Gravel is a revolving sport and when you have the opportunity to stage an event within the many trails of Fort Ord National Monument, you can expect the course to change as well.
This is the fourth year of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic Gravel Race and this route may be the best one yet with last year’s course in the argument.
The first two editions had some technical single track that some riders loved, but for those new to sport were hard to handle.
Last year eliminated those types of elements although one fire road did lurch into hike-a-bike territory.
Another key difference in 2024 was the switch of the final climb from the grueling Lookout Ridge to the more palatable Pilarcitos Canyon ascent just underneath that didn’t force you into the reddest of the red.
On paper, I would have thought this year was more difficult with Lookout Ridge reinserted but while the grade is obviously the same, the surface somehow feels cleaned up definitely tapering back the effort just enough.
The larger concern for 2025 is the climb right before up Barloy Spur Rd averaging 15% over a quarter mile that I barely was able to pedal through while navigating around some deep ruts.
Otherwise, the course is both fun and fast without as much sand to deal with.
Last year I went with 45mm tires, but scouted this preview on 38s with no thoughts while out there with this choice being too narrow.
One of the biggest inclusions absent from the last edition is the mile of single track two-thirds into the lap.
It overall trends slightly uphill, but flows so well and the turns so steady that it’s playful no matter how your elevation shifts.
Previously the mountain bike race has served as part of the Life Time Grand Prix this year shifting to gravel which will take place on the Thursday while the rest of us can choose between one, two or three laps on Friday.
Last year, I did the full two laps and riding at race speed I felt like I had a much better grip on the second, so maybe I’ll go for three this year?
It’s a great to balance it all with how much time you have at the festival, so plan accordingly.
With so many trails in Fort Ord, it’s always interesting to see what comes next, but I’m sure everyone will love what comes now.