Not2old

We are in the process of buying a cabin in Big Bear and I plan on doing most of my weekend rides (road riding) up there once finalized. I have no idea about where to ride, routes, and of course, riding at elevation!!!

Anyone ride up there regularly that can give me some ideas. Thanks

volosong

Great time to buy. Prices are very attractive. When we go stay at the Worldmark up there, we usually take one or two laps around the lake. Seventeen or so miles per lap, I think. Not much climbing, but wonderful scenery. Roads are safe enough. There a few tight spots, but since cycling is so common, cars are aware that bikes are out and about. Haven't been "buzzed" yet. And of course, there are lots of hills all over the place. Others will have to tell you those routes. Maybe do a Strava search?

p.s. Post your query in the SoCal regional sub-forum. You'll probably get a lot more responses from younger folk, but who live in the area.

ericm979

You should drive up there and go for a ride.

Don't worry about elevation, you will get used to it. Snow in the winter on the other hand...

Not2old

Sure is, it really is a buyers market right now. We've always said we wanted a cabin and with prices and rates this low, we just had to make the move. There's a lot of short sales, foreclosures up there as well.

Thanks for the info. Happy riding

Not2old

yeah, almost brought the bike last time we went up...but we are spending so much time with the agent, lender, escrow, inspection, etc. that the time hasn't been there to enjoy the time up there.......YET!!!

Rick@OCRR

My wife and I recently (last year) bought a cabin in Fawnskin, CA which is just on the other side of Big Bear Lake from you. In addition to the rides noted above, we often ride to Onyx Summit, which is about 17 miles from our cabin and maxes out at 8,443 feet of elevation.

For comparison, the lake is at 6,700 feet, so it's not that much of a climb. Other times, however, we ride from the cabin, up to Onyx, then descend all the way to Angeles Oaks. We have lunch at the wonderful little cafe there, then climb back up and over from the other (more difficult) side. When we come back down we ride around Big Bear Lake on the Big Bear City side, then across the dam and back to Fawnskin.

That ride is 82 miles with 8,000 feet of climbing, so quite the good little work out!

You can also go the opposite way, down to Running Springs, Snow Valley, etc. If you ride mountain bikes too (which we do) there are hundreds of miles of mountain bike trails (double and single track) on both sides of the lake.

I have the Knoxville Double this Sat. up in Vacaville, but my wife (Jackie) and I will be up in Fawnskin in a few weeks. I'll message you via this bikeforums site so we can meet up for a ride!



Rick / OCRR

Not2old

Hey Rick, Funny, we almost pulled the trigger on one in Fawnskin, but the wife (Jackie as well!!!) really feel in love with the one we're working on now.

That sounds like a serious ride.....especially the climb. Not sure I've got the climbing legs for that.....YET!! I guess it would depend on the pace we attacked it.

The wife doesn't ride much due to loss of cartilage in her knees from chemotherapy. We've been talking about getting a tandem so she can stop peddling when the knees start to hurt. Maybe a christmas present for her!

Will definitely stay in touch. Thanks, Don

Pamestique 

I actually have the day off tomorrow and am riding in Big Bear. I generally mountain bike and there are tons of trails all over that are excellent for mountain biking. As to roadie stuff, lots there are well... you might check into OCW website and their Ride Around The Bear but there bike shops in town who can give you info on the local rides, such as Onyx Summit, etc. I say give up the road bike and start mountain biking - you will be in the mountains for gosh sakes!

Rick@OCRR

Good point Pam,

Sometime soon you and Not2old and the 2 Jackie's and I should meet for a mountain bike ride up in Big Bear area! I've ridden Rim of the World and Holcomb Valley, plus the trail to Big Pines but not much else. All the trails seem to be alpha-numeric and some are not too easy to follow . . . so I get lost a lot. I do like 2N12 and 2N16 though.

You could bring your road bike too so we could ride mountain on Sat. and road on Sun. or whatever works for everyone.

Rick / OCRR



Photo of my wife Jackie leading Rosanne Giogio on Holcomb Valley Trail. We also did Van Dusen Canyon trail that day.

Datsun Nut

I lived in Big Bear for 16 years. I loved riding around the lake, I would do two laps, one in one direction then I would flip it and go the other direction. Anywhere in Big Bear if fun to ride. Basically from Boulder Bay in Big Bear Lake to Big Bear City it is a 10 mile ride. Riding up there gives more endorance then training down the hill. I loved riding up there

Not2old

WE were up there this weekend for our anniversary, and to meet with our agent. Got a chance to check out the area and you're right.....I need to get back on the mountain bike. Lots of arrears to ride. I haven't been on that bike since last summer so I'll get it tuned up and ready. Now I just have to wait out the buying process and home I'm in there before the snow starts!!