Who's in for Ride Around the Bear this year? I noticed they have same day registration this year.

I want to just haven't decided yet. I really enjoyed it last year (first time).

I'm considering since last year I had problems with it, have to have that retribution.

I'm in, and I think this is Bear #12 for me. A great ride in a beautiful setting put on by friendly folks In (usually) perfect weather. What's not to like? Sign up, you'll be glad you did! Rick / OCRR

Still undecided, REI has a garage sale that day. If my wife is working I will probably attend.

I'm a probable maybe. Never done this one before and I do love riding up there.

It's funny, just the name scares most riders off. OCWs websight description of the ride is intimidating. Actually its one of the best centuries on the schedule. The support is awesome, the comradery of the riders is unmatched. I would recommend this ride for anyone who wants a day in the mountains with great support and good company.

The first time I did that ride, I remember well all the "casualties" that I passed on that seemingly endless Onyx climb. Riders lying flat on their backs, a half dozen puddles of puke, etc. It definitely ain't for riders who consider Newport Coast to be an "epic climb."

Onyx is not that bad, really. Nothing steep, 5 and 6% so just don't over-ride it and you'll be fine.

Rick / OCRR

Done it 4 times and really like it. Just haven't been able to get on my horse lately so not this year. Good thing about riding is there is no age limit, I just turned 50 so I still got plenty of time.

Great ride, the climb to Big Bear Lake does take a while and the roads are a little less friendly then 38. The climb to Onyx Summit is much shorter compared to the Angelous Oaks side. My wife is working so I am pretty sure I am in, especially since I didn't finish BA this year.

Is the course clockwise or anticlockwise?

Clockwise, up 330/18 and down 38.

It's nice because it's the only "safety in numbers" reasonably safe opportunity to climb 330, which is normally a death trap for cyclists.

Hmm. Does not ring a bell at all. Also, there's nowhere to lie on your back on Onyx climb, it has a narrow shoulder and a steep rock face next to it most of the way. Unless you want to lie down in the traffic lane and get run over.

^And there is only one tree for shade once you hit the climb. It is one mile from the top. https://app.strava.com/activities/10500178

Actually, there area several "Turn-Outs" on the climb that are usually empty, so you could lie on your back on one of those with relative safety. Sometimes there's an OCW SAG vehicle parked in one of the turn-outs, but not very often.

Rick / OCRR

This. Also - I saw two fat guys on a tandem doing the ride one year. If you didn't see them; does that mean it didn't happen?

Hey!! don't call my wife a fat guy!!

Anyone know what the fees are for day of registration? It looks like it would be $59? https://www.ocwheelmen.org/page/show/...-fees-and-more

You know the rest stops are numbered right... ?

Nyet, comrade. They ain't numbered on the map they have on their site. (See above.)

By the way, they say they're accepting the first 400 paid day-of registrations. Does this mean that we need to prepay before showing up?

I imagine 400 is the total number... so if you show up on the day of and you're 401 then nyet also.

There are numbers on that map you posted. Aka "rest stop 1, rest stop 2" etc.

Your eyes (or screen) must be better than mine; all I see are little yellow pushpins.
So that means they can only have a TOTAL of 400 riders, I see. I took it to mean we'll accept 400 day-of registrations on top of the pre-registered. (Which in hindsight, doesn't make much sense.)
Wonder how many pre-registered riders they currently have then?

They are up to 250 so far.

well the 250 are the ones who pre registered, which is now closed. That number wont be changing till the day of, so that leaves us 150 spots in the morning, which should be plenty.

Wow. That ride always used to sell out. I worked and rode it several times when I was in OCW. I wonder what happened?