Big Bear Blog

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

No June Gloom in Big Bear, just an amazing June Bloom! These last few weeks of crazy weather seem to have extended our season of flower power leaving behind a stroke of color in its wake. Purples saturated with yellows, oranges and pinks. Lilacs started us off strong with amazing hues and fragrant scents followed by Lupine, Indian Paintbrush and Columbine.

Last weekend I took a twilight hike on Grout Bay Trail from Hannah Flats Campground. It was beautiful. A mile in I stumbled on a field of Columbine. Yellow splashed either side of the trail in a forest scarred by the 2007 Peak fire. The surprising color contrasted nicely on an otherwise monochromatic evening. Fortunately I had my camera along to capture the meadow.

Since then I’ve been checking out my other favorite trail – Snowforest – keeping an eye out for Big Bear’s signature Lilies. In late June, the cool woodland typically produces a surplus of color as the forest gives way to Knickerbocker Canyon. Mountain Lupine stands as tall as my waist, sweet-smelling lemon Lilies are scattered amongst the wild tangle of Corn Lily blossoms. If you have a chance, check it out for yourself and make sure to bring a camera along.

Earning my Flower Power,
Glade Girl

My last blog was about the Big Bear Shoot Out. The event drew more than 400 competitors, which easily doubled last year’s attendance. That’s really exciting and it’s great to see the sport growing in Big Bear once again, but racing is just not my thing. I’m all about adventure and having fun!

With racers and other riders swarming around the resort side of the mountain, I decided to take my friends to a spot more secluded. We call it the “Wildhorse/Sugarloaf” figure 8 and the ride includes a steady grinder climb to start your day, then it immediately rewards you with one of the best single-track descents in the entire valley, a bit of asphalt brings you to the mellow climb back up to “wildhorse meadows”, and finally one last bump up and over the ridge to the scary fast “Sugarloaf” trail and back to the car.

During our 4 hour ride we didn’t see any other cyclists, just one motorcycle and a few 4×4’s noodling along on the dirt roads. It just goes to show you just how BIG, Big Bear is, with plenty of room for bike racing and bike exploration and just noodling around.

Spreading the love, rev

A big happy birthday shout out to Rich “The Reverend” White a.k.a. Rev. It’s the BIG FIVE-O today. But who is counting candles? This legendary Big Bear icon is built like a 24 year old and has more passion about outdoor recreation in his right pinky than most will ever have in their entire body.

Rev flat out lives for the outdoors. Best of all his enthusiasm drives more and more people to get outside and play! Rev’s philosophy is to simply just have fun. Whether its trail running, cycling, snowshoeing, snowboarding, hiking or mountain biking Rev will show you a good time! In short Rev wants everyone to get excited about being outdoors.

For those of you who know Rev will agree his passion and ability to ride outweighs his actual age. Rev is built like a greyhound and it ready to conquer any mountain.
He is a role model for the fitness circuit and those who just want to experience recreational activities.

Today I ran three miles on the Pacific Crest Trail in honor of the legend’s 50th birthday. If you are not able to see Rev on his b-day be sure to send him a birthday wish by clicking on the comments link above, or better yet get outdoors and do something invigorating and have fun. I’ll guarantee that’s what Rev is doing. He’s either doing a 100 mile bike ride or climbing to the top of Mt. San Gorgonio. One think for certain is he is enjoying the great outdoors and he is definitely having fun!

Happy Birthday Rev,

Daniel Pea  

This past Saturday was National Get Outdoors Day. There is no better place in Southern California to get out and enjoy the great outdoors like Big Bear Lake. The activities are abounding in the Big Bear Valley, which makes it a natural “timberland playground” for outdoor enthusiasts. Choices range from boating, mountain biking, sailing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, rock climbing and so on. 

A hike in the woods is an intimate way to connect with nature and celebrate a healthy lifestyle. I decided on a sunset hike on Pine Knot Trail, which is easily one of Big Bear’s top five hiking trails. Pine Knot Trail offers a high degree of splendor with towering Jeffery pines, shady black oaks and welcoming white firs. Of course with this many trees it’s a natural magnet for birds. The orchestration of chirps, songs, tweets and whistles were boundless as I trekked through the verdant surroundings. 

I chose to do a sunset hike because I was hopeful to see a red sky. The reason is I plan to go fishing today. I wanted to ensure that a red sky at night would surely bring a sailor’s delight today for a great day of fishing on the lake. Sure enough when I reached a peak that overlooks the lake the sky to the west was brilliant with shades of blush, pinks, and crimson. It was indeed a sign that a sailors delight was in the forecast.

I’ll be sure to follow up with a fishing report to see if the red skies really play a role in a delightful day on the lake. Whatever the case is I’m sure to enjoy another day in Southern California’s ultimate playground.

Get Outdoors,
Daniel Pea

I can’t recall a day beginning any more perfect than Thursday. Having driven by the Lake all week, enviously watching others enjoy our blue, blue waters, I decided it was my turn. Arriving just after 6:30 a.m., I slipped my kayak into the smooth, reflective pool of Boulder Bay. Sharing the water’s edge with a striking Mallard dabbing for food just below the surface, I pushed away creating a slight ripple in the otherwise still water. I quickly found my glide and soundlessly passed between the Bay’s signature rock formations.

I hadn’t paddled since a weekend trip to Mission Bay in April. That weekend made me commit to a regular paddle schedule this summer - taking advantage of our 22 miles of alpine shoreline. Finally, I thought, I am able to honor that commitment!A Good Day

I can’t recall a day beginning any more perfect than Thursday. Having driven by the Lake all week, enviously watching others enjoy our blue, blue waters, I decided it was my turn. Arriving just after 6:30 a.m., I slipped my kayak into the smooth, reflective pool of Boulder Bay. Sharing the water’s edge with a striking Mallard dabbing for food just below the surface, I pushed away creating a slight ripple in the otherwise still water. I quickly found my glide and soundlessly passed between the Bay’s signature rock formations.

I hadn’t paddled since a weekend trip to Mission Bay in April. That weekend made me commit to a regular paddle schedule this summer - taking advantage of our 22 miles of alpine shoreline. Finally, I thought, I am able to honor that commitment!

I cruised past swim beach - tracing the shore, dodging in-and-out of tiny coves along the way. I picked up speed rounding Eagle Point – proud of my smooth cadence. I aimed my bow for my turn around point – the East Launch ramp. Just as I lifted my blade out of the water I heard the sound of beating wings overhead. Looking up I watched as a lone Eagle landed high in a weathered pine. It was a bit surreal. A member of our wintering Eagle population decided to linger a little longer. Perhaps he was persuaded to stick around because of the fabulous view from his perch or the endless fishing. I felt a connection with this free-thinking soul and noiselessly cheered his choice.

Turning around I moved toward the center of the Lake, wanting to capture the Eagle with my camera. But he had other priorities and must have spotted something interesting in the next inlet over. Taking flight, the beating of his wings broke the silence of my morning.

I paddled a more direct route back to Boulder Bay, picking up the tempo of my morning workout. Coasting into shore I spotted another lone kayaker and we both agreed: It doesn’t getter any better than this.

I cruised past swim beach - tracing the shore, dodging in-and-out of tiny coves along the way. I picked up speed rounding Eagle Point – proud of my smooth cadence. I aimed my bow for my turn around point – the East Launch ramp. Just as I lifted my blade out of the water I heard the sound of beating wings overhead. Looking up I watched as a lone Eagle landed high in a weathered pine. It was a bit surreal. A member of our wintering Eagle population decided to linger a little longer. Perhaps he was persuaded to stick around because of the fabulous view from his perch or the endless fishing. I felt a connection with this free-thinking soul and noiselessly cheered his choice.

Turning around I moved toward the center of the Lake, wanting to capture the Eagle with my camera. But he had other priorities and must have spotted something interesting in the next inlet over. Taking flight, the beating of his wings broke the silence of my morning.

I paddled a more direct route back to Boulder Bay, picking up the tempo of my morning workout. Coasting into shore I spotted another lone kayaker and we both agreed: It doesn’t getter any better than this.

This weekend Team Big Bear hosts Big Bear Shoot Out #1, an epic mountain bike race that kicks riders in the rear. The course requires both endurance and tenacity.

The race is also the 2nd event for the “Conquer the Bear” competition. I surveyed the course with some of the guys that will be racing this weekend, and I can tell you it’s going to be a tough course that will surely separate the pretenders from the contenders. It will be interesting to see how the “multi” sport athletes fair against the full time mountain bike racers.

The course is a nice blend of everything Big Bear has to offer including wide open fire road climbs, recovering rollers and of course some sweet serpentine single track. Riders are challenged with the thrill of climbing then ripping up on more descents and then a little more climbing, to remind riders they are racing at 7,000 ft.!

Whether you’re racing or not, come out and watch the lycra wearing warriors duel to the death in the Big Bear Shoot out #1!

spreading the challenge, rev

There’s no question it’s Memorial Day Weekend in Big Bear. The town is buzzing with outdoor enthusiasts, boutique shop browsers, water sports junkies, trout anglers, classic car aficionados and people watchers. This time I fall in the category of people watching.

I am amazed at the amount of activity that is happening here in Big Bear this weekend. It’s great to see vehicles passing through town with mountain bikes or kayaks atop of the roofs. The lake is loaded with just about every watercraft imaginable. I even saw a couple peddling together on a homemade contraption that looked like it was part bike and part balloon. It was very interesting looking, but the main thing is they were afloat and full of laughs as they somehow got the gizmo in to move from point A to point B.

I drove past a classic auto show today, and I must admit there were quite a few beauties on display. I checked out a restaurant that’s right on the beach and was amazed to see all the different activities going on from beach volleyball to fetch with a golden retriever and black lab.

I’ve seen people riding into town on mountain bikes and others in backpacks after a full day of hiking. There are people at sports shops checking out the rental equipment such as canoes, kayaks, inner tubes and of course mountain bikes.

The entire shoreline on the north shore is lined up with anglers. In fact I asked one guy how he did today, and he said he caught his limit in less than two hours. Wow! There is some great fishing action right now on the lake. In fact, I heard rumor that a lake record was broken this weekend.

It’s all about the weather in Big Bear. The sun is shining and mountain breeze is cool. I’m going to kick my summer off with a hike up to Castle Rock or Champion Lodgepole Pine trail.

Blessed are those who enjoy summer,

Daniel Pea   

It’s not often I get to play guest in my own town but this past Tuesday I found myself with a bit of time in the afternoon. I left my office at 2:00 p.m. to meet up with friends for a quick hike and climb at Castle Rock.

Starting off from the road, we quickly ascended the trail – gaining 600 feet of elevation in less than a mile. At the base of Castle Rock’s southeast face we caught up with our friends Joanna and Tyler. Joanna was working out the moves on Round Table, a 5.6 crack climb. We took a break to enjoy the mountain breeze and found shade under the cover of a stand of towering Jeffrey Pines.

Castle Rock is the visible and prominent landmark located high on the south side of Big Bear Lake just west of the dam. A popular day hike area, it also attracts legions of climbers because it offers good quality rock in an intermediate range. The southeast face in particular sports 100-feet of vertical – making it one of the tallest crags in the area. Training for multi-pitch ascent in the Eastern Sierra, we decided on this face because we could make it to the summit in two short pitches - giving us the opportunity to work out our system and technical know-how.

We climbed Chainmail a vertical, off-width crack that goes at 5.6 but felt more like 5.7+ at the crux. Tyler led, followed Joanna, then my partner Scott led as I cleaned the route. Our first pitch ended at a spacious and lofty ledge – we had plenty of room to sort the gear I had cleaned. Looking out towards Sugarloaf peak, I voiced how lucky we were to live in a place with such quality training opportunities. From the broad ledge we continued in order, climbing another 30 feet to the top of Castle Rock and awesome views of the entire lake.

Descending the trail back to the road we all agreed it was far too nice to call it a night and decided to leverage our luck and find grub in the Village. We took advantage of happy hour dinner specials at Stillwell’s Restaurant in the Northwoods Resort before wandering over to Pine Knot Avenue for shopping and entertainment – it was Vinyl Revival night at The Pub.

We were home before dark and content in the knowledge that we were pretty lucky to call Big Bear home.

Gladly,
Glade Girl

It is riding season! Got the schedule lined up: Monday’s and Friday’s are trail days with the girls, Wednesday is for road biking, leaving the rest of the time open for whatever comes up.

This last Monday I took a mid-morning spin with my friend Holly – a fun cross country jaunt on the North Shore. Climbing up fire road, we followed a meandering line of bear prints in the dry dust. As we turned onto single track we made sure to yell, “Hey Bear, here we come!” The promise of a spectacular spring bloom was everywhere: Tiny stands of Paintbrush lined the trail as mountain Lupines sat closer to creek beds. A few water crossings added a bit of adventure to our Monday morning and a chance to get down and dirty. I wore the mud spit from my tires like a badge of honor at our post-ride coffee at Amangelo’s. Not too mention sharing a laugh or two is much more fun when you’re rolling through the woods.

The riding is spectacular right now – cool breezes and warm mountain air balance each other out for perfect temps. I love spring riding! The best part about this time of year - if you want to see anyone else on the trail, I definitely recommend bringing a friend along.

Earning my turns!
Glade Girl