Spring 2025

Veterans Jonathan Williams, Tony Juarez and Harlon Lacapa received e-bikes through the Sea Otter Classic Initiative, providing new, reliable modes of transportation. Photo: Kelli Uldall A s an avid cyclist, Jeff Lindenthal under- stands how bicycles can help people lead healthier, happier, more independent lives. As executive director of the Sea Otter Classic *oundation, he’s helping e\tend those benefits to local veterans. Lindenthal, Sea Otter Classic co-founder Frank Yohannan, and the foundation launched E-Bikes for Monterey County Veterans in 2020. Operated [ith the :eterans 8ransition Center, a nonprofit helping veterans move from crisis to self- suJficiency, the campaign provides electric bicycles to veterans who have faced personal challenges. Some recipients use the e-bikes to reach interviews, jobs and appointments. Others improve their mental and physical health through recreation. One veteran was able to resume cycling after an amputation. “It was incredibly empowering for him,” Lindenthal says. “Electric bikes essentially level the playing field ² Thirteen e-bikes have been distributed to date. More will be delivered before the 2025 Sea Otter Classic, taking place April 10-13 at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. Many local service members volunteer for the annual cycling festival, and this is one way the founda- tion says thank you. “It helps us give back and show our appre- ciation for the contributions veterans are mak- ing—at the Sea Otter Classic, in the greater Monterey region, and in the country as a whole—with their service,” Lindenthal says. For more information, visit www.socfdn.org. Veterans Access E-Bikes Through Sea Otter Classic Initiative B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S SHORT CUTS GIVING BACK 92 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 5