PLEASE READ ENTIRE NOTES FOR RIDE INFORMATION (Facebook or Strava RSVP):
Third year is a charm as we’ll be returning to some of Southern California’s best gravel experiences riding up in Big Bear (AND WE MAY BE ADDING MORE DETAILS!).
We’re looking for a slightly different course this year as we’ll still go around the lake, but ADDING Butler Peak(not on map yet, RSVP to get updates).
UPDATE: We have a few camping spots available Saturday / Sunday courtsey of the Big Bear Cycling Association along with doing a shakeout ride from the campsite Sat 2pm. Email gravelbikecal@gmail.com for more details.
Once again Dirty Bear course director Robin Brown from the Tour de Big Bear helped finalized the routes.
Here are some ride notes:
- The climbing is between the Intermediate/Advanced level and might put you into the red. These are not rides for beginners or those working their way back.
- We will be meeting at 9:30am for coffee at the Copper Q (645 Pine Knot Ave b, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315) with ride instructions given out at 10am SHARP.
- Free Parking is available behind Copper Q at 630 Knickerbocker.
- Cellphone reception is limited / non-existent over most of the region.
- There will be a number of regroups, but once everyone’s back, we roll!
- Make sure to bring your own tubes and a couple of water bottles. There will be a couple of stops for refills.
- We will be having our post ride meal at 572 Social (572 Pine Knot Ave, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315) with bike space available.
- Riding tires 42mm and above will do the trick for most, as the climbs are steep and there’s some soft patches on the dirt descents, as well as loose pavement on the road.
- This will not be race pace. At the same time, you have to be in the good to great shape range to do this ride. If you’re just getting back into riding, I suggest you read Rule #1 again.
This year we will have two routes (technically three) as the goal is to have all groups meet at Butler Peak. The routes pack a lot more than the numbers show. There’s also an even a shorter option (25 miles) riding up Fawnskin to meet with the route:

