Big Bear Blog

If you have been out on the trails lately, you might have noticed a change in the landscape. The mountains seem to be leaving the lush color of green behind for a canvas painted in orange, purple, red, yellow and white. Flowers and their brilliance accompanied by a sweet scent – it’s making hiking, running and biking a bit more interesting.

I went for a quick run on the PCT this morning – a carpet of tiny purple and white flowers slowed my pace as I admired the perfection of a native landscape. Why can’t my yard look like this? I ran past Indian paintbrush, Sea Fig, Columbine and Lupine. I even came across an entire meadow of wild Iris earlier this week – shocked because I had never seen them before despite having mountain biked the trail for years.

The constant change makes me hike, ride and run the same trails week after week. Checking for changes and waiting patiently for my two favorites - Lemon Lily and Corn Lily – to arrive.

Earning my turns,

Glade Girl

As Rev mentioned, we are getting close to the Amgen Tour of California finishing Stage 6 in the Big Bear Valley. And, it seems like the cycling vibe is growing stronger and stronger every day. I know I am definitely motivated to find any excuse to ride: From cruising to the grocery store on my mountain bike to riding around the Lake on my road bike and showing up for spin on a Tuesday morning at Mountain Fitness.

In fact, a friend of mine rode her bike to Riverside yesterday. Crazy? Maybe. She said she would definitely do it again and the only downside was the nasty sunburn stripe across her thighs. Her little adventure motivated me. So, this morning I packed my work clothes and a lunch, threw on my bike sandals, jumped on my bike and left the house. I gave myself enough time to swing by the Farmer’s Market at the Convention Center. It was fun and looked a little different from the seat of a bike. Smiling, I finished my commute and sat down at my desk energized. My day flew by. At six, I switched back into my bike clothes and left the office. Taking side streets, I felt like I was a kid again – exploring my hometown on a powder blue Ross Europa 12-speed.

The evening was in full swing as I passed Stanfield Cutoff and the sun cast long shadows. I chased mine across the board walk, happy to be pedaling and finishing my day. Unobserved, I stopped to watch a group of Pelicans fish and realized this didn’t feel anything like my normal Tuesday.

I am now committed to adding a couple ‘Non-Drive’ commute days to my weekly routine and I encourage everyone else to do the same, regardless of where you live. Even if it’s to pick up the mail or go to the bank. I’d love to hear your comments on your experience.

In the end, my day of ditching my car was amazing and only confirmed Big Bear Lake is a pretty cool place to be - especially as our community prepares to host a mountain finish for the Tour of California.

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl

May is finally here! In just two weeks Big Bear Lake hosts America’s greatest bicycle race, the Amgen Tour of California. As an avid cyclist it’s exciting to have such a huge event come to my home town. Its fun for me to see the way the community has embraced not only the race, but cycling in general.

On Saturday the Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with Big Bear Valley Trails Foundation hosted its first of three community bike rides. More than 40 riders ranging in ages from 7 to 75 showed up to cruise the neighborhoods of Big Bear Lake.

The ride was free to participate, and everyone got a free Ride Big Bear t-shirt. Heck, even Mayor Liz Harris made it out to the ride on a borrowed bike, thanks to Derek at Bear Valley Bikes. Mayor Harris enjoyed herself so much, she asked me how much the bike cost before we returned from our short, but fun loop around Eagle Point!

Special thanks to Phil Hamilton and Angela Meyers for hosting such a fun morning cruise and “spreading the love” of cycling in Big Bear Lake. If you ride any kind of bicycle come join us for one or both of the next two community rides on the 8th and the 15th. If you would like more information, or to view photos of last Saturday’s ride log onto www.bigbeartrails.com.

Spreading the love one pedal at a time, rev

We had some serious storms this winter that covered our mountain with more snow than we’re used to, but once they got a handle on the roads we got back to the business of playing. Even before people had their own walkways dug out of the snow they were out snowshoeing, skiing, snowboarding and sledding with the kids. There’s still plenty of snow on the ground but warm spring temps are here and we are surely in for a beautiful season. Daylight saving time just went into effect and already the bike rides are in full swing and we’ve even had a few really good frisbee sessions. When winter hits hard, it makes our mountain more colorful in the spring and it stays pretty and green all the way through summer. We are having a super spring up here but don’t take my word for it, come on up and see for yourself. spreading the love, rev

Once again Billy and I got together for a little ride around the valley on our mountain bikes trying to get every last mile out of the season. Clear skies overhead made it warm, but ominous clouds in the distance warned us that weather can change up here rapidly.

Layers were packed and off we went up “golf view” which turns into the 2n10 dirt road by Bear Mountain Resort. The first part of the climb is the worst part of the climb because the pitch is steeper at the beginning and you have no time to get the blood flowing, There’s no question that your efforts will be rewarded if you push on.

As the trail mellows to a slight grade you pop out on the backside of the mountain wrapping around behind Snow Summit Ski Resort. A few thousand feet below us the valley was filled with milky thick clouds that appeared to be quickly heading our way. Billy put the hammer down and I followed in hot pursuit…well maybe luke warm pursuit but anyway off we went trying to beat the storm and avoid the first drenching of the season.

Right when we made it home the sun came out and it stayed warm and beautiful for the rest of the week. Since then we’ve had some showers but it’s still great riding weather. So if you get the chance come on up get in some “last miles” of the Big Bear biking season.

spreading the love, rev

Typically Labor Day weekend signals the end of summer in a mountain town. The signs and symptoms: The crowds are thinner, the temperatures edge towards cool, locals are found on the trails and at Vons on a Saturday and the serious business of finding firewood becomes a priority.

While all the activities of summer still continue this time of year – secretly we’re all counting the days until ski season: Whether it is the cool silence of falling snow or the comforting valley-wide hum of snow-making. It doesn’t really matter. What matters is that we’ll be ready.

I’m still hitting the trails – getting in as much mountain biking as possible – and launching my kayak during the warmer hours of the day. But I admit I am paying close attention to the weather and the symptoms of an early winter: The end to autumn’s broad strokes of color, temperatures falling below freezing and the undeniable smell of winter in the air. Like anything worth waiting for – part of the fun is the count down and debating it for hours-on-end at the local coffee house!

Waiting for my turns!
Glade Girl

It’s not often that I spend a whole weekend taking it easy, but this holiday weekend I did just that. Labor Day Weekend attracted quite a crowd, and boy were they in for a treat! There were blue skies and sunshine during the day, and an almost full moon glowing at night.

It was fun just hanging out with my girlfriend. People watching was one of our biggest activities this past weekend. On Monday we took her dog to eagle point, had a nice picnic lunch, and then walked the dog along the shoreline. From the waters edge we could here the laughing splashing and screaming of all the boaters, jet skiers and kayakers on the lake and it sounded like everyone was having a good time.

Just then a group of cyclists rode by huffing and puffing and looking like they loved the ride through Fawnskin. Loud barking snapped me back to what I was doing and the little dog was running down the beach chasing ducks, and even though she didn’t catch anything she came back wagging her tail in doggy bliss. I had such a great time just watching everyone else have a great time!

I guess that’s why I don’t chill much…there’s just too much fun stuff to do. In fact, I’m going to go do something right now and as soon as you’re done reading this, go do something, in Big Bear!
spreading the love, rev

One of the best things about living in a mountain town is on-demand access to the forest. It doesn’t take much planning to get to a trailhead and decisions about what to do boil down to what you haven’t done this week. And sometimes you are just in the mood to do everything.

This past Tuesday, I set out with one goal in mind: A long ride in the forest with plenty of climbing and lots of downhill. I started off on Mill Creek Road and accessed Fire Road 2N10. Setting a good pace, I took advantage of the vertical to warm up. As I climbed I sketched out a plan to ride as much single track as I could while working my way east.

