By Cory Greenberg, Founder of Ride4IBD
The 2025 Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, was a defining moment for Ride4IBD—not just because of the racing or the massive crowds, but because of the message we brought to the cycling world. Partnering with Borah Teamwear, we came into Sea Otter with more than just high-performance apparel. We came in with a mission: to shift how people see IBD—not as a limitation, but as something you can ride through, live with, and even thrive despite.
This year, our presence reached from the elite racing fields to cyclings largest expo packed with riders, brands, and fans. And at the heart of it all was the Ride4IBD x Borah Teamwear kit—a bold design, worn by athletes who live with or support those living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis.
The Kit That Speaks for a Community
From cold, damp mornings under the marine layer to hot midday sun and chilly ocean breezes in the afternoon, Sea Otter’s unpredictable spring weather gave us a real-world test of Borah Teamwear’s versatility. Whether we were racing, spectating, or hosting at the expo, Borah had us covered—literally.
We rode in the OTW Bibs, Spark Jerseys, and Turbo Race Suits—every piece designed to perform at the highest level – we stayed comfortable and sharp in mid-weight vests, jackets, and Borah’s long sleeve polos while walking the expo. It wasn’t just about performance—it was about pride, professionalism, and showing that people living with IBD belong in every corner of the cycling world.
These kits became conversation starters. They helped attendees ask, “What is Ride4IBD?” and “How can I support?” And in those moments, we shared stories, educated the public, and connected with riders who live with IBD but had never seen themselves reflected in this sport.
From the Front Lines: Jan Temmen’s First Lifetime Grand Prix Race
From Jan Temmen, Ride4IBD Elite Rider
“The Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, marks one of the most iconic events in the American off-road calendar, combining a festival atmosphere with world-class racing. As part of the 2025 Lifetime Grand Prix, the gravel race drew an elite field and promised high-intensity action from start to finish.”
“The 90-mile race kicked off from Laguna Seca Raceway with over 9,200 feet of climbing and a deep pro field. The pace was aggressive from the gun, and I found myself battling mid-pack early on. Around mile 20, I grouped up with riders like Lachlan Morton and Ted King, but a dropped chain late in lap one forced me to dismount and run a climb, losing contact with the group.”
“Despite that, I managed to regroup and hang on through some tough terrain. The last 20 miles featured fast singletrack that pushed my handling limits, and fatigue set in. I finished after 5 hours of racing, averaging around 17.5 mph. The legs were there, but the course taught me a lot about where I need to improve. It was a humbling day, but incredibly motivating—and I’m proud to have represented the IBD community on such a big stage.”
When IBD Gets Real: Daniel’s Story
Our rider Daniel, who lives with Ulcerative Colitis, was scheduled to race the Fuego XL mountain bike event—a key race in his bid to qualify for better placement at the Leadville 100. But the harsh reality of IBD hit the night before the race. He experienced a flare-up—a sudden resurgence of symptoms like cramping, fatigue, GI distress, and inflammation, common for people living with chronic IBD conditions.
In these moments, it’s not just about training or determination—it’s about health. Daniel made the hard but necessary decision to withdraw. His experience is a reminder that behind the athlete is a patient navigating a complex, unpredictable illness. It’s also why Ride4IBD exists: to raise awareness, increase support, and remind others that they’re not alone.
Closing Thoughts
Sea Otter Classic gave us the opportunity to show what Ride4IBD is really about: riding with purpose, racing with heart, and connecting with people who need to hear that they can live fully with IBD.
With Borah Teamwear’s support, we didn’t just show up—we stood out. We proved that the right gear can elevate performance and elevate purpose. Thank you, Borah, for helping us push this message forward—on the roads, trails, and beyond.
Want to hear more? Cory shares more of his inspiring journey from his initial diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) while training as a professional cyclist, to overcoming the challenges posed by the disease.
https://insidematters.health/episodes/episode-043-cory-greenberg
