Members of GVARC participated with the San Benito Amateur Radio Club (SBCARA) to support communications operations at the 2025 Sea Otter Classic.
Amateur radio services are critical to the event in many areas of the Fort Ord Monument where there is minimal or no cellular coverage. Amateurs staff multiple check points along the many road and trail courses, including a 100 mile loop with SAG and mobile vehicles, that provide back up and relay communications for medical and support teams ensuring participant enjoyment and safety.
Events occur over 4 days at the WeatherTech Raceway at Leguna Seca near Seaside California in April of each year and covers over 200 sq miles of routes, trails and roadways, with significant portions with no cellular coverage in rural Monterey County. It is currently the largest cycling event in North America and probably beyond. Upwards of 70,000 people participate in races, or come visit the huge cycling industry expo where bike, bike accessory, and related vendors come to display and demonstrate their products. It takes a huge number of volunteers to make it happen. About 40 amateur radio volunteers, over the course of the 4 days, provide critical communications support throughout the various events.
Members of SBCARA work with the Sea Otter Classic organizers, medical teams, land management, and other agencies in the months leading up to the event. Much of the event is planned and executed utilizing the Incident Command System (ICS) format for communications, emergency, and mission plans for the various routes and rolls each volunteer takes on any particular day. Many thanks to SBCARA member W6TST that is the comms lead for the event and who’s great planning and leadership make this an annual destination event for local hams each year. It really is a fun event to participate.











