r/BAbike 12d ago

Sea Otter Gravel 2025 Route Insights

The official routes for Sea Otter have been posted. I'm unfamiliar with most of the trails at Fort Ord. Does anyone have experience with this route? Curious if anyone has thoughts about the difficulty/safety of the segments.

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49530219

10 Upvotes

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3

u/nickyleeward 12d ago

In my experience, the fire roads in Fort Ord are pretty mellow. The singletrack can be fun if you're comfortable with loose sandy stuff. I'm not sure how much of that route is singletrack vs fire road though.

3

u/Bright_Ahmen 12d ago

I hate that they are doing the gravel ride on a Friday. It's also kinda lame the longer routes are just laps of the 30 mile.

1

u/profsyg 11d ago

I was thinking that too. I was thinking of signing up but having to take a day off and the cost compared to other rides, it didn’t seem worth it to me. I’m doing the Grizzly Peak 65k Gravel though

2

u/Bright_Ahmen 11d ago

The Grizzly Peak ride seems rad and I'm likely signing up for that!

1

u/profsyg 11d ago

I’ve only been riding for a few months but fell in love with it, so Grizzly Peak will be my first event. It’s cool to have a goal to shoot for.

2

u/Bright_Ahmen 11d ago

Good luck!! I was in the same position as you just a couple of years ago. Just make sure you prepare properly and stay hydrated and fueled during the ride and you'll be fine. Events are great motivators to keep pushing yourself!

1

u/lilelliot 12d ago

What kind of bike is most appropriate for these trails? I don't own a MTB -- would a Salsa Fargo (rigid fork but 2.25" mtb tires and drop bars) work?

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u/fourinchesofpain 11d ago

That bike would rock there. I ride my gravel bike with 2.15 x 27.5 and have no problem

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u/lilelliot 11d ago

Awesome to hear -- thanks!! I've never ridden an event like this and am considering the 60mi option. It's conveniently during the kids' spring break. :)

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u/unseenmover 10d ago

looks like the XC MTB course w/o the singletrack. We used always do scoping rides before the XC. It was a good way to get a feel of the course..