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Everything You Need to Know About the 2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic

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2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic

The 2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic takes place April 20th through the 23rd
Photo:Richard Masoner

Next month, thousands of bicyclists from across the nation will gather in beautiful Monterey, California for the 2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic. The event began in 1991 with a total of 350 athletes and just 150 spectators, and was formerly known as the Laguna Seca Challenge. Adorably renamed the Sea Otter Classic in 1993, the event now hosts over 10,000 athletes and upwards of 70,000 fans.

Not only is the event a race for professional and amateur bicyclists, it is also the largest bicycle expo in North America, hosting hundreds of vendors with new products, free samples, and plenty of bargains and special festival pricing. The festival is scheduled for four days, from April 20th through the 23rd, with jam-packed daily schedules.

2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic

Bicycle component manufacturer SRAM is another sponsor of the event
Photo:SLOhistorian

 

Have a pro wash your bike

WD-40 BIKE® is returning to the Sea Otter Classic this year for a pro wash station on Friday, April 21st and Saturday, April 22nd. Fans will have a chance to not only meet their favorite bicyclists, but also have the pros give their own bikes a quick wash. Previous professional bikers included Jeremy Powers, Rebecca Rusch, Leigh Donovan, and Courtenay McFadden.

2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic

Canadian Olympic cyclist Emily Batty made an appearance at the Sea Otter Classic in 2011
Photo:Mark Bonta

 

Special offers and discounts

According to the Sea Otter Classic website, registration prices are going to be increasing on April 3rd, so it’d be best to get your passes as soon as possible if you plan on racing. The same goes for lodging, with only three weeks until the festival begins.

The event offers special discounts for veterans, active duty military, and their families. Injured veterans will receive complimentary registration and/or festival passes, while retired and active duty personnel will receive a 20% discount, and military family members will get 50% off festival passes, with valid military ID.

2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic

With many military installations near Monterey, including Travis AFB, the Sea Otter Classic is proud to give special discounts to veterans and their families
Photo:Nardel Gervacio

 

Festival passes and pricing

Passes for the four day festival range from $15 to $650, depending on how long you plan on visiting and what type of amenities you desire. The 1-day pass is $15 online ($20 at the gate) for those over the age of 12 years old. The $165 4-day VIP pass gives you exceptional hospitality from event staff and includes continental breakfast, buffet lunch, beer and wine service, a gourmet coffee bar, and special access to certain areas.

2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic

Kids bicycle company Lil Shredders was on site last year, providing an exciting jump show for visitors

As of August of 2016, the Sea Otter Classic renewed its partnership agreement for another multi-year term with Subaru, a company with strong active lifestyle values. “Our partnership with the Sea Otter Classic allows us to connect directly with the cycling community, many of whom already choose Subaru as the perfect vehicle to keep up with their active lifestyle,” said Bridget Hanrahan, Promotions and Sponsorship Manager, Subaru of America Inc.

Additional information regarding the 2017 Subaru Sea Otter Classic can be found on the event website.

Check out this video from the Lil Shredders Jump Show at the 2016 Subaru Sea Otter Classic: