Cycling pro wows kids with bike tricks at Salinas elementary school
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Screams of excitement rocked the playground at Monterey Park Elementary School as professional skills cyclist, Jeff Lenosky performed wheelies, bunny hops and other tricks during a special assembly Tuesday courtesy of the Sea Otter Classic Foundation.
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Marking its 16th year, the Bike Safety and School Assembly Program brings cycling safety to elementary and middle school students across Monterey County ahead of the Life Time Sea Otter Classic, which kicks off April 16 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
The program is part of the foundation's broader mission to support youth through cycling education while inspiring healthy, active living. This year, the program includes 13 school assemblies led by Lenosky and coordinator Christina Brigantino as well as after-school meetups with local middle school and high school mountain biking clubs.
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“Are you ready to make some noise?” Brigantino boomed into the microphone. The children leaned forward, faces glowing with anticipation, as Lenosky lined up for his finale—a heart‑pounding leap over Brigantino and three fearless faculty members stretched out on the ground below.
After one false start—"sike!" Brigantino exclaimed, the trick went off without a hitch. The kids cheered. Afterwards, some of the older students went up to Lenosky to get a closer look at his bike and ask the professional rider questions.
Jeff Lindenthal, executive director of the Sea Otter Classic Foundation, said it is wonderful to see the older students get engaged. During the visits with the mountain biking clubs Lenosky also shares a bit about himself and what it took for him to be a professional rider and work with sponsors.
"We really like to tailor the program to fit the age group," said Lindenthal, noting that cycling has always been a big part of his life. "Cycling is such a healthy activity that people can do all their lives."
In addition to the initiative with the county schools and clubs, the foundation partners with Veterans Transition Center of California in Marina to provide E-bikes to Monterey County veterans. The foundation also manages the more than 1,500 volunteers that work the Life Time Sea Otter Classic.
"Nonprofits send us volunteers and we pay them back in grants that are based on how many hours they work," said Lindenthal. Last year the foundation distributed more than $90,000 in community grants, each award between $500 to $5,000 depending on how much time was contributed.
The family zone
Brigantino said she first got involved with the Life Time Sea Otter Classic as an attendee, then a rider and later as a mom bringing her children.
"It is a really family-friendly event, which is what I love about it," said Brigantino. Kids 12 and under are free throughout the four-day festival. On Sunday, which is Family Day, admission is also free for up to two adults when accompanied by a child 12 and under.
The Family Zone, where kids 12 and under can ride their own bike (with a helmet) or borrow one, will have its own pump track and dirt track, where daily races will be held.
There will also be a special area for kids who are learning how to ride, scheduled races for the older kids and on Sunday, a Balance Bike Rally for kids ages 2-5. Each day, the Family Zone will host an Easter Egg hunt for kids 8 and under.
"Everything is geared towards the family, and with the two new trail runs this year, if you have a runner in the family, there is something for you too," said Brigantino.
The Life Time Sea Otter Classic runs from April 16-19, for more information visit their website.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Sea Otter Classic thrills Salinas students with pro bike stunts