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