a special thanks…
I just want to throw out a huge thank you to all the fire fighters and support staff that fought to save our neighbors in Running Springs, Lake Arrowhead and all of Southern California. The recent fire storms that devastated many acres and many lives led to the Forest Service issuing trail closures that affected all of us that enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. After a few weeks of hard work by the Forestry and Fire Departments I’m happy to say the trails are open and the weather has been ideal for cycling, hiking and just being here in our mountain top paradise.
I’m hoping that wherever you spend your holiday you get a chance to get a ride in with some family and friends. Go out there and get that metabolism fired up and ready for the feast and food coma that soon follows. I’ll be pedaling around the neighborhood taking in all the delicious smells wafting from everyone’s kitchen. With all the beautiful fall colors that have painted Big Bear and all the great aroma’s from the food and the fire places it really sets the holiday mood.
Happy Holidays, Rev
Mountain bike race promoter and long time resident of Big Bear Lake Tom Speigal had a birthday last week and of course he wanted to celebrate the occasion by going on a nice ride with a few good friends.
Since the recent fires have lead the forestry to temporarily close all access to our local trails we decided to take the twenty minute drive down (hwy. 18) for some fun in the desert sun. Just behind the huge cement plant there’s a network of trails that provide plenty of room to roam.
We started with a mellow climb up a sandy but hard-packed wash that had no defined trail and lots of rocky challenges to keep you on the gas and on alert. Mother natures earth tones of tan, brown and green were a perfect backdrop to the bright yellow, blue and red colors of cycling clothes and it was like a much smaller version of salmon swimming upstream when I glanced over my shoulder to see the string of riders slowly snaking there way uphill towards the end of the wash. Another short grunt of a climb and we could look out over the desert floor sprinkled with scrub brush and cactus to see the wash where the ride began.
Like little kids charging to a picnic at the park we all hammered back to the cars where lounge chairs and cold beers were waiting for our happy, hungry and thirsty group. As we all sat basking in the afterglow of a good ride and the tanning rays of the afternoon sun it was obvious that regardless of what’s going on with the forest all you need is a desire to ride and some creativity and biking can make your day better. I’m still here…and still inviting you to come up and ride!
rev