

Adults don’t get to have all the fun – Sea Otter Classic might be even better from the view of a child. Imagine riding bicycles on a rolling obstacle course, testing your racing skills on the track and watching and learning from your counterparts.

Family Day is on Sunday, two adults get free admission with a child 12 or under.

There are free kids races from 1-2pm daily, 12 and under in the Kid’s Zone. Come cheer on these budding athletes.

The Family Zone is a great place for kids to practice riding on a kid’s-sized pump track; there’s even a separate section for balance bikes and learning to ride. Open 9am-5pm Thursday-Saturday and 9am-2pm Sunday.

On Sunday from 12:30-1:30pm, balance bike rally is open to kids ages 2-5 and the kids get to race bikes on a part of the race track.

Whatever your itinerary leads you to, Sea Otter Classic will get you pumped for riding bicycles.