First trail: I left 2N10 to ride Wet Dream - a perfect uphill addition to my mostly uphill ride. I topped out on the upper reaches of Skyline Drive and made my way over to Plantation Trail. It was a fast ride down to 2N10 for a bit of backtracking. At 2N17, I hooked right and climbed to the top of the Upper Cabin 89 trail.

The initial steeps weren’t too loose – the recent rains had knocked everything down. After that it was pure fun all the way back to Mill Creek Picnic area. I took a quick break and decided I wasn’t finished. I still had a little time before I needed to start my work day. I grabbed a Clif Shot and headed to the base of 1E01.

I had only climbed 1E01 once before, I knew it would be demanding but I felt good and took it slow. As I maneuvered over rocks and roots, I decided there is something Zen-like about riding a trail uphill. Perhaps it is the deep focus of choosing your line or using your entire body to move the bike higher. Each circular stroke on an isolated section of flat is celebrated before the next anaerobic push. I quickly lost myself in my thoughts and only realized I had reached my destination when the trail gave way to a broad Fire Road. I paused briefly to savor my efforts before pointing my tire in the direction I had come. To spend an entire morning in the cool shade of the forest was awesome.

Earning my turns,
Glade Girl

Big Bear is looking like an adventure town these days – non-stop opportunities to get outdoors. We’ve had back to back endurance tests - Paddlefest and Cal Multisport – to keep our competitive juices flowing. While we know there is plenty of adventure in Big Bear and a little weekday multisport is not far from the norm – from a stellar trail run and chill paddle to a cross-country mountain bike followed by a swim in the Lake – there is nothing like an official race to test your mettle.

The Cal Multisport this past Saturday was epic by all measures! Fiery heat, grueling climbs and fast descents only to find more up hills! With no forgiveness – racers had to climb a 12-foot tower of pain before crossing the finish line. Local Adventure Racers Paul Romero and Karen Lundgren put on the Multisport, attracting a bevy of professional athletes and some serious weekend warriors. It was cool to watch and cheer on the competitors as they tried to stay hydrated and focus on the challenges of the race. Plus there were many familiar faces in the field – Big Bear’s own Daniel Morello, Heather and Ted DeVito and Diane Bradley. They all did an awesome job as they continue on their pursuit to Conquer the Bear.

Being a part of a race with the kind of quality competition we witnessed this past weekend was inspiring. It made my Sunday much more fun and fueled me to put on a little multisport of my own – a long and challenging mountain bike following a quick trail run.

All in all, Big Bear and the weekend warrior lifestyle rock!

Glade Girl

Every time I venture out – whether it’s a quick run I can complete in under an hour or a full-blown adventure – I always take a look at my surroundings and appreciate how lucky I am to call Big Bear home. And sometimes, on those days where my motivation falters, I am just happy that I show up on time for that scheduled adventure.

Like this morning. I had big plans for a quick ride through the forest with enough speed and strength to complete a round trip mountain bike that would take us up Plantation trail, down Wet Dream and finish on Lower Cabin 89 in less than an hour and a half. Yet, ten minutes into our ride my rugged group of three realized each of us was beat and were honest enough to call “Uncle” on our original plan. Was I disappointed? Not really. Did I think I was wasting my time? No; how could meeting up with good friends in the brisk silence of early morning be a negative. While we didn’t do what we intended, we did have an awesome ride that took us on mild fire road to see Big Bear Lake’s newest adventure – a Zip Line – and discover a new trail that took us in an entirely different direction.

So, it got me thinking: Sometimes I feel like a weekend warrior and sometimes I don’t. Sometimes I enjoy the power of place more than the practice. If I deviate from the plan and, in the end, get the same results, who am I to judge. Bottom-line: An awesome morning spent exploring Big Bear is, in the end, an awesome morning spent exploring Big Bear. So whether you are visiting as a weekend warrior or as a casual observer, remember to stop and enjoy the power of this spectacular place. 

Earning my place,
Glade Girl