28 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY APRIL 20-26, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com expanded an emphasis on racing. But alongside that, a commitment to diversity and inclusion is sending a clear message: Biking is for everyone. While the festival draws 6,000 racers, it also draws non-racers—just regular people who like to ride bikes. To Goudy, this year’s Sea Otter Classic lineup represents a significant shift in how white people have dominated ideas about what athletes look like and who they are. Her dad, she says, used to sometimes bike to and from work if his car was out of commission. “He probably rode just as many miles as the white guy who put on Lycra and did 50 miles on the weekend for fun,” Goudy says. But he is no less a cyclist. “In the past, there was an image of what a cyclist is and what a cyclist looks like— we are redefining that,” she says. “You can enjoy cycling whoever you are, on whatever bike you choose, wearing whatever the fuck you want.” Goudy and Wade both point to a growing number of affinity groups— biking groups for people of color, for queer cyclists, for fat people. Everyone is welcome and increasingly, the biking industry is acknowledging that. “We are trying to create a safe space for people,” Wade says. “This is the largest bike festival in the world—it’s important for people to feel welcome.” The event guide that begins on p. 27 and continues at right is just a partial list of what to expect amid the sprawling expo, pro and amateur races, and community bike rides. Life Time Sea Otter Classic happens 9am-5pm Thursday-Saturday, April 20-22, and 9am-4pm Sunday, April 23. WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, 1021 Highway 68, Salinas. $70/four-day pass; $25/one-day pass; free/children 12 and under; VIP packages available. (800) 218-8411, seaotterclassic.com. bike shoes and clothing to energy snacks and kinesiology tape. Peruse the expo for opportunities to demo new gear and hear from pros at various autograph sessions. Giro d’Italia Hall of Fame member Francesco Moser and a group of Italian riders just rode his latest design from Southern California to Sea Otter, and will share stories from the road and technical details about the F-Moser e-bike. Bowhead (which makes the adaptive bike that Annijke Wade rides; see story, 26) and Fox offer a suspension tuning session for adaptive riders. Look for lots of coffee giveaways in the morning, and beer in the afternoon. Industry reps will be coming off the three-day Sea Otter Classic summit preceding the festival, so they’ll be up to speed on the latest trends. It’s Electric Yes, you do have to pedal, this is still a bike race. Electric mountain bikes are the bike of choice for races on Friday, April 21 (men start at 3pm, women start at 3:05pm). All Aboard PEARL iZUMi hosts a sunset gravel ride at 4pm on Thursday, April 20—bikers of all abilities are welcome. The brand’s sponsored athletes include Marley Blonsky, a co-founder of All Bodies on Bikes, a movement advocating to include all body types—including fat people—in the biking community. At 10:30am on April 21, a Q&A focused on diversity, equity and inclusion is followed by a 12-mile bike ride open to all. Free Fall Lay off the brakes and build up some speed. Downhill races happen throughout the festival, culminating with the elite finals at 1pm on Sunday, April 23. Earth Tones Here’s an excellent way to celebrate Earth Day (Saturday, April 22): Ride your bike. Even better, get free entry to the Sea Otter Classic expo if you join in recycling efforts. Bring a bike tube or tire to recycle, and get access to a display of the latest and greatest. Races utilize Fort Ord National Monument’s varied terrain. Some mellower community rides invite cyclists of all levels to join in on a mix of pavement, gravel and single-track trail. SPEED continued from pg. 27 PEOPLE continued from pg. 27 ROBERT DEBERRY/SEA OTTER CLASSIC 10% OFF your order with this ad Valid until 4/30/2023 The Sweet and Savory Spot sweet & savory crepes • paninis • bagels • tea • 11th Hour coffee Veggie Plus Crepe cheddar, feta, tomato, green onion, spinach, lemon juice, baked mushrooms, baked tofu, roasted red bell pepper sauce optional: add oven-roasted chicken THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ @ @ @ @ 1123 Fremont Blvd, Seaside 831-901-3900 Mon–Fri 7am–4pm (Sat & Sun 8am–4pm) “I brought my Subaru to Hartzel on advice of a friend and I was so pleased with the service & attention I got from them. 